Posted on Sep 10, 2014
What's the longest you wore the same pair of boots before tossing?
18.1K
232
92
9
9
0
Yes, I wore the same pair of boots for just over 3 years before they started 'crumbling' from the sole. They were Bates 922 edition, same that SEAL trainees wear, great for running too, and super comfortable, especially when I had to put chases on foot. I still miss them.
Anyone beat my record? I'll give you a thumbs up!
Anyone beat my record? I'll give you a thumbs up!
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 60
I remember when the Base General out at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii MCAS opened up choices of boots to include ANY Black Boots so long as they were 8-12 inches in height, laced up (no zipper shit), and I think there were 1-2 other requirements I cant recall atm...but the whole damn base went out buying up black Doc Martins. I had a pair that lasted me a total of 12 years...this included the last 2 in service, and were probably worn 40% of the rest of that time. Damn good boots. Maybe not suitable for all military activities though. (And this was early 90s when we still wore black)
(2)
(0)
I retired my jump boots after 22 years and still have them on my display. (they have been my parade boots) hahaha
(2)
(0)
PO1 (Join to see)
I should've revised original question: parade and inspection boots excluded [sigh]
(1)
(0)
I still sport my initial issued pair. It's been over 4 years. They refuse to fall apart!
(2)
(0)
I usually got about 12-18 months out of working boots but I still have of few of the old spit-shined parade boots that lasted 15 years until they were honorably discharged by ACUs.
(2)
(0)
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
yeah but PO1 (Join to see), those were the Sunday parade and inspection boots that came off right after and replaced with the Hershey Bar shined ones. If I wore them 3-4 times a year they were getting a workout.
(0)
(0)
I had a pair of Jump Boots that I wore from 1983 until I retired in 1996. However to be honest, the only time I wore them was in Class A/B uniform, Special Formations where black boots were mandated......Other than that it was my green jungle boots and if it got real cold I had a pair of Danner cold weather boots I would force myself to wear. I still have my Danner's and wear them for certain incidents (emergency management/response related). They stay in the box in the bed of my truck. But I miss my old jungle boots.
(2)
(0)
I had a pair of Rocky SV2's, I started wearing in June of 2011, and I had to get rid of 'em in September of 2014 I got briefed to much for 'em. Apparently boots are supposed to look nice... Great pair of boots, I went out and got another set, they will last the remainder of my time in the military...
(1)
(0)
If the outsoles are still good, I replaced the insoles which I do on a regular basis. In fact, I have an extra pair at the house. Normally, I purchase the same boots over, and over again.
(1)
(0)
Only have three pairs of boots all issued.
1998-2007 issued black from basic worn when we all were in BDUs (in the closet, used when I have to wear blues)
2007-present issued sage basics for ABUs
2007-present tan desert basics (only worn during deployments but still good and comfy)
It may be that I am cheap or that the issued basic boots are pretty good boots and comfortable once broken in.
1998-2007 issued black from basic worn when we all were in BDUs (in the closet, used when I have to wear blues)
2007-present issued sage basics for ABUs
2007-present tan desert basics (only worn during deployments but still good and comfy)
It may be that I am cheap or that the issued basic boots are pretty good boots and comfortable once broken in.
(1)
(0)
I still have my last pair of Jungle Fatigue boots from Vietnam, 1970, and I still wear them around the yard.
(1)
(0)
7 years and counting. I have them now for mainly field environment stuff, as the toes are lookin' dirty/scuffed, and as a commander, I don't wanna jump in front of formation with the rattiest boots in the company.
I finally had to retire my 1LT patrol cap about 12 months ago, and had that one for 4 years. Used it as a fly killer on a couple CSTXs, and through a single mob. Finally got to the spot where it was looking beyond "Well loved" and into "Should probably be disposed of in HAZMAT suits."
v/r,
CPT Butler
I finally had to retire my 1LT patrol cap about 12 months ago, and had that one for 4 years. Used it as a fly killer on a couple CSTXs, and through a single mob. Finally got to the spot where it was looking beyond "Well loved" and into "Should probably be disposed of in HAZMAT suits."
v/r,
CPT Butler
(1)
(0)
Read This Next

Boots
Uniforms
