Conference repair::reserve_forces

    Boots seem to be a universal problem.  Here in the US the Army seems to
    change boot styles every couple of years but, somehow, never get it
    right.  There is apparent recognition of the problem as evidenced by a
    bit of acceptance of the purchasing and wearing of non-issue boots so
    long as they conform to the same basic shape and color of those issued.
    There are excellent boots which can be purchased and worn but at very
    high cost (US$150-200).  
    
    I bought a pair of the old style Corcoran jump boots at the exchange
    but they're not the answer.  Very heavy, cold and leak water around the 
    soles.  Has anyone found a reasonably priced alternative?
    
    Len 

    
    	Dave, forgive my ignorance but what the hell is the Danner Boot?
    
    					Steve..

    
      Danner is the company name, PO Box 22204, Portland Oregon 97222.
    
    I have a pair of the Ft Lewis Boots by Danner. Their tall at 10",
    weigh 5lbs 10ozs, are insulated with Thinsulate, have a Gortex outer
    shell, steel shank and Vibram sole. They are extremely comfortable
    and great up to about 70 degrees F. They also can be purchased without
    the insulation.
    
    I got them at the military clothing store for $90, which was a steep
    price but they feel like your walking around with slippers. Definitely
    worth the price!

    Lets  see $90 is roughly equivalent to 60 pounds.  The prices I've
    seen are around 130 pounds, nearer $200.
    
    Maybe there's a niche in the market!
    
    Another alternative company is Lundhags.  The sales blurb states
    that the Royal Marines wore them while strolling around the Falklands
    in 1982.  Anyone have any first hand(foot!) experience of them.
                                                                   
    Dave
    
    PS:A few of my pinkies are still numb.

    re .3
    
    These sound like the boots that my CO purchased at clothing sales.
    $85-90 seems about right. These boots are approved by the USArmy,
    but are not general issue. That is why you can buy them at clothing
    and sales, along with Corcoran 'Jump Boots' and Chippewa 'Mountain
    Boots'. The 'Danner' boots (I didn't know the brand) have caused this
    old First Shirt some difficulty. I get some folks into my unit from
    the 10th SFG at Ft Devens. They tried to tell me that you weren't
    supposed to polish those boots. I told them that they either polished
    them, or didn't wear them in garrison! After that drill, I checked
    out the situation and announced at the next meeting that the PX did
    indeed have an ample stock of the Silicon based that was approved for
    those boots. That goes for the Chippewas too. No problems now 8-).
    

    Oh yeah, besides the missing word in the next to last sentence of 
    .5, I forgot to mention that the USArmy has approved a new 'Jungle
    boot' and should start issueing them to appropriate units this
    year. That means that they will become available in the clothing
    sales stores. These boots are almost identical to the 'Nam era
    jungle boot, except that the entire boot is black. I think there
    are some other, minor, changes, but at least they won't stand out
    like a sore thumb in a massed formation of troops. Approval for
    wear of the 'Nam era boot will phase out, but you might be able
    to dye the fabric.

    re the boots sold at the clothing sales
    
    Our clothing sales store had/has two "good???" boots that look alike.
    One is the "DANNER BOOT"(going for > $130.00) and the other is a copy
    called "THE MATAHORN (sp)" (going for ? <130.00). The only visual
    difference seems to be in width.
    
    I would also like to here more about these boots, before I buy 'em.
    
    Randy Schwartz

    re.7
    stopped by the PX this weekend. Those are "Matterhorn Boots",
    and are going for $98.00. Still haven't bought a pair yet.
    
    Randy

       REF .4 LUNDHAGS
    

    The LUNDHAG boots you mention are very good boots, however, the
    types sold in the shops for general release to the public, are
    different to the type used in the Marines.
    
    Firstly, yes the boots were used and tested extensively during the
    Falklands, but it was found that the boots, while keeping your feet
    dry from the rain, left your feet wet with sweat. This is the type
    on sale to the public.
    
    We have now tested the boot thouroughly, in all aspects of field
    craft, and in all types of conditions. This includes Arctic Warfare.
    To this end, most Marines have Lundhags on their arctic kit lists.
    
    There are two types of Lundhags. the first is the type used for
    Blackshod conditions, This is very duriable and lets your feet breath
    slightly during heavy use.
    The second is an arctic version. This type is insulated and completely
    water\snow proof. It also has the sole molded for skiis.
    
    
    If you need more info just ask 
    
                                       Cheers
      
    
                                             Frank 

    annual training and air assault school (maybe) are just around the 
    corner. I plan on buying either the matterhorn (gore-tex) ($134.00 at
    the "CAVALRY STORE") or the Ft Lewis "Go Devils" boot (thinsulate)
    (again "CAV STORE price $199.00). Anyone have any last minute
    suggestions?
    
    Randy Schwartz
    
    btw for those not familiar with the U.S. Cavalry Store here's info.
    
    phone # 1-800-626-6171
    or
    US Cavalry
    2855 Centennial Avenue
    Radcliff, Kentucky 40160-9000
    (advertises that they ship worldwide)