Thats a common observation. A boot with significant amounts of fabric, along with gore-tex is not a recipe for consistent waterproofing since the membrane often fails before the rest of the boot. Gore-tex is best utilised as a backup to an all-leather construction that can be treated against the elements. An example would be the Haix cold weather model. Thank you for the tests and info
Yee I think you correct, although with this pair they had not covered any real distance before they leaked. I still prefer a boot where you can proof the leather with Dubbin etc. As I mentioned in the video last weekend was very bad weather at time with tremendous downpours for an hour or so at a time. The Czech army boots I was wearing were soaked on the outside by the end of the day but inside was completely dry and they only cost GBP28 ! Take care out there
Good review mate. They are expensive and some of the used ones are shocking, really heavy sole wear and toes are smashed. There are some great boots around for anyone looking for really good kit at significantly lower prices. I think once they have been on issue for longer the prices will drop significantly. But for the kind of brass they go for get some Haix etc. all best to you, enjoy your walks.
Thanks, I have not yet seen them offered on the surplus market, what sort of pricing is being asked ? As you say you can get great value with boots from Haix, Altberg etc Take care out there
It's good to see you're uploading again! That's a shame to Gore-Tex doesn't work very well. I'm currently doing some my training for the reserves, so I can give you some insights into the issued boots. To start off with, we are issued with 2 pairs of boots. 1 leather boots and 1 suede boots. The idea behind it is you have a pair boots for winter, and a pair of boots for summer... Although, I've also heard one pair of boots is for the field, and the other one is for being on camp. Nearly every reservist I've seen has Alt-Berg's. Those of us who've passed selection over the last year or so, have been issued with the new Alt-Berg's. The guys who passed before COVID-19 were also issued with the old Haix desert boots. Some of the other guys who passed after, have been issued with the new Hiax desert boots. I was issued the Iturri desert boots. We have a few people who have the AKU Pilgrim, but it's like a lottery to trying to get your hand on them. There was a guy who I was sleeping next to during my weekend training who had 2 pairs of AKU's. So, I guess it depends on what part of the country you with what boots you are issued. Also, the corporal who we had, told us to use polish for the suede boots. I don't know if that's a good idea or not. Have you had a chance to get the updated version of the Alt-Berg defender? From my experience so far wearing for a whole day, and not just for 2 hours on a drill not, I found they cause me to have heal pain on my left foot. Although, it was in the middle of August, and I was wearing the issued socks with no talcum powder. I'm hoping now I've replace the insoles, and got some breathable socks, it won't cause any foot pain.
Thanks for your input, when you mention new Altbergs I guess you mean the MK 2 Defender Boot, Altberg now have the next generation boot, the Ops Boots, do not know iif that being issued yet ? 2022 should see a new round of the tender process etc for the following 5 years . The MOD review the process every 5 years ( 2013, 2018 ) so 2022 should be the next review followed by roll out 2023 ? I am off to the Middle East from Sunday and will be taking my Ituuri Desert boots, not used them yet plus bring an update on the Haix Desert boots from the 2013 roll out. Not sure how you can polish Suede boots !! interesting to see out that works out Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 sorry, yes, the mk 2. That will be interesting to see what boots will be on the new roll out. I've only used the Iturri boots for around the home, as I didn't receive them untill the day I went up for the weekend training in August, and I wanna try and break in the Alt-Berg's more. I'm doing my next bit of training this month and February, so I don't see myself using them. I will also add, I'm not a fan of the Iturri insoles. Lucky I got my own insoles, so they feel a lot more comfortable than previously. I'm still 50/50 about getting my own desert boots. Either Alt-Berg or Meindl Desert Fox. Yh, I guess the army is so used to using leather boots, they don't know how to look after suede boots.
Altberg bergen boots.... If you can get them... Trust me you'll be really impressed especially in cold wet weather conditions..... I absolutely love them in winter....
@@bobmarley6161 thanks. I'll keep that in mind. But I do wanna try and not buy my own kit, unless if I really have to. I've been told the kit nowadays is up to standard, especially the boots. It seems like everyone at my unit is happy with the issued boots, even the Hiax. The only boots some of them are buying is the Meindl Desert Fox.
