My $85.00 Bates Ultralites 8" are my favorite. Lasted over 2 years and stayed waterproof working the meat dept. at Safeway. Most comfortable boots ever with no break in needed.

@Babybugex

2 жыл бұрын

My Bates 11" troopers are my second fav.

Danner and Thorogood have plenty of models made in the US as well as overseas. You just have to be mindful of what the tag says. In my experience Haix have the best balance of comfort and durability. They are pricey however

Very good reviews! Once again I start my annual hunt for a comfortable pair of duty boots. In 17 years, I have yet to find a supremely comfortable boot. There is always a trade off when it comes to comfort vs durability. I'm a bit flat footed now, so it makes my hunt a little more difficult.

While serving as an Infantryman my Favs were 1. Altama Hoplite 2. Oakley SI Assault 3. Rocky S2V 4. Nike SFB ( before they were banned from not being AR670-1 compliant ) 5. Oakley SI Lite Assault While as armed security black boots 1. Haix GSG-9 overall fav but VERY expensive 2. Nike SFB 3. Oakley SI Assault 4. Under armour Valsetz 5. 5.11 Tac Lite 6. Nike SFB 2 7. Rocky C4T 8. Rocky Predator 9. Danner Tachyon GTX current fav

Love these gear rundowns. Would live to see one for all the gear we have to buy. Thanks for the info!

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Victor! I can definitely do that!

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Victor, I put out a post today, with a link to some gear recommendations, here's the link: kit.co/FirefighterNOW

I can honestly say I have worn Timberland boots since I was a teenager. As an adult we look into buying boots as mentioned for different activities. I prefer boots over sneakers even. About a year ago I purchased 4 pairs of Danner boots. Danner boots were very costly. Now they have dropped in size considerably. Danner Boots are comfortable and in their catalog they even offer military boots. I also purchased Under Armour boots, the Valetz mid size models. Timberland boots are more fashionable and not too heavy. Danner has something for everyone from a hard labor worker to an occasional hiker. If the Danner Boot company provided more extra wide boots nobody would be able to compete. Under Armour is the new kid on the block. Under Armours are light and in comfort an 8 out of 10. Of the three boots I have used Danner Wins.

@jonc4050

Жыл бұрын

Timberlands? Pfft shitty foreign boots? I'll pass on that shit

+1 for Thorogood boots, many of them are American made and also Union made! Can’t recommend them enough! Rocky Alpha Force were my first ever pair of boots, mine were absolutely waterproof and incredibly durable. After I finally retired them from work after a couple years, I used them as around the house work boots and even used them when my basement flooded. I had water up to my ankles and they kept my feet dry! They weren’t the most comfortable pair of shoes in the world, maybe average to slightly below average. They were also too hot and I honestly hated wearing them 12 hours a day in the summer heat. I don’t wear them much anymore but they’re still sitting in my mud room 6 years later, plenty of life left in them. So to anyone reading this, YMMV. The Merrell Moab II has been my favorite boot I’ve owned so far, they lasted well over 2 years before I retired them and I still mow the yard and work around the house in them. Incredibly comfortable and not near as hot as the Rocky boots.

I get a boot slip from my employer every year. I also spent a decade in the military. I have worn boots for a long, long time. of all the boots I have tried, both have safety toe options, waterproof options. top pick Danner, Marine Expeditionary Boot second pick redwing 2414 both can be resoled and if taken care of, will last for years. I am 6' and was 200# while in and went from 230-265 when out.

@benjaminjwilson6694

24 күн бұрын

I also learned that custom insoles can completely change how a boot fits.

Danner acadia or danner striker bolt (side zip) both 8”. The older I get, the lighter I go. Going to give the lowa zephyr gtx tf a try now that they’re not requiring to be polished. My feet have never gotten sweaty in danners but have in a pair of bates durashocks. My danner quarry’s 8” banging around while off have lasted me a solid 7 year’s and are still in great shape, fantastic winter boots.

my last 3 pair of boots have been 8" Converse leather side zip,waterproof and composit toe. sizing was spot on for all 3 pair and a little effort on my part kept these boots fresh for years. Price for me is secondary to the protection and comfort for my feet and legs. The boot is no longer available and my last pair is due to be retired... I've had Bates in the past but they didn't have an adequate wide width available so my feet suffered. Your video brought up some great points for me to consider... Thank you for your service and contributions. Stay safe.

At 6’5 235 pounds, and a native Hoosier, I understood immediately when you said you almost died slipping on ice. I’m only 25 but I have learned to tread carefully on all the ice we get. The bigger you are the harder you fall is absolutely correct.

