Timberland Boots

keithlester · Post by **keithlester** » December 27th, 2004, 7:22 am

I know this isn't really military-specific, but I was wondering if anyone has noticed that it's almost impossible to find a regular pair of Timberland boots anymore? I've worn Timberlands for hunting and hiking for years and have never owned better boots. I've worn-out my last pair after 7 years of good use, but all I can find are those crazy homeboy-looking atrocities. You know, purple suede, fucking hanging tags and shit. Does anyone know if they even actually make boots for normal people anymore? I'm getting pissed and I'm fixing to go buy a pair of Hermans or Redwings.

Creeping Death · Post by **Creeping Death** » December 27th, 2004, 7:45 am

I guess it depends on the type boot you want. Their hiking boots still look OK, the the rest of them looks like something an inner city gang banger would wear.

I'm in a similar boat myself. I've always worn more of a hunting style boot(8"-12" insulated boots) man myself, and have owned two pair of Rocky boots in the last 15 yrs, and loved them both. My Rocky's are coming to the end of their life expectancy now, and I have to get another pair, but Rocky is made in China now, so they are fired.

Danner is always a solid choice. Irish Setter is a company that has caught my eye, and my next pair will probably come from them. I have also gotten some quality footwear, believe it or not, from Cabelas and Redhead (Bass Pro). Their stuff is normally comparable quality to other industry big names, but for quite a bit less. I own a pair of Redhead snake boots that I am very pleased with, and I paid about 40% less for them than if I had went with Rocky, La Crosse, or one of the other big names. Just be careful on the catalog brands, because it is hit or miss as to whether or not they are made overseas or here at home.

I'm right there with you on Timberland. Growing up, I wore Timberland chuckas, and Rocky hunting boots. One is made in China now, and the other has pandered to broader commercial markets to the point I feel they have forgotten who got them there.

keithlester · Post by **keithlester** » December 27th, 2004, 8:14 am

Yeah, I forgot about Danners. I remember the GI ones being real good boots. I'll check on-line.
I liked the old Timberlands I had because they were not overtly hunting-style boots, so I could wear them at work, but they were still well-insulated and waterproof. For winter-time hunting in snow, I usually go with my no-name insulated rubber wellingtons . I also used to have a pair of the green kangaroo-skin Browning upland boots that I liked really well, but I haven't seen those around lately, either.
Anyway, thanks for the help, boss.

Mitch · Post by **Mitch** » December 27th, 2004, 8:36 am

Whatever you do you can get it done in Georgia. Or something like that goes the commercial. I got a pair of Georgia work boots for Christmas and although it has only been a few days they seem like they are going to bee some good boots. And the pair I got were made in the US although some styles I noticed were made in china. Not sure if they make what you are looking for but it might be worth a look.

Steadfast · Post by **Steadfast** » December 27th, 2004, 10:36 am

I picked up a pair of Timberland Pro Series - they are brown with a steel toe and water hazard shock proof (not insulated tho). $73 at my local PX. The regular timberlands were selling for $129 at a shoe store called Footlocker. Big saving at the PX.

Silverback · Post by **Silverback** » December 27th, 2004, 11:18 am

The good thing is a pair of Timberlands will bolster your street creds in the HOOD!

keithlester · Post by **keithlester** » December 28th, 2004, 9:08 am

I went to Gander Mountain last night after work to check out the Danners and some of the other brands recommended. To my surprise and chagrin, I found that the were ALL made in China; Danners, Irish Setter, Rocky, Columbia, all of them. I hesitate to beleive that American-made boots are no longer available, so I figured it was just that Gander mountain only carries the low-end of each manufacturer's line. I went to another place here in Cleveland that sells more mountaineering/climbing-oriented stuff and found that most of the brands they carried were also made in either China or Vietnam. They did have some high-end mountaineering boots made in Italy (Scarpa, etc.), but they were all well over $300.
I'll keep looking.

Horned Toad · Post by **Horned Toad** » December 28th, 2004, 10:59 pm

keithlester wrote:I went to Gander Mountain last night after work to check out the Danners and some of the other brands recommended. To my surprise and chagrin, I found that the were ALL made in China; Danners, Irish Setter, Rocky, Columbia, all of them. I hesitate to beleive that American-made boots are no longer available, so I figured it was just that Gander mountain only carries the low-end of each manufacturer's line. I went to another place here in Cleveland that sells more mountaineering/climbing-oriented stuff and found that most of the brands they carried were also made in either China or Vietnam. They did have some high-end mountaineering boots made in Italy (Scarpa, etc.), but they were all well over $300.
I'll keep looking.

I can say the Scarpas are good boots, finally wore out my last pair that I had bought in 93

Flesh Thorn · Post by **Flesh Thorn** » December 29th, 2004, 12:20 am

I found that the were ALL made in China; Danners, Irish Setter, Rocky, