Best "combat" boots?

[Jefe's Dope]

I'm asking from people in the know for recommendations for "combat" boots. I'm not even sure what I'm looking for hence the thread.

I 'think' I want 1. light. 2. traction. 3. breathable in hot weather but warm in cold weather. 4. waterproof if possible.

If you tell me I don't need waterproof or insulation, etc, I'll believe you. Tell me what I need.

What I have currently: I have a pair of Danner Lights II I've had for 25+ years. Great boot that is waterproof and offers a lot of ankle support. A bit heavy and while warm, not an oven. I have a pair of your everyday Sorels. Very warm, but no support and even going a ½ size small, my feet still move around enough that they're best for very cold or standing in cold weather. Merrell Moabs. I have several pairs of these. Both in breathable and Gortex waterproof. Great shoes I often wear daily. The Gortex waterproof aren't very waterproof. Light and maneuverable but lacking a bit in ankle support due to mid height.

I'm not in great need of ankle support but it would be nice. Not sure if I need or want a steel toe, but there seems to be a nice option if available and doesn't add a lot of weight.

The Danner Marine Expeditionary Boot catches my eye but seem to be a bit HEAVY.

Let me know.

Maybe @TheGerman and others who have actually used boots in some sort of working situation.

 

[TheGerman]

You dont want waterproof. Water will eventually get in, and then your boot/shoe basically ensures itll never get out.

For mid weight: Salomon XA Forces mid (non goretex)

For light weight: Salomon Speed Assault (basically an uparmored running shoe)

These are what I use. I literally just went out and shot with the Speed Assaults like 2 hours ago.


eta - But if you're going to be in fucked up terrain where you can roll your ankle every 3rd step, we'd need to look at higher boots for you.

 

[Hairball]

I just wore what was issued. Either Belleville or whatever they had at the time.

 

[Chief_Rick]

What are you going to be wearing them for?

For daily use and light hiking I have a pair of Lowa Zephyr Mid TX boots.

 

[DIBBS]

Wouldn't you/most need a winter and summer set? Where I live it can be over 100 degrees in the summer, down to minus 10-15 for a bit in the winter occasionally. Agree that the Sorrel types are crap for ankle support- not sure a working boot can pack enough insulation in for frigid temps though.

 

[roostercogburn98]

I’m a fan of the Bellville One Xero 320 boots. Not so good for cold weather but they are light and comfortable. I’m due for a new set. Bought some Rocky SV2 to replace and don’t like them, wore them twice and they are in the closet rotting.

 

[stefan73]

For us old timers the old green jungle boots is effective, durable, breathes well and drains well. They need breaking in and even so for some people with soft, girly feet those steel shanks gives them issues.

For newer style boots in warm weather I liked the Oakleys and Rocky's but those stayed wet longer since the sued tends to hold water a little longer but not bad. I have also used Bellvilles and Danners which are also nice depending on model.

The goretex/water resistant boots will get wet and will hold water in them, they also take a lot longer to dry. Also, in hot climates your feet will sweat and they will not breath as well as others and your feet will look like prunes (not helpful for long road marches).

I think we need a little more information, like where do you live and the normal climates you plan to wear them in.

 

[powdahound76]

No .mil experience.

Lots of mtn miles.

I own several pairs if different boots.
light/midweight hikers (no ultra lights, not enough ankle support in
3 different heavy hiker/lt mountaineering, varying materials (synthetic, leather, insulated leather)
Belleville goretex/insulated.
The standard heavy Sorel winter boot

no one pair does everything

My foot shape/size like the Italian made La Sportiva boots.
My buddy used Salewa

Check out Neptune Mountaineering in boulder for serious boots.
few others carry the volume of high end stuff, bent gate in Golden is good too. Really like the owners.

 

[Todc]

I’m a fan of the Bellville One Xero 320 boots. Not so good for cold weather but they are light and comfortable. I’m due for a new set. Bought some Rocky SV2 to replace and don’t like them, wore them twice and they are in the closet rotting.

I have the xeros also and love them. Super light and comfortable.

 

[Choid]

Another without military experience but a ton of time in the mountains... Garmont Need for Speed. I want to love Solomons, but they fuck my feet up terribly.

 

[TrevK]

I still have 2 pair of Belleville’s that are broken in and I only use them for hunting/shooting days now because I love them and don’t want to wear them out super fast!