@Tea And Crumpets! Yh, I would definitely recommend them. I would say they feel a little bit more comfortable, lighter and more padded than the Defender Mk2, I also feel they have a slightly better fit for my feet... Although, I do think it could be due to it having a normal lacing system. I recommend to replace the insoles, as they are really thin, and have no support.
Great review. Appreciate your time. I was considering them for New Zealand (wet wet wet) conditions. Sound like a great boot but I was sceptical about the waterproofness. Incidently for a really good waterproof boot the Scarpa R-evolution leather (not the non leather) are really waterproof. A little clompy so maybe not perfect boot but I have done a trio in NZ with 5 river crossings (boots on with gathers) and dry feet at the end of 3 days.
Thanks, great country NZ hope to make a visit one day, the Altberg Defender boot is a better bet for wet conditions or the Haix boot. What boots do the NZ army use ? can you get via Army surplus in NZ ? Take care out there
My military boot collection still goes on lol... Please try to get some Dutch army meindl Island boots.... You'll be impressed..... Would love to see your review of them... I like them so much....I bought a backup pair... I only paid £50 for them each and they looked brand new.....
I have about 25 pairs now of different military boots ( the Meindl Desert Fox whent to the great boot camp in the sky !! ) plus some other civilian boots. So now I need to try and get as many as I can at least up to the 500km mark so that the viewers can see how they perform Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 hello... Wow you have loads of boots... Your spoilt for choice I have a few for summer hikes and summer for winter hikes for the prices these boots sell for simply couldn't refuse to buy more... But I think finally now I have more than enough boots... I'll just watch your reviews now... Hope your well... Best regards and stay safe...... If you want a link to the meindl Dutch army boots... Let me know I'll send you it... They have some still in stock depending on your size....
@@ontherunplmr1218 just watched it... Fantastic as always.... Your the military boot expert.....you thoroughly put your boots through a good test.... Absolutely love the Sergio Leone westerns... Love the soundtracks.. The good the bad the ugly a classic Western.... I have no Aku boots..... Lol must resist looking to buy some.... But Aku make the new Swiss army boots and they look absolutely stunning... When they are available in a few years I'll definitely be after them the KS14.. stay safe buddy...
Thanks, yes interesting to see how the Swiss get on with their new AKU boots, also 2022 will see the start of the next review of the MOD 5 year contracts, will be interesting to see if they include the AKU boots ? take care out there
Decent boots for mincing about camp etc and light excercises but quite a few of the lads seem to be privately purchasing Altberg militaryops boots which are excellent in everyway especially the fit no heel slippage and fit a bit like the Akus nice and close to your foot not boxy at all and plenty of toe space.
Thanks for the input. 2022 should see the start of the review for the next 5 year issue boots, perhaps the Altberg Ops boot will be part of the process replacing the Defender boot ? Take care out there
Goretex in shoes and boots should be completely abolished imo. Stinks up your feet, when it gets even slightly damp it takes absolute ages to dry, and the membrane will inevitably fail.
Thanks for your input, seems to be a lot of different experiences related to membranes in boots etc It does seem ? that they work best when not the main source of waterproofing ie have a leather boot construction and include a membrane for extra protection, rather then the primary method to waterproof Take care out there
Hi Bob, Thanks, off to the Middle East tomorrow so hoping to bring an update on the Haix Desert boots in an interesting location, Also taking with me the Iturri Desert boots not had an opportunity to use them so far Take care out there
Hello, thanks for your input I will give Fabsil a try however just to bear in mind that these are High Liablity combat boots for European type conditions I do not believe they perform well in that regards Take care out there
Many thanks, I understand that they are made in sizes UK 3 to UK13 with half sizes from 8.5 to 11.5 not sure what widths are available So I guess you can get a size to fit you, however might be limited via Army Surplus plus some people are reporting that the used ones are not great quality for the price being asked Take care out there
Hello I do not keep them all together as such in a way I can show them all together, I have some in a cupboard others in the loft space, they are all on the channel as separate videos. I do not collect other military items although I literally have hundreds of books on military history across a broad range of subjects and time frames Take care out there
I think boots like these are an MOD experiment. The experiment is to prove: when it comes to field boots, you can't have your cake and eat it. Want comfort? Here you go; they'll last five minutes and aren't waterproof. Want long-lasting and waterproof? Here are a pair of heavy leather boots that aren't as comfortable as civilian hiking boots. Take your pick 😉.
