How much is too much to spend on boots?

You only get one set of feet. Cheap boots will jack them up (as well as your ankles, knees, and hips).

Your gear is an investment. Now boots are a "consumable" (you do have to replace them every so often), but good boots get replaced less often than cheap boots, by a significant factor.

Using made up math... Buy $90 cheap boots 1 every year. Buy $200 good boots 1 every 3 years. Which is the better investment?

As a general rule, you should never skimp on things directly between you and the ground. That includes boots/shoes, mattresses and tires. Each of those can make your life as smooth as exlax or make you question every decision you have ever made.

SGT(P) (Join to see) The most expensive pair of boot I ever bought were Materhorns back in the black boot day. I paid around $200 for them (can't remember the exact price it was over 22 years ago). They were some awesome cold weather boots. When we switched to the tan boots, I always bought Oakley's for around $130. If you sign up on their military/police web site (standardissue.com) they are about $30-$50 cheaper than at a store.

As a supply specialist in a military police unit, I don't see you strapping on 130lbs of gear and doing a 25 mile forced road march any time soon. I have a pair of $120 Bellevilles that work just fine. Spend $120 and then take the insoles out and replace them with $10 insoles you like. Poof...great boots and if you cut the insoles properly, they are perfect for YOUR feet. Don't spend $200 on a pair of boots unless you are going to spend a lot of time walking in them under heavy loads.

I purchase my boots from this company as they give back to the military community. Just my two cents. The boots are comfortable and have lasted.

http://www.bootcampaign.org/‎

I will tell you to not go cheap on foot care. That begins with socks so make sure you get quality socks. I am preferential to Thorlo socks but there are plenty of quality types available at the PX. With boots, take your time and get a pair that feels good. Talk to your fellow Soldiers to see what they prefer and also make sure the style is allowed by AR 670-1. I bought a pair of Oakley boots in 2008 while in Iraq and loved how they felt. I ordered the same kind and size in 2012 prior to my deployment to Afghanistan and they did not feel the same. So, I also recommend that you do not mail order some and make sure you try them on with the socks you intend to wear. I will tell you that while it may seem costly, your feet and you will appreciate the investment.

It's my understanding that your clothing allowance is to be used to replaced "issued items". This means the gear they gave you at initial issue which I think does not include boots from 5.11 or other places. Now of course, you are able to go out and buy these boots as long as they fall under the proper regulation but the cost for these boots are on you. At least that is my understanding.

Us desk jockey's in the Air Force mostly stick to the Nike SFBs. Lightweight and comfortable.

I use my feet more than anything else for transport in the Army. Comfortable boots that provide support and comfort are a priority. I wouldn't skimp on my footwear. Miserable feet = miserable soldier = poor performance.

Nothing is to expensive for your feet. I suppose it matters how comfortable you want to be. I have spent $395 on boots before (Whites) and never regretted it.