 

[scharfschutze762]

Solomans are great and but they wear out faster than I like.
Been wearing AKU for couple years now and they are excellent.

I have high arches so a lot of boots dont fit correct.

 

[Surly]

Military experience here. Hands down Garmont T8s. Have worn Danner (both the ones made overseas and made in the USA). As well as issued boots from the DoDs various contractors. On my 4th pair of T8s wear them daily. Not waterproof, but I believe they make an insulated version.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmont-Mens-Bifida-Tactical-Military/dp/B084TM3QDD

 

[Dollman]

No Military experience here, however, a good amount of backpacking and treking in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I've found these boots (Zamberlan Vois GTX) to be the most comfortable, great support, and durable boot I've ever owned. I've had three pair over the last 15 years or so.

Zamberlan Vioz GTX Boots Review 2020 | Climbing Gear Reviews

 

[ma smith]

Agree with many posters above, steel toe in the desert and summer boots in the winter, etc isn't gonna work. So you need a 3 or 3+ season boot, good to 32F vs below 20F with actual or deep winter conditions...that is a different boot. You can use your 3+season boot for a couple days, of snow, etc but not for a whole season in the snow. And its not ideal if you switch from "some snow" to actual winter, 3ft deep conditions, for days on end, etc...also frankly the amount of movement you are doing will matter as well...you see alot of light shoes used in recreational conditions (always moving/hiking) that don't do so well for standing still for hours on end...so the same temps your activity level matters....also your proximity to "home" or "base" and a new/dry set of boots. I like stuff that dries quick out in the field -- but how much you care about drying out overnight (eg in a remote location)...is up to you.

All that aside, the Lowa zephyr and Solomon (whatever) are top brands to look at. Lowa does great in 3season conditions, but doesn't like tons of snow/water if you run the desert model into rivers or snowdrifts, jungles etc.

 

[Choid]

Is there a reason so few of these come in wide foot sizes? Seems they only do if the are for civilians.

 

[pmclaine]

Start looking for something that was never ever considered for General Issue to the military.

Probably the last good combat boot for general issue earned that by being a fluke of right design for the environment at hand.

That rarely happens.

That boot was the Marine boondocker used in the Pacific and even this crossing of design/required function had its problems in really wet locales like Bougainville.

 

[pmclaine]

Edit add......

My current personal boots are the Merrill Moab's for temperate stuff. I don't expect them to be longest lasting but I buy when on sale and can get two or more years out of them in rotated use.

For a structured boot I like Limmers......

Limmer Boots

At Peter Limmer & Sons and Limmer Boot Company, we create and provide hand crafted boots known to last for 20-40 years. Made from the highest quality materials and a true "single piece" leather upper, our Limmer Custom Boots, Limmer Boots, and Boot Repair service are the most sustainable leather...

www.limmercustomboot.com

Leather may not be everyone's fav, you need to use caution if you expect real wet, but support durability, hard use....they work for me.

 

[ninjapig]

Morrell MOAB, have been my go to's, not to expensive , last long, great availability

 

[Hairball]

As noted above, I wore issued boots but if we are talking just any old boots, I keep a varied assortment depending on activity and conditions. I do have some general warm weather boots and shoes but the pic is just general colder weather and moderate elevation boots. For very cold, higher elevation, or minimal movement, I like the Koflach or Zamberlan double boot. Just received the Garmont boots about a week ago and while it is a comfortable, warm boot with an thinner half boot on the inside, the lacing system is a PITA.

The arbortec2 boots are chainsaw boots so those don't get out much. I now wear the grey Zamberlan boots most of the time out here for shooting in the winter as it's a nice Gore-Tex boot without insulation so it works well. If it's colder, I might use the insulated Kenetrek boots. In the summer, I wear an old pair of issued desert boots for shooting. Other than that, it's flip flops. Like most things, one pair of boots is not going to cover everything and while you can basically get away with one pair for just about anything in a pinch, after a full day you might have second thoughts.

Good luck in your search and if you can't decide on the exact pair, you can always buy several as they have a way of multiplying in the closet.

 

[powdahound76]

Nice stash @Hairball !!!

I have no need for the doubles or vertical ice boots anymore and sold them to keep volume of stuff down.
I cant imagine white tail hunting in my old Scarpa Invernos at 10F and 3+ hrs on stand.