I think you have a point, although you would have thought they would have carried out field trials with troops in the field before placing any contract awards, would be very interesting to find out now how current Army troops feel about these boots. Next year should see the start of the tender process etc for the next round of combat boots. The MOD plan is to review every 5 years, 2013, 2018,2022 ? Take care out there
Hi OTRP I bought a factory second pair of these and I found that they have a very noticeable arch support inside (not necessarily good,bad or ugly it depends on your preference). How did you find the arch support. P. S. Unsurprisingly I rolled the dice with a factory second pair and my boot advertised as damaged let in water immediately in the brecon beacons. What in your opinion is the best boot for wet conditions?
Thanks for your input, re arch support not specifically noticed that point, as I mention overall I find them comfortable. Best boot for wet condition, well lets look at boots being used by European armies that have lasted the test of time The Swiss KS90 boot now being replaced but I have found to be very waterproof, both the Altberg Defender boots and the Haix boots both have good reviews. The German boots 2005/2007 infantry boots ( which are called( "Para boots "in the UK ) again have been tested over many years. The new Iturri Wet Weather boot is very good plus their Patrol boot. Also of course some of the older boots like the Swiss ankle boot or Swedish M59 boots are all very waterproof as long as they are all looked after on a regular basis with some protection like Dubbin, Beeswax, Polish etc I think that is the main point, boots iike the Swiss boots or Altberg boots work well as long as you are prepared to invest some time in properly looking after them. I do think that high leg boots just by their very nature of size can perform better in the very bad water conditions crossing streams etc The military in Norway are still using a boot introduced in 1977, so goes with the saying " if its not broken , do not fix it " ! Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 thanks I've been procrastinating over buying a pair of german para boots as they are not Goretex lined, however, they may stand up to the Brecon Beacons wet weather after all if we'll looked after. I'll check out the Norwegian boots too
Personally I do not yet have a pair of the Norwegian boots but see the link below I believe currently while they last the Swiss KS90 boots are excellent value for money and given the winter conditions in Switzerland should also cope well in the Brecon Beacons www.varusteleka.com/en/product/norwegian-m77-combat-boots/25108
I think the issue one are not very good, seem very cheap compared too the originals. I have some originals as I needed a half size and they seem way better quality and a lot more water proof
@@ontherunplmr1218 I have just come back from a week in Poland so n wet and snowy conditions, they just about kept the water out, but like you said that wet spongy brush and grass it what can kill boots which don’t have leather protecting the gortex lining. I think the AKUs are just used for Lounging on camp and ranges.
Thanks for your input, Poland in the Winter you need a good pair of boots for their conditions, I see the Polish Army are just moving to new Brown boots away from Black. Take care out there
Thanks for your input, it seems a common theme among comments I have seen on this channel and others, What surprises me to some extend is how the MOD could have gone with these after what I would have guessed been extensive field trials ? Take care out there
Thats a common observation. A boot with significant amounts of fabric, along with gore-tex is not a recipe for consistent waterproofing since the membrane often fails before the rest of the boot. Gore-tex is best utilised as a backup to an all-leather construction that can be treated against the elements. An example would be the Haix cold weather model. Thank you for the tests and info
Yee I think you correct, although with this pair they had not covered any real distance before they leaked. I still prefer a boot where you can proof the leather with Dubbin etc. As I mentioned in the video last weekend was very bad weather at time with tremendous downpours for an hour or so at a time. The Czech army boots I was wearing were soaked on the outside by the end of the day but inside was completely dry and they only cost GBP28 ! Take care out there
Good review mate. They are expensive and some of the used ones are shocking, really heavy sole wear and toes are smashed. There are some great boots around for anyone looking for really good kit at significantly lower prices. I think once they have been on issue for longer the prices will drop significantly. But for the kind of brass they go for get some Haix etc. all best to you, enjoy your walks.