Timberland Pro Valor were my favorite, waterproof and warm. Too hot for summer though. They stopped making them with vibram and now they are terrible. The Merrells are ok, but super wide. Had a pair of Bates, the black came off in a couple months. Thr Thorogood had the insides teat apart in two weeks. Comfortable, but the insides were terrible. Looking for something that is Comfortable and will last, maybe the Danners next. I walk about 4 miles a shift.

Thanks for the real reviews. I'm looking for some budget boots for motorcycle riding, and knowing how durable these are is HUGE!

Funny you say the Merrell's look like hiking boots, that's a hiking brand lol, we sell them at REI

As a 37 yr career FF... the best boot for Urban/station wear is Scoville and for wildland is Whites. Lucky for us our department provided Scoville's (about $300 ea) and allotted an additional $300 to purchase wildland boots. The Whites are $600, which was half covered and the rest is a tax write off.

@colinmorrow6214

2 жыл бұрын

Those aren’t the ones we are talking about

I wear the Skecher tactical boot. They are $60 ish dollars. They have no break in period. Very comfortable like sneakers. They are waterproof. They last a little over a year until they lose comfort and the soles start to wear down. I use the 6 inch boot non steel toe. They do have 8 inch boots and steel toes. The 8 inch steel toe are $80 ish dollars.

I’m not a first responder, but I work in a metal polishing/ chrome playing business. For me the Rocky alpha force boots are my go to work boots. For me they’re durable, comfortable and functional especially being in an environment high in acidic chemicals and compounds and being on your feet all day long, it truly makes a difference helping fatigue.

I trekked himalayas and despatch rode motorcycles in winter in a pair of ex german army para boots that cost less than 25 dollars around 1990. Brilliant and dry but i wore them so much the sole became unglued on 1 boot after 4 years living a very hard life walking over 10 miles a day. I did annapurna base camp in 1986 in a pair of 10 high doc martens, they were lethal on wet rocks and they werent dry. Last pair i ever bought of dms so its ex para boots for me as i dont have over £200 to start for Thursday boots but good footwear is worth every penny. Bluntstones australian drover boots are great too and cheaper but meindl seem good for walking mountains or lowa too are good in my opinion but you know if you use them every day.

Thanks for the video mate, ended up going for the thorogood genflex2 as they actually match my size somewhat AND they are not going to break the bank.

I agree with your reviews 100%. After 10+ years of buying and wearing boots I've learned you get what you pay for. I loved bates too, until I discovered Belleville. You should take a look at their selection(they have a side company as well called Tactical Research). I keep Bates for the winter tho

It’s a dry-guard that’s the membrane. I just bought Danners EMS/CSA Lookout 189 at the exchange so far I like em

My favorites are the Salomon XA Forces Mods. Gortex in the winter and non-Gortex in the summer.

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

I'll have to check them out!

Bates Lace To Toe for me. Had my first pair for nearly 4 years before I finally gave in to a new pair and went back with them. For $160-$180, I’ll spend that especially for the life I’ve gotten from them.

As an ironworker, I can't recommend thorogood boots enough.

Appreciate all your input! Thanks for putting this together :>

Interesting perspective on the under armors. I have the Valsetz with a side zip. I have used 5.11, Bates, Nike, Rocky, you name it. I wore Danner Acadia for years, and they were the best boots I’ve ever owned. After so many people in my department started wearing the UA boots, I caved and got some. I found them to be absolutely the worst boots I’ve ever owned. They look terrible, maybe it’s because I’m old school and like to polish my boots. But the glue and stitching started coming apart after 4 months, they aren’t any more comfortable than anything else. I wear them once a year during our physical course and that’s it.

@austinparker7935

5 ай бұрын

If you owned the Nike boots how do they hold polish? Looking to get a new pair of boots that are polishable. Thank you sir.

@joshunruh5240

5 ай бұрын

If I recall correctly, they had a synthetic/fake leather upper and they didn't hold a shine at all. I kept mine clean and used the kiwi instant polish on them. They weren't high gloss but looked presentable. All that being said, I didn't like those boots at all. They were incredibly lightweight but the soles were way too slippery even in slightly damp conditions. @@austinparker7935

In germany the most firefighters wears haix. Station shoe, Station boots or the firefighting models.

The “membrane” is called a gusset, and Danners are pretty much out of stock everywhere right now.

Hiax is the best boot I’ve ever worn. I am a flight medic and a firefighter and after working almost everyday for a year and a half still amazing!!! I don’t sell them nor do I know anyone that sells them so I have no financial interest. Hiax are the absolute best. If you want the best of the best find the older models. So much better I called and complained to the company. So get an older model.