And I dont care what anyone says, La Sportiva Nepal Extreme boots are still the coolest and best looking mountaineering boot.

@Jefe's Dope - thats the kind of selection a shop like Neptune’s will have.
bring your CC. Good boots cost

 

[fx77]

Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Men's Renegade GTX Mid by Lowa at Zappos.com. Read Lowa Men's Renegade GTX Mid product reviews, or select the size, width, and color of your choice.

www.zappos.com

Hiked all over the glacial rocks in the Swiss Alps for >20 years with Lowas

 

[pmclaine]

As noted above, I wore issued boots but if we are talking just any old boots, I keep a varied assortment depending on activity and conditions. I do have some general warm weather boots and shoes but the pic is just general colder weather and moderate elevation boots. For very cold, higher elevation, or minimal movement, I like the Koflach or Zamberlan double boot. Just received the Garmont boots about a week ago and while it is a comfortable, warm boot with an thinner half boot on the inside, the lacing system is a PITA.

The arbortec2 boots are chainsaw boots so those don't get out much. I now wear the grey Zamberlan boots most of the time out here for shooting in the winter as it's a nice Gore-Tex boot without insulation so it works well. If it's colder, I might use the insulated Kenetrek boots. In the summer, I wear an old pair of issued desert boots for shooting. Other than that, it's flip flops. Like most things, one pair of boots is not going to cover everything and while you can basically get away with one pair for just about anything in a pinch, after a full day you might have second thoughts.

Good luck in your search and if you can't decide on the exact pair, you can always buy several as they have a way of multiplying in the closet.
View attachment 7543904

I just got back from a snow walk with my son.

I was wearing a set of leather Koflachs I bought circa 1989 in Praz de Lys, France.

Cant really see them much but still going strong.

They are my "Heavy" boot. Have used them snow shoeing and any time I expect a longer duration exposure to cold.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

My Babe bought me these for a surprise pressie.
Really like them. It's been warm on the hills lately.
My other all weather boots are Scarpa.
I have some Alt Berg sneekers as well.

 

[TurboTrout]

Cold and warm, yeahh

Well I can speak for cold, Chippewa US made crazy horse, like a 8” leather waterproof boot, vebram bottom, can be rebuilt, add some smart wool socks and bobs your uncle.

 

[pmclaine]

Left to right...light to heavy......and for shit kicking

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Cold and warm, yeahh

Well I can speak for cold, Chippewa US made crazy horse, like a 8” leather waterproof boot, vebram bottom, can be rebuilt, add some smart wool socks and bobs your uncle.

I switched to wool socks a little over five years ago and was one of the best life decisions I've ever made.

 

[Ravenworks]

Left to right...light to heavy......and for shit kicking

View attachment 7543988

The key to any boot especially leather is to take care of them.
Out in the field it's harder to do just that.
I rotate my boots to have a minimum of 3 days of rest.
Last boots I bought were Irish Setters, simple lite and durable.
I'm old school and prefer a leather welt for most of my boots.
I do have some bonded soles for lite work

 

[DROWN]

Nice stash @Hairball !!!

I have no need for the doubles or vertical ice boots anymore and sold them to keep volume of stuff down.
I cant imagine white tail hunting in my old Scarpa Invernos at 10F and 3+ hrs on stand.

And I dont care what anyone says, La Sportiva Nepal Extreme boots are still the coolest and best looking mountaineering boot.

@Jefe's Dope - thats the kind of selection a shop like Neptune’s will have.
bring your CC. Good boots cost

Didn't know there were so many retired climbers hanging out here.

 

[pmclaine]

I switched to wool socks a little over five years ago and was one of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Condoms are the only thing that you wear that won't be improved if it was made with wool........and than even than the sheep will sacrifice his appendix if need be to even provide that.

 

[Asiparks]

For lightweight, breathable- Nike SFB

Special Field. Nike.com

Find Special Field at Nike.com. Free delivery and returns.

www.nike.com

 

[pmclaine]

For lightweight, breathable- Nike SFB

Special Field. Nike.com

Find Special Field at Nike.com. Free delivery and returns.

www.nike.com

But don't you get the urge to kneel when the anthem starts?