Thanks, I have not yet seen them offered on the surplus market, what sort of pricing is being asked ?
As you say you can get great value with boots from Haix, Altberg etc Take care out there
It's good to see you're uploading again!
That's a shame to Gore-Tex doesn't work very well.
I'm currently doing some my training for the reserves, so I can give you some insights into the issued boots.
To start off with, we are issued with 2 pairs of boots. 1 leather boots and 1 suede boots.
The idea behind it is you have a pair boots for winter, and a pair of boots for summer... Although, I've also heard one pair of boots is for the field, and the other one is for being on camp.
Nearly every reservist I've seen has Alt-Berg's.
Those of us who've passed selection over the last year or so, have been issued with the new Alt-Berg's.
The guys who passed before COVID-19 were also issued with the old Haix desert boots. Some of the other guys who passed after, have been issued with the new Hiax desert boots. I was issued the Iturri desert boots.
We have a few people who have the AKU Pilgrim, but it's like a lottery to trying to get your hand on them.
There was a guy who I was sleeping next to during my weekend training who had 2 pairs of AKU's.
So, I guess it depends on what part of the country you with what boots you are issued.
Also, the corporal who we had, told us to use polish for the suede boots.
I don't know if that's a good idea or not.
Have you had a chance to get the updated version of the Alt-Berg defender?
From my experience so far wearing for a whole day, and not just for 2 hours on a drill not, I found they cause me to have heal pain on my left foot.
Although, it was in the middle of August, and I was wearing the issued socks with no talcum powder.
I'm hoping now I've replace the insoles, and got some breathable socks, it won't cause any foot pain.
Thanks for your input, when you mention new Altbergs I guess you mean the MK 2 Defender Boot, Altberg now have the next generation boot, the Ops Boots, do not know iif that being issued yet ? 2022 should see a new round of the tender process etc for the following 5 years . The MOD review the process every 5 years ( 2013, 2018 ) so 2022 should be the next review followed by roll out 2023 ?
I am off to the Middle East from Sunday and will be taking my Ituuri Desert boots, not used them yet plus bring an update on the Haix Desert boots from the 2013 roll out.
Not sure how you can polish Suede boots !! interesting to see out that works out
Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 sorry, yes, the mk 2. That will be interesting to see what boots will be on the new roll out. I've only used the Iturri boots for around the home, as I didn't receive them untill the day I went up for the weekend training in August, and I wanna try and break in the Alt-Berg's more. I'm doing my next bit of training this month and February, so I don't see myself using them. I will also add, I'm not a fan of the Iturri insoles. Lucky I got my own insoles, so they feel a lot more comfortable than previously. I'm still 50/50 about getting my own desert boots. Either Alt-Berg or Meindl Desert Fox. Yh, I guess the army is so used to using leather boots, they don't know how to look after suede boots.
Altberg bergen boots.... If you can get them... Trust me you'll be really impressed especially in cold wet weather conditions..... I absolutely love them in winter....
@@bobmarley6161 thanks. I'll keep that in mind. But I do wanna try and not buy my own kit, unless if I really have to. I've been told the kit nowadays is up to standard, especially the boots. It seems like everyone at my unit is happy with the issued boots, even the Hiax. The only boots some of them are buying is the Meindl Desert Fox.
@Tea And Crumpets! Yh, I would definitely recommend them. I would say they feel a little bit more comfortable, lighter and more padded than the Defender Mk2, I also feel they have a slightly better fit for my feet... Although, I do think it could be due to it having a normal lacing system. I recommend to replace the insoles, as they are really thin, and have no support.