@careyrichter5797

2 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of Haix AirPowers and they are an amazing boot: comfortable and high performing in extremely adverse conditions. They are pretty bulky and expensive. I just got a pair of the Merrell Moab’s: just as comfortable but lightweight making them a better daily boot, in my opinion.

Just bought the Bates GX8 and used the link on the video. Great video and hope it helps you out. Any other gear I should get prior to the academy? Or should I wait?

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you! If you're getting ready for the academy, I would just wait for now. I have a video on what to expect during the fire academy on this channel and I mention a book if you feel like reading up ahead of time. That said, I'm working on another video about gear every firefighter needs, I'll have that one out soon...

@christianmarsden1825

3 жыл бұрын

@@mike_pertz Awesome! I already bought the book you recommended through your affiliate link and just got it in the mail yesterday actually. I rented it, but I don’t have to return it until mid May. Super excited!

Also wearing different types, brands and sizes. Same general problem also whit the soles, seperation, excessive wear etc. Also gave them a second life in the garden and light duty's. But this Handy For Around "collection" is still increasing by the time. The best i own are NOS resoled to Vibram M2000 boots from the German Army surplus. Second are the Magnum Strike force, pretty good allrounder. Sadly, the brands Danner and Bates are very expensive over here compared whit Meindl, Lowa and for example, Hanwag. For work i use the 'crazy horse' leathered Buckler safety boots or/and Lowa Seeker work 8"

I had two pairs of Rocky boots and will never get them again. The first pair felt great but the bottoms came apart like dry clay. The 2nd pair did not feel as good but once again the bottoms just came apart. Also they were not a daily boot and was always cleaned water. Also 1st pair were over $200. Thanks for the video.

@SpecJack15

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you got PU midsole cracking. Try a boot with a non-PU midsole like 5.11, that should help prevent such problems with your sole coming off.

Omg thank you for this video.. I might go Merrell the batters scare me because I had bares before and they hurt like hell

For those with an interest: Nick's Boots now makes Duty and Slip on boots and can be sized

I had a pair of bates that looked exactly like that. My experience is they lasted over 5 years I am thinking maybe 7 years but not exactly sure. I know I got them before 2012 but not sure how long before 2012 and I eventually put them in the trash around 2018 or around there, maybe even 2017. I used them for going out and evangelizing and I was very surprised with how long the sole lasted. In fact the sole was still fine it was the upper that was coming apart so if I had just fixed up the upper the sole could have gone for another 5 years or more. I even used them for Delivering Newspapers back in 2012, In fact that was what I bought them for. However I stopped doing the news papers not long after 2012. I should buy another pair but for one reason or another I haven't. I have tried many other brands in the past 3 years. I got a pair of red rings which do have some models made in the USA and I love them but they are very warm so only wear them during the winter as winter boots, thankfully they are water proof. I have also tried Georgia boots and they are good. I also tried Carolina boots which I got from a Christian store and they are great. Also tried a brand only available on ebay called Patron which are good and the pair I have had for a year hardly show any wear. I have several pairs of patron boots and love them all. I tried bonanza boots that look almost exactly like the patron but almost twice the price. I have tried Rockrooster and hand point which are almost the exact same and fit the same as well. I am wearing rockrooster boots right now. I could switch to the Handpoint boots that look exactly the same and I would not notice much if any difference. Although rockrooster as of late has been coming out with new styles that are different from hand point. I have tried many others, including Merrell and Jim Green. My list of favorite is Bates, Merrell, Patron, Carolina, Red wring, Jim Green Sketcher, and Georgia boots. Boy am I getting long on this, sorry about that.

No Hiax?? Interesting. I am a big Thorogood fan. My pair has lasted for a year and a half easily and I wear them everyday

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

really? I'll have to try them out. I've never owned a pair of Haix...I only wanted to review boots that I have experience with. When I need a new pair I'll have to try them out!

@marcdelgado4578

3 жыл бұрын

The thorogoods I have suck in terms of durability. They lasted 6 months and they are gone. The soles have worn down on the heels and ball of my toes. The insoles have disintegrated. They were comfy for the first couple months but haven’t held up well for me.

@Alejandro-du6vq

2 жыл бұрын

@@marcdelgado4578 which model?

Im a big fan of Danner boots. Given their amazing durability, a lot can happen in the world of production during the life cycle of a Danner boot. "Some" production remains in the USA and if you want to continue to support home grown manufacturing then some homework is required as to which makes of boots stay at home or are farmed out to.. Italy or Vietnam. R&D innovations to save time, money and resources have seen some materials move to inferior (imho) alternatives. Cordura webbings in products that are considered "waterproof" is laughable. I owned a pair of lookout, 5 years ago, they lasted 3 years. The replacement lookouts purchased within the last 3 months are comparable different in design.

Great review…What do you think about composite toe boots? Is it worth having that extra protection as an EMT?

I know they are generally well over $200 but for my hard earned money Lowa Zephyrs are hands down the best for the money.

My go to boots are the 5.11 xprt boots waterproof slip resistant with Kevlar in the back part of the heel but I do wish they would add an extra pair of laces with all their foot wear

danners all day, the most comfortable i have used on duty

Danner used to be in America the last pair I bought were made in Viet-Nam still a good boot

Any thoughts on Zipper Boots? The closest I have been able to find are 511 Police Tac Boots! The issue is they still lace up and the zipper is on the side. Back in the day I had EMT Boots that replaced the laces with the zippers. As a Press Photographer covering Public Safety I normally hop into a Jumpsuit for overnight scenes but always have boots on on every Scene.

11:10 Percentages are reversable. 8% of 25 is the same as 25% of 8.

Just stumbled upon your channel. Great breakdown. O-H

great video ! thank you

Alt-Berg makes great boots

Have u heard of magnum stealthforce 8.0? Its a side zip, waterproof boot. Looks kinda tactical but not too much

Awesome!! I can tell you that when I’m in the back of the ambulance, I really don’t care about what I’m wearing on my feet!! 😂

Hello friend, great video and good sincere recommendations. I recommend that you try the Bates delta 9, they come with a vibrate mutan Goretex sole and a side Zip, and they also have a heel system that maximizes comfort when stepping. right now they are discontinued but I found them on the official website of Bates from Poland. I think that here is the solution to what you were asking for perfect boots.

Under Armour boots didn’t wear well for me. After 6 months I needed a new pair.

Do you recommend steel toe boots for fire rescue?

For me, they must be side zip, absolute must

The MOAB II are literally hiking boots.

try "Norwegian M77 Combat Boots"

Are these boots also good for women?

yeah, danner hard to beat...

Wet the boots not soak them but damp and walk around the rest of the van broke in

You should try reebok boots

Do you have any updates on the merell boots?

I wish the 5.11 apex boot was on there

Have you heard anything about Tactical research boots ?

Would you recommend haix boot's?

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

That's a good question...I looked at getting a pair. My fire boots are Globe, but I know their duty boots have a good reputation, but I've never worn them so I couldn't tell you. However, you can find really good boots for cheaper, I've heard Haix is on the pricier side...

Doc M 1460... Worlds best boot.

You should review helmets next

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

I can do that!

@iancallahan6364

3 жыл бұрын

Leatha foreva. Thats all you need to know lol

The toe box of the danners looks like you have no protection

The Danner boots that I am wearing now say made in Vietnam

Rocky boots used to be very good boots. Over the past couple years, the quality went way down.

My bates lasted 4 yrs.

I’m a bates guy too

Are doc martens good boots?

@mike_pertz

3 жыл бұрын

Mmm I've had a pair, and I wasn't a fan...but boots/shoes are all so personal it's tough to say they may not be good for you. If you're getting into public safety I'd recommend you get something different.

@ziggyboogydude1

3 жыл бұрын

doc martens are more a style item at this point, if you like the look and brand prestige then go for it but they aint the best or most comfy

@SpecJack15

2 жыл бұрын

I believe Doc Martens are more fashionable than functional boots. They lack have a shank for supporting your sole so if you need to be walking on concrete/tarmac all day you'll hurt your feet. They don't offer much protection in terms of impact and puncture hazards unlike work boots like Timberlands, Bates etc.

I've talked to guys that love Bates.ive talked to guys who hate Bates

Love how trying to buy anything online they misrepresent if they’re a composite toe or soft. Same with this review, critical information neglected

Excuse me, but did he just call the Thorogoods “funny looking”?

FANTASTIC !👍👌💯 Hi there' SIR great5 Content !👍 I don't much comment, but I watch ( try) to watch All of your content ! Thank you for your service 💯 some Great 💡 Ideas STAY SAFE. 💯🙏

Nice

感谢分享，很专业

Yes. Hiking shows are super ugly.

Bates suck go wolverines

can you adjust for inflation? thanks

How About a ⛑️ HELMET REVIEW PLEASE !

which of these brands run the widest?

@mike_pertz

2 жыл бұрын

Danner seems to be the widest in my experience