 

[scharfschutze762]

As noted above, I wore issued boots but if we are talking just any old boots, I keep a varied assortment depending on activity and conditions. I do have some general warm weather boots and shoes but the pic is just general colder weather and moderate elevation boots. For very cold, higher elevation, or minimal movement, I like the Koflach or Zamberlan double boot. Just received the Garmont boots about a week ago and while it is a comfortable, warm boot with an thinner half boot on the inside, the lacing system is a PITA.

The arbortec2 boots are chainsaw boots so those don't get out much. I now wear the grey Zamberlan boots most of the time out here for shooting in the winter as it's a nice Gore-Tex boot without insulation so it works well. If it's colder, I might use the insulated Kenetrek boots. In the summer, I wear an old pair of issued desert boots for shooting. Other than that, it's flip flops. Like most things, one pair of boots is not going to cover everything and while you can basically get away with one pair for just about anything in a pinch, after a full day you might have second thoughts.

Good luck in your search and if you can't decide on the exact pair, you can always buy several as they have a way of multiplying in the closet.
View attachment 7543904

Your boots all look brand new!?

 

[scharfschutze762]

For lightweight, breathable- Nike SFB

Special Field. Nike.com

Find Special Field at Nike.com. Free delivery and returns.

www.nike.com

Those are absolute garbage.

 

[Randalls]

I put 6 years of almost daily wear on a pair of Salomon Quest 4D2 GTX. Didnt treat the leather, waterproof, or wash them the entire time. The treads were worn slick, waterproofness was gone, and the body showed the wear, but they're still in remarkable shape considering the thousands of mountain and city miles they endured. Durability exceeded expectations and I'm hard to please in that regard. I'm on my second pair now and I wear them down to 10 deg in the deerstand for 4 or 5 hours. Cold but not unbearable with Darn Tough T4033 socks. Traction is awesome on most any terrain. Lightweight enough.

I've been meaning to pick up a pair of Forces Mids (non GTX), for a little less height and weight, and increased breathability in the summer.

Taking care of your boots is key, as are good socks, and if possible, rotate your boots daily. It does wonders if you're in them all day.

 

[Hairball]

Your boots all look brand new!?

All depends on when and where you wear them and how you clean and maintain them. The pic hides a lot and they don’t look as good up close.. Those orange Asolo boots have been worn hundreds of times over the years but they still look good. I do own several pairs of “beat up” boots but I take extra care of those in the pic.

 

[Ravenworks]

For lightweight, breathable- Nike SFB

Special Field. Nike.com

Find Special Field at Nike.com. Free delivery and returns.

www.nike.com

Fuck Nike,I won't give those liberal child slave labor assholes a penny

 

[Praetorian_6]

Wow. Pleasantly surprised to see Garmont so well-represented. No bandwagon from me as I didn't realize they were popular. All I can say is it's the only boot I could dry while wearing over the course of the day without taking off my feet when I needed it most. I've had a lot of different boots. These were the best.

 

[Aftermath]

Morrell MOAB, have been my go to's, not to expensive , last long, great availability

merrell, right?

 

[Alpine 338]

Early years, most of my boots were what ever the military issued. Full leather combat boots, Jungle Boots, Steel Toe Utility, Flight Boots, etc. I think the best ones for Winter were the Fort Lewis boots, but really heavy, and too warm for Summer, and not warm enough when it got well below freezing, and that's when the Mukluks or Sorels were needed.

Today, Comfort/Blister Free is a requirement for my daily wear boots. I live in the Rocky Mountains, where it never gets above 85-deg. I use them for Hiking, City Trips, Work, etc. Have had several pair of AKU, Asolo, Cabela's labeled AKUs, and other European brands that were comfortable, but the soles woreout or the mid-soles started to delaminate well before the upper ever started to show any wear. None of them lasted beyond three years, and weren't made to be re-soled.

About 10-years ago, I got a pair of Danners from a guy who brought them back from his Afghan deployment. They were the early Combat Hikers. On the commercial market they are called Crater Rim IIRC? They're not the perfect boot, but the closest thing to perfect for me and my environment outside of true cold weather boots. They are a full leather upper, Goretex, with a Vibram sole, and protective rand. This daily wear pair pictured are almost 2-years old.