Great review. Appreciate your time. I was considering them for New Zealand (wet wet wet) conditions. Sound like a great boot but I was sceptical about the waterproofness. Incidently for a really good waterproof boot the Scarpa R-evolution leather (not the non leather) are really waterproof. A little clompy so maybe not perfect boot but I have done a trio in NZ with 5 river crossings (boots on with gathers) and dry feet at the end of 3 days.
Thanks, great country NZ hope to make a visit one day, the Altberg Defender boot is a better bet for wet conditions or the Haix boot. What boots do the NZ army use ? can you get via Army surplus in NZ ? Take care out there
My military boot collection still goes on lol... Please try to get some Dutch army meindl Island boots.... You'll be impressed..... Would love to see your review of them... I like them so much....I bought a backup pair... I only paid £50 for them each and they looked brand new.....
I have about 25 pairs now of different military boots ( the Meindl Desert Fox whent to the great boot camp in the sky !! ) plus some other civilian boots. So now I need to try and get as many as I can at least up to the 500km mark so that the viewers can see how they perform Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 hello... Wow you have loads of boots... Your spoilt for choice I have a few for summer hikes and summer for winter hikes for the prices these boots sell for simply couldn't refuse to buy more... But I think finally now I have more than enough boots... I'll just watch your reviews now... Hope your well... Best regards and stay safe...... If you want a link to the meindl Dutch army boots... Let me know I'll send you it... They have some still in stock depending on your size....
Just arrived back in the UK from the Middle East see my update on the Haix Desert Boots Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 just watched it... Fantastic as always.... Your the military boot expert.....you thoroughly put your boots through a good test.... Absolutely love the Sergio Leone westerns... Love the soundtracks.. The good the bad the ugly a classic Western....
I have no Aku boots..... Lol must resist looking to buy some....
But Aku make the new Swiss army boots and they look absolutely stunning... When they are available in a few years I'll definitely be after them the KS14.. stay safe buddy...
Thanks, yes interesting to see how the Swiss get on with their new AKU boots, also 2022 will see the start of the next review of the MOD 5 year contracts, will be interesting to see if they include the AKU boots ? take care out there
Decent boots for mincing about camp etc and light excercises but quite a few of the lads seem to be privately purchasing Altberg militaryops boots which are excellent in everyway especially the fit no heel slippage and fit a bit like the Akus nice and close to your foot not boxy at all and plenty of toe space.
Thanks for the input. 2022 should see the start of the review for the next 5 year issue boots, perhaps the Altberg Ops boot will be part of the process replacing the Defender boot ? Take care out there
Goretex in shoes and boots should be completely abolished imo.
Stinks up your feet, when it gets even slightly damp it takes absolute ages to dry, and the membrane will inevitably fail.
Thanks for your input, seems to be a lot of different experiences related to membranes in boots etc It does seem ? that they work best when not the main source of waterproofing ie have a leather boot construction and include a membrane for extra protection, rather then the primary method to waterproof Take care out there
Hello my friend good to see another review from you.... Always thorough and comprehensive....
Hi Bob, Thanks, off to the Middle East tomorrow so hoping to bring an update on the Haix Desert boots in an interesting location, Also taking with me the Iturri Desert boots not had an opportunity to use them so far Take care out there
I would not expect a waterproofing spray for nubuck to work on a canvas type material, I'd use a Fabsil type spray.
Hello, thanks for your input I will give Fabsil a try however just to bear in mind that these are High Liablity combat boots for European type conditions I do not believe they perform well in that regards Take care out there
Hi, Are these boots good for narrow low volume feet.
I enjoy watching your videos.
Regards
John
Many thanks, I understand that they are made in sizes UK 3 to UK13 with half sizes from 8.5 to 11.5 not sure what widths are available So I guess you can get a size to fit you, however might be limited via Army Surplus plus some people are reporting that the used ones are not great quality for the price being asked Take care out there
Where do you keep all your boots? Can you show us your collection? Do you collect any other military items?
Hello I do not keep them all together as such in a way I can show them all together, I have some in a cupboard others in the loft space, they are all on the channel as separate videos. I do not collect other military items although I literally have hundreds of books on military history across a broad range of subjects and time frames Take care out there
Good upper and shit sole, mine worn right down through 3 layers in a year of wear...
