I want a new pair of boots.

June 1, 2011 9:12 AM

I have a pair of Bates EO2268 boots. There's a lot I like about them, but what I don't like is that after running around in them for a day, my feet are killing me. Please recommend alternatives.

My wife suspects that the stovepipe and relative lack of ankle flexibility (compared to other combat boots, I think they're pretty flexible, but compared to shoes, they definitely are not) is giving me plantar fasciitis, which I guess is possible. The ideal boot would be something that protects my ankles and lower legs, offers stability, a little toe protection, and waterproofing, but is also lightweight, flexible, and sneaker-like. I realize these qualities are probably mutually exclusive.

Bonus points for anything I can get through Zappos

posted by adamrice to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

I just read a book about Navy SEALS where the author swears by his Adidas GSG9s. But I think with any boot you are probably going to have to try some on to see how they fit you.
posted by procrastination at 9:16 AM on June 1, 2011

Good boots are not going to be comfortable or flexible on the first day that you wear them.

No idea if these will get better, but you can't judge a boot by your first day's experience with it. Breaking a pair of boots in can take months.
posted by schmod at 9:48 AM on June 1, 2011

Have you tried inserts?
posted by dhartung at 10:37 AM on June 1, 2011

FWIW, I have had these boots for months.
posted by adamrice at 11:23 AM on June 1, 2011

Some of them are crazy expensive but you could check out Danner. The factory I used to work in, in certain areas work boots were mandatory and the only boots anybody had were Danners. From Portland though I doubt they are made here of course.
posted by rainperimeter at 11:51 AM on June 1, 2011

Maybe these, from shoes for crews.
posted by AlliKat75 at 1:38 PM on June 1, 2011

I'm going to give those Adidas boots a shot and will report back.
posted by adamrice at 9:17 AM on June 2, 2011

Just got back from a camping weekend where I wore those Adidas boots during all my waking hours. Feet stayed warm and dry in cold, wet weather, and stayed pretty comfortable even after continuous activity. They're a little slow to get on and off, but that's the only knock I've found against them.
posted by adamrice at 3:45 PM on June 27, 2011