Looking for RUGGED side-zip duty boots ...

[Snakum]

My old issue jungle boots and Herman Survivors used to last years and years of hard use hiking, shooting, hunting, wearing when riding the bike, etc. But looking for an 8" side zip boot I have found multiple bad reliability reviews for practically every brand out there. Everything from soles separating to eyelets breaking and lace holes tearing out on Danner, Converse, Bates (especially), and just about every other high dollar brand. I just bought a pair of 5.11 ATAC 8s for using on duty (EMS and fire) but won't know if they're reliable for a while (hopefully). And thought I'd buy a pair of zips for hiking, hunting, 3-gun and LRT comps, rucking, etc.

I realize only the zoomies wear side zips, but thought I'd ask anyway: can anyone recommend a comfy side-zip 8" desert boot that will last longer than a year after very hard use?

Maybe the Bellville 610Zs? Any former Zoomies used them?

Bellville 301Z composites?

 

[Driftwood]

Re: Looking for RUGGED side-zip duty boots ...

I have been using a pair of the same 511 ATAC boots and have been pleased with them. In fact, I just ordered my another pair. They wear a little like tennis shoes, so while mine still look good, the tread is worn and a lot of the cushion is gone in the boot, but I have worn them almost everyday for about one year. They are still comfortable,and look good.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Looking for RUGGED side-zip duty boots ...

I used to wear side zips for duty.

I absolutely hate them. I have yet to find a set that provides anywhere near the support of just lacing your boots up.

I avoid them like the plague now.

 

[SRT_Supply]

Re: Looking for RUGGED side-zip duty boots ...

I've been wearing my 5.11's (6" side-zip, can't remember model) for about six months now, and they've seen a decent amount of hiking - even survived an ill-advised trip through something akin to quicksand along the Rio Grande. They're starting to look a little rough around the edges, but nothing's come apart on them yet.

 

[45.308]

Re: Looking for RUGGED side-zip duty boots ...

Define rugged? Zippers are the weak link, I have seen zippers blow in clothing, tents, bags, boots usually at the most inopportune time. Any boot with a zipper is not rugged by my standards, others say different.

I am wearing a pair of 5.11 as my daily boots for over a year, I like them better than Danners which have a tall post, I rarely wear my Danners. The rubber in the 5.11 sole has stood up well. No seams showing much wear. Heel counter takes a lot of abuse with the heel of the foot and shows little sign of wear. The volume of the 5.11 is more than the Danners.

If you want absolute rugged, go with LaSportiva, Scrapa, Lowa.

 

[Snakum]

Re: Looking for RUGGED side-zip duty boots ...

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the ATACs are pretty good, so I may just buy a second pair for shooting and hunting. They certainly are comfy.