Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: Richard on January 26, 2010, 10:52:59 AM
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My much favoured British Army Surplus boots have finally died, splitting the DMS sole after x years in the army and about six with me. I also had the German surplus boot which I broke last year when I fell off en route to Dolgellau and the pre-Dragon.
I have been reading about the Pro-Boot and Army Cold Weather Boot.
Altbergs aside (too expensive) what army boot do you prefer.
Richard
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I've had a pair of Danners for 14 1/2 years now and they're about ready for a resoling, but as they fall into the same cost category as Altbergs, probably no good to you. Nice boots though.
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I've got an ad in the for sale section
"I have just bought a pair of the 'field and fell' waterproof boots from ebay, made the error of buying my size which is a 10, far to small even without socks. I'd recommend them for maybe a size 9 or 9.5 foot, they are a great pair of boots in excellent condition. Cost me £51, now up for sale. Will go on ebay soon unless someone here wants them."
Haven't got around to sticking them back on ebay yet if you're interested, these are the ones
http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/military_FFOrig.jsp
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PM incoming.......
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Richard,I have the same boots.Recommended.Just watch the sizes,as Mark says they run small.
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I just get the second hand British army issue boot, thhe one with the self locking eye half way up. I bought a pair 1 size too big so I can fit lots of sock inside for winter. ;D Thinking of buying the right size now and using them for general plodding about with the pooch. My over size pair can start to rub if you walk too far.
I can't argue against them, think the ones I've got cost me £24 and I've had them years! ;D
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Well I went for Mark's Altbergs and just wore them on the ride back from Llanelli. Cracking pair of boots they are too. Just like my defunct army boots they are big enough for two pairs of socks with the footbed out and comfy enough with one pair with it in.
I wore my Derri Boots down there and they were okay, warm enough and very dry, but it began to hurt to change gear without much support on the big toe joint.
Funny how whenever I have to attend (re work) a nasty bike accident the boots always come off, I just don't trust the mainstream designs as they don't seem very secure. One of the reasons I stopped wearing my jackboots.
Also cancelled a trip to M&P to buy new insulated/waterproof bib & brace when I found a pair of heavy duty fishing trousers I had forgotten about.
Mark tells me that Busters has shut up shop and only sells online now, but that M&P may be having a sale selling stuff off shortly. Cue search for new helmet.
Happy days, booted and suited for the Dragon now.
Richard
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Richard,also remember that when you eventually wear the Altbergs out you can send them back to the factory for refurbishment.
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Well done Richard. Best boots for work as well.
Rob.
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And the pre loved Altburgs probably dont need breaking in like DMS do.
Now what is the hot tip on DMS boots - ah yes pee in them leave it to soak, repeat a few times wear them whilst still soaked in pee - helps break in the leather and shape it to your feet - also hardens off the feet. As detailed to us by ex Dep Head at school - Royal Green Jacket I think - well when he was breaking in his new DMS on Dartmoor, none of us went near him ;D
R
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Ah yes, the old Pee stratagem.
I know ex-squaddies, women mind, who swore by standing in your own pee in the bath to toughen the feet and kill off the athletes foot.
Never fancied it myself.
One way of shaping leather when working it is by soaking it, but it can dry it out badly and lead to cracking.
Richard
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I prefer Nik Wax.
Rob
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I'll Piss on yer boots.
Make a change from dribbling on mine !
Jethro
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On a somewhat more pleasant not I have ordered a couple of tins of Leder Gris.
No doubt Jethro and Rob could have offered me something similar by way of an excretion but the colours wouldn't have matched.
Yeeuch.
Richard
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On a somewhat more pleasant not I have ordered a couple of tins of Leder Gris.
No doubt Jethro and Rob could have offered me something similar by way of an excretion but the colours wouldn't have matched.
Yeeuch.
Richard
ASk nicely and I would drink lots of Guiness !
Jethro
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I just get the second hand British army issue boot, thhe one with the self locking eye half way up. I bought a pair 1 size too big so I can fit lots of sock inside for winter. ;D Thinking of buying the right size now and using them for general plodding about with the pooch. My over size pair can start to rub if you walk too far.
I can't argue against them, think the ones I've got cost me £24 and I've had them years! ;D
They can be a bargain if they suit your feet, but if you plan a lot of walking in them (esp carrying weight) or worse yet running (don't ask!) then they can cause problems with your achilles tendons.
I can't wear them for any length of time now and have to choose other boots and shoes carefully due to damage to the sheaths of the tendons on my ankles >:(
You may find they suit you and it's not a problem, the majority do, but be careful!
As far as breaking in goes, lots of polish/leather grease and wear, getting them soaked through can help but only if you give them loads of polish/dubbin/leather food as they air dry (no sticking them on the radiator!)
Edited to add: remember they are made to be used with an insole added!
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Agree totally Smudge, mine have a nasty effect when laced too tight and when yomping around. I also find the heel a bit high.
My £25 leather work boots knock spots off the army boots for comfort (and strength), but aren't as water-resistant. This is the model I wear:
(http://www.gbtrade.co.uk/clients/www.gbtrade.co.uk/assets/Image/products/clothing/SF09.jpg)
I get at least a year's wear out of a pair, worn all day every day.
GC
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(http://www.gbtrade.co.uk/clients/www.gbtrade.co.uk/assets/Image/products/clothing/SF09.jpg)
I get at least a year's wear out of a pair, worn all day every day and to Bed !!!
GC
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You said you wouldn't tell... ;)
GC
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Agree totally Smudge, mine have a nasty effect when laced too tight and when yomping around. I also find the heel a bit high.
GC
Compared to your 'going out shoes' , the heel's much lower and not nearly so pointy.
Rob.
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Not to mention his spike heeled Altbergs he has for those interesting (k)nights in.... :o
R