I've since purchased a couple of the later military contract Combat Hikers made by both Bates and Belleville, but have not worn them for any length of time. They are a taller boot, maybe 2+ inches, and are a kakhi color, including the sole and protective rand. I think they maybe better suited for colder climates.
My go to Winter boots, are now Klim Renegades. They are designed for snowmobiling, but light and flexible enough for hiking, snowshoeing, a quick trip into town, etc. They have 400-grams of Thinsulate, but honestly not warm enough if your just standing around in 20 below temps in a static environment, and that's when I put on the felt lined Sorels.

The only other boots I wear outside of what's mentioned above, are some Carolina Logging boots that I've had for almost 20-years. Full leather, Goretex, Vibram sole, steel toe, 200-grain Thinsulate. I originally bought them for climbing communication towers in the winter. But only wear them now for logging, and burning slash piles in the Winter, and did wear them most of this Summer on a construction site for excavation and concrete work. My feet sweated like pigs in them, but they worked well for that kind of work.

 

[acudaowner]

made in the late 70's maybe older lasted through the 80 and most of the 90's resoled in 91 and still serving there purpose today that a great life span for a boot . And still wearable in 2021

 

[stefan73]

Early years, most of my boots were what ever the military issued. Full leather combat boots, Jungle Boots, Steel Toe Utility, Flight Boots, etc. I think the best ones for Winter were the Fort Lewis boots, but really heavy, and too warm for Summer, and not warm enough when it got well below freezing, and that's when the Mukluks or Sorels were needed.

Today, Comfort/Blister Free is a requirement for my daily wear boots. I live in the Rocky Mountains, where it never gets above 85-deg. I use them for Hiking, City Trips, Work, etc. Have had several pair of AKU, Asolo, Cabela's labeled AKUs, and other European brands that were comfortable, but the soles woreout or the mid-soles started to delaminate well before the upper ever started to show any wear. None of them lasted beyond three years, and weren't made to be re-soled.

About 10-years ago, I got a pair of Danners from a guy who brought them back from his Afghan deployment. They were the early Combat Hikers. On the commercial market they are called Crater Rim IIRC? They're not the perfect boot, but the closest thing to perfect for me and my environment outside of true cold weather boots. They are a full leather upper, Goretex, with a Vibram sole, and protective rand. This daily wear pair pictured are almost 2-years old.

View attachment 7544353

I've since purchased a couple of the later military contract Combat Hikers made by both Bates and Belleville, but have not worn them for any length of time. They are a taller boot, maybe 2+ inches, and are a kakhi color, including the sole and protective rand. I think they maybe better suited for colder climates.
My go to Winter boots, are now Klim Renegades. They are designed for snowmobiling, but light and flexible enough for hiking, snowshoeing, a quick trip into town, etc. They have 400-grams of Thinsulate, but honestly not warm enough if your just standing around in 20 below temps in a static environment, and that's when I put on the felt lined Sorels.

View attachment 7544354

The only other boots I wear outside of what's mentioned above, are some Carolina Logging boots that I've had for almost 20-years. Full leather, Goretex, Vibram sole, steel toe, 200-grain Thinsulate. I originally bought them for climbing communication towers in the winter. But only wear them now for logging, and burning slash piles in the Winter, and did wear them most of this Summer on a construction site for excavation and concrete work. My feet sweated like pigs in them, but they worked well for that kind of work.

I have two pairs of those Danners from my Afghanistan deployment.

 

[stefan73]

View attachment 7544368
made in the late 70's maybe older lasted through the 80 and most of the 90's resoled in 91 and still serving there purpose today that a great life span for a boot . And still wearable in 2021

I still have my formal Jump Boots.

 

[Alpine 338]

View attachment 7544368
made in the late 70's maybe older lasted through the 80 and most of the 90's resoled in 91 and still serving there purpose today that a great life span for a boot . And still wearable in 2021

I was issued those exact boots during Basic, and they lasted me a good 10 to 15 years until I wore the soles out. Even wore them during Survival School, where the leather finish got roughed up, and became hard to put a good polish/shine on.

 

[stefan73]

They were still issuing those when I enlisted in 1992. Good boots.

 

[slothlacrosse]

Currently wearing the GORUCK MACV-1 as my garrison boot and Garmont T8 in the field.

I tried to be one of the cool kids and wore Nike SFB. I found the toe box to be cramped and they fell apart after six months.

