Follow on about boots, chioce of new or used?

[Badger74]

Simple question, you like 2 styles of boot, would you:

a) buy a surplus pair of grade 1 boots or

b) a new pair boots at the same price.

What are your thoughts on using 2nd hand boots in principle.

Its a toss up between Grade 1 condition Meindl Desert Foxes or new Desert Magnums.

Thanks.

[Gill]

Meindl desert fox easy win.

[blacktimberwolf]

I've got no problems wearing used boots. I would much prefer a used pair of good surplus boots over a new pair of inferior ones........
As for your choice, I've not used either but I've heard a lot of good things about the Meindl's.

[cbr6fs]

I'm on the fence about buying some summer boots, i'm worried about ordering on-line though in case they don't fit right.


For me there is absolutely no way i would buy used boots, i'd sooner go without to be honest.
The idea of wearing some used boots some sweaty squaddy has sweated in, pea'd in and done god knows what in really does not appeal to me at all.

[santaman2000]

If they're used then they're likely worn out. Else the original owner wouldn't have passed them on. In any case they'll have already been molded to the original owner's feet.

Apart from these problems though, I don't see it as any different from wearing rented bowling shoes or roller skates. And I've done both often.

[Chiseller]

For me there is absolutely no way i would buy used boots, i'd sooner go without to be honest.
The idea of wearing some used boots some sweaty squaddy has sweated in, pea'd in and done god knows what in really does not appeal to me at all.

Lmao guess you be never sat on a pub bog either then

New insoles and what harm can be done if the fit is right. Even Go Outdoors sell part worn boots .

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[wildrover]

I'm wearing a pair of Meindl Desert Fox boots that I got in a local surplus shop for £35.

In almost new condition (although they did still have some, presumably Afghan mud on the soles).
There were other sizes and all were in great nick.
Honestly, if they looked in any way rough I wouldn't have given them a second look.

As for Meindl v's Magnum, well it's got to be the former (even given that they might be second hand, and of course dependent on condition)

hth

Chris

[Badger74]

Thanks for your opinions.

There are a pair on Meindl's on the net, not to far from me, i'll see if they'll let me visit and try them on and we'll see. There a lot on the bay at similar prices in 'grade 1 condition', for what its worth.

The issue about moulding to the the first owners feet, I didn't think would be a problem because they are suede and fabric, softer than regular boot leather. Or am I wrong.

[Robbi]

what size are you matey ?

[Badger74]

Normally a UK size 9, but the ones I'll see about trying are a 8.5.

[Chiseller]

I've a pair of like new size 9 scarpa boots for sale , Non gortex, which imo are better.

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[Robbi]

i have the US size 9 Desert Fox which works out at the UK size 8.5 and although they "fit" they are very snug. if you are a UK 9 ( like me ), go for a US 9.5. Hope that helps

[Ogri the trog]

I have two pairs of previously owned boots, German para boots and Matterhorn Fort Braggs - both are very good quality with plenty of life left in them - the Matterhorn's have recently been resoled for £42 after six years of being in my custody and who knows how long with their previous owner, the others will be due for a similar treatment within the next year and both pairs are likely to last a good few years beyond that. Both pairs are comfortable beyond reproach, waterproof and look smart when polished up.

ATB

Ogri the trog

[Badger74]

Again thanks.

Chiseller, thanks for the offer but I already have a similar pair.

Robbi, I think I'll check whether the ones ive seen are US or UK sizes.

[Chiseller]

Again thanks.

Chiseller, thanks for the offer but I already have a similar pair.

Robbi, I think I'll check whether the ones ive seen are US or UK sizes.

Np, for my money I would go to jonsons or patrol base at huddersfield for a rumage in their surplus .....

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[swright81076]

I have two pairs of previously owned boots, German para boots and Matterhorn Fort Braggs - both are very good quality with plenty of life left in them - the Matterhorn's have recently been resoled for £42 after six years of being in my custody and who knows how long with their previous owner, the others will be due for a similar treatment within the next year and both pairs are likely to last a good few years beyond that. Both pairs are comfortable beyond reproach, waterproof and look smart when polished up.

ATB

Ogri the trog

Had a pair of German para boots once. IIRC they had brilliant speed laces and cracking heel.

I had a pair of danner boots (Matterhorn) while I was serving. Best boots I've ever owned. I would buy a pair of used danners or matterhorns over anything new. They were incredible.

Currently favouring Merrells, had a pair of refuge pro gtx for well over 12 months and they are still like new, worn them everyday.

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[wildrover]

The boots I got were near enough new(only worn a wee bit), not moulded to the squaddies feet.
I found the boots (meindl's) a bit large compared to, say a Scarpa of similar size.