Thanks for your input, yes my concern is the waterproof element Take care out there
I think boots like these are an MOD experiment. The experiment is to prove: when it comes to field boots, you can't have your cake and eat it. Want comfort? Here you go; they'll last five minutes and aren't waterproof. Want long-lasting and waterproof? Here are a pair of heavy leather boots that aren't as comfortable as civilian hiking boots. Take your pick 😉.
I think you have a point, although you would have thought they would have carried out field trials with troops in the field before placing any contract awards, would be very interesting to find out now how current Army troops feel about these boots. Next year should see the start of the tender process etc for the next round of combat boots. The MOD plan is to review every 5 years, 2013, 2018,2022 ? Take care out there
Hi OTRP
I bought a factory second pair of these and I found that they have a very noticeable arch support inside (not necessarily good,bad or ugly it depends on your preference).
How did you find the arch support.
P. S. Unsurprisingly I rolled the dice with a factory second pair and my boot advertised as damaged let in water immediately in the brecon beacons.
What in your opinion is the best boot for wet conditions?
Thanks for your input, re arch support not specifically noticed that point, as I mention overall I find them comfortable. Best boot for wet condition, well lets look at boots being used by European armies that have lasted the test of time The Swiss KS90 boot now being replaced but I have found to be very waterproof, both the Altberg Defender boots and the Haix boots both have good reviews. The German boots 2005/2007 infantry boots ( which are called( "Para boots "in the UK ) again have been tested over many years. The new Iturri Wet Weather boot is very good plus their Patrol boot. Also of course some of the older boots like the Swiss ankle boot or Swedish M59 boots are all very waterproof as long as they are all looked after on a regular basis with some protection like Dubbin, Beeswax, Polish etc I think that is the main point, boots iike the Swiss boots or Altberg boots work well as long as you are prepared to invest some time in properly looking after them. I do think that high leg boots just by their very nature of size can perform better in the very bad water conditions crossing streams etc
The military in Norway are still using a boot introduced in 1977, so goes with the saying " if its not broken , do not fix it " ! Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 thanks I've been procrastinating over buying a pair of german para boots as they are not Goretex lined, however, they may stand up to the Brecon Beacons wet weather after all if we'll looked after. I'll check out the Norwegian boots too
Personally I do not yet have a pair of the Norwegian boots but see the link below
I believe currently while they last the Swiss KS90 boots are excellent value for money and given the winter conditions in Switzerland should also cope well in the Brecon Beacons
www.varusteleka.com/en/product/norwegian-m77-combat-boots/25108
@@ontherunplmr1218 much obliged :)
Do you lace them up to the top or not????
Hello yes I lace them all the way Take care out there
I think the issue one are not very good, seem very cheap compared too the originals. I have some originals as I needed a half size and they seem way better quality and a lot more water proof
Thanks for your input, yes AKU in general seem to have a good reputation, so perhaps the design of this particular boot Take care out there
@@ontherunplmr1218 I have just come back from a week in Poland so n wet and snowy conditions, they just about kept the water out, but like you said that wet spongy brush and grass it what can kill boots which don’t have leather protecting the gortex lining. I think the AKUs are just used for Lounging on camp and ranges.
Thanks for your input, Poland in the Winter you need a good pair of boots for their conditions, I see the Polish Army are just moving to new Brown boots away from Black. Take care out there
Mines leaked from new also ..
Thanks for your input, yes seems to be a problem with this particular model Take care out there
Better than being made in china .
Perhaps ! I have heard it said that the only thing from China that lasts longer than 3 weeks is Covid ! Take care out there
Apart from almost all of the tech products that we use;).
Ill stick with me Karrimor Bodmin for £30 new😁
That might be a good choice ! Take care out there
They are absolute garbage.
My feet were always soakings wet. Light weight buts thats the only good thing
Thanks for your input, it seems a common theme among comments I have seen on this channel and others, What surprises me to some extend is how the MOD could have gone with these after what I would have guessed been extensive field trials ? Take care out there