Garmont T8
Pros: Comfortable, durable, wide toe box, lots of support, comes in a cold weather version
Cons: High toe-heel drop (personal preference)

GORUCK MACV-1
Pros: Super light, wide toe box*
Cons: Less than stellar wet-weather traction and underfoot protection
*excellent for timed rucks and road marches, but I'm not sure how much I'd trust them on technical terrain

Nike SFB
Pros: Light, comfortable, good traction
Cons: Not durable, cramped toe box for hobbit-footed individuals

Outside of work, I wear trail running shoes more than anything else (INOV-8, Merrell, and Altra).

I can't remember all the boots I've tried and gotten rid of over the years. If I'm out in the snow and/or navigating scree/boulders when I want extra protection, I keep a pair of Vasque Breeze GTX (solid all-around boot) and Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX (amazing traction and stability, but overkill for trail use).

 

[bantaman2]

You dont want waterproof. Water will eventually get in, and then your boot/shoe basically ensures itll never get out.

For mid weight: Salomon XA Forces mid (non goretex)

For light weight: Salomon Speed Assault (basically an uparmored running shoe)

These are what I use. I literally just went out and shot with the Speed Assaults like 2 hours ago.


eta - But if you're going to be in fucked up terrain where you can roll your ankle every 3rd step, we'd need to look at higher boots for you.

This checks out.

 

[pmclaine]

View attachment 7544368
made in the late 70's maybe older lasted through the 80 and most of the 90's resoled in 91 and still serving there purpose today that a great life span for a boot . And still wearable in 2021

Ha! Those were the only black cadillacs I would wear when I was USMC.

They took a great spit shine, barely ever worn now....

Uniform of the day calls for Corcorans

Or these bad boys...

I recommend none of these choices to the OP.

 

[Surly]

My Babe bought me these for a surprise pressie.
Really like them. It's been warm on the hills lately.
My other all weather boots are Scarpa.
I have some Alt Berg sneekers as well.
View attachment 7543983

Good Choice!

 

[scharfschutze762]

Early years, most of my boots were what ever the military issued. Full leather combat boots, Jungle Boots, Steel Toe Utility, Flight Boots, etc. I think the best ones for Winter were the Fort Lewis boots, but really heavy, and too warm for Summer, and not warm enough when it got well below freezing, and that's when the Mukluks or Sorels were needed.

Today, Comfort/Blister Free is a requirement for my daily wear boots. I live in the Rocky Mountains, where it never gets above 85-deg. I use them for Hiking, City Trips, Work, etc. Have had several pair of AKU, Asolo, Cabela's labeled AKUs, and other European brands that were comfortable, but the soles woreout or the mid-soles started to delaminate well before the upper ever started to show any wear. None of them lasted beyond three years, and weren't made to be re-soled.

About 10-years ago, I got a pair of Danners from a guy who brought them back from his Afghan deployment. They were the early Combat Hikers. On the commercial market they are called Crater Rim IIRC? They're not the perfect boot, but the closest thing to perfect for me and my environment outside of true cold weather boots. They are a full leather upper, Goretex, with a Vibram sole, and protective rand. This daily wear pair pictured are almost 2-years old.

View attachment 7544353

I've since purchased a couple of the later military contract Combat Hikers made by both Bates and Belleville, but have not worn them for any length of time. They are a taller boot, maybe 2+ inches, and are a kakhi color, including the sole and protective rand. I think they maybe better suited for colder climates.
My go to Winter boots, are now Klim Renegades. They are designed for snowmobiling, but light and flexible enough for hiking, snowshoeing, a quick trip into town, etc. They have 400-grams of Thinsulate, but honestly not warm enough if your just standing around in 20 below temps in a static environment, and that's when I put on the felt lined Sorels.

View attachment 7544354

The only other boots I wear outside of what's mentioned above, are some Carolina Logging boots that I've had for almost 20-years. Full leather, Goretex, Vibram sole, steel toe, 200-grain Thinsulate. I originally bought them for climbing communication towers in the winter. But only wear them now for logging, and burning slash piles in the Winter, and did wear them most of this Summer on a construction site for excavation and concrete work. My feet sweated like pigs in them, but they worked well for that kind of work.

After seeing your post I dug out my old Danner made combat hikers like you posted to wear shoveling snow. Like you said they arent perfect but they sure held up amazing over the years.