If you can get a chance to look at them in the flesh definately try to do so. You will know when you see them.

Chris

[demographic]

Recently got given a pair of Mendl Desert Fox's and I'll be buying another pair also, just so I have two pairs to swap over which keeps them fresher.

So far I really rate them, nice and comfy, light and breathable. Not sure how waterproof they will be as I've not tried them but that's not my primary concern anyway.

[wildrover]

They are a quality boot, no question.

Not waterproof in any way tho', but then that's not what they are all about.
Quick drying though.

Chris

[cbr6fs]

Lmao guess you be never sat on a pub bog either then

New insoles and what harm can be done if the fit is right. Even Go Outdoors sell part worn boots .

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If i need to go i need to go, there are a few tricks up my sleeve though to make the interface a bit cleaner.
Plus i tend to plan my movements pretty well.

For shoes i'd sooner buy a cheaper new pair than a better old pair, simply because i would not wear the used pair so they'd be a waste.

If money was tight and i wanted a good pair of boots then i'd just save longer and get them new.

I'm not really a clean freak as i tend to be up to my elbows in grease, dirt and much most days, but there is no way i would wear used clothes, especially shoes/boots.

[santaman2000]

Thanks for your opinions.

There are a pair on Meindl's on the net, not to far from me, i'll see if they'll let me visit and try them on and we'll see. There a lot on the bay at similar prices in 'grade 1 condition', for what its worth.

The issue about moulding to the the first owners feet, I didn't think would be a problem because they are suede and fabric, softer than regular boot leather. Or am I wrong.

Are they true "suede" or are they "rough out" a normal boot/harness grade leather that faces the unfinished "rough" or "squede like" side out? If they're the latter they'll still have all the "body" of good quality boot leather. If they're the former then they'll be softer but then, that in itself would make them a less sturdy boot.

In any case even the softer true squede and the stiff fabrics will comform to the wearers feet (just as even my trainers do) just less noticeably than full grain leather. The newer they are the less this will have happened. It's all relative and if you can look at them personally first you'll be able to make an informed decision. I wouldn't trust them sight unseen though.


After seeing the used footwear we issued to inmates there's no way I'd want to wear used boots either though. I suppose I should clarify that a bit; It's not just the condition of the boots b ut rather the feet and habits of the inmates that cause my reaction. They wore socks only when we made them and often had some of the worst fungal feet I've ever seen. I don't know if that was caused by them wearing used shoes or not (we had quite a few diabetics so they, like me, were already prone to toenail fungus) but likewise when you buy used boots you have no idea of the habits of the previous owner.

That said, I have worn, and still wear, rental bowling shoes and roller skates. But at least I know the wearers are all required to wear socks and said shoes/skates are disinfected after each use.

[Badger74]

Again thanks, some food for thought there.

I too had reservations about used boots, but now im more easy about it, but only if seen first.

[blacktimberwolf]

If I can reassure you about buying used boots, the beauties below were all bought used from eBay, were in excellent clean condition, no odours, stains or fungal infections despite a few pairs having seen some action in the German army before I got them & they have moulded perfectly to my feet.



Know your size though, better to have a half size too big than too small.

[The Ratcatcher]

Used Military boots in Grade 1, re-issue condition are pretty safe. I used to be a Combat Medic, and foot infections were rare due to regular foot inspections. If you're really worried about the risk of fungal infection, the best advice I can give is to spray the inside of the boot with a clinical disinfectant, let it dry and then apply a liberal quantity of anti-fungal foot powder to the inside and leave it for a couple of days before you wear them. I do this to every pair of used boots I get and never had any problems.

Alan

[Badger74]

And again, thanks.

Blacktimberwolf has helped with the final decision; Meindl it is. Although he could be one lucky so and so, and always fell right!

[santaman2000]

Used Military boots in Grade 1, re-issue condition are pretty safe...

This is the hardest part for me to wrap my mind around; the term "re-issue." The military doesn't re-issue boots (or ANY primary uniform clothing) over here. EVER! Only the prison sytem does. Military recruits are REQUIRED to wear shower shoes (flip flops) even while in the shower so that bare feet never contact a surface where another recruit's bare feet will also contact. Even if a recruit washes out the first few days all his issue is collected and destroyed. If he lasts longer than 6 months then he's allowed to retain all his items upon discharge.

Seems ridiculous when you consider that they DO re-issue gas masks which you know full well that the previous users have thrown up in.

[Badger74]

Just bought a pair of grade 1 Meindl's from BritishMilitarySurplus in Basildon. I know some of you have had good service and some bad from them, so i'll see how it goes.

[Badger74]

Boots arrived yesterday, no thanks to Citylink.

Very pleased to the condition they are in. They only look as if they have been worn a couple of times round a dusty warehouse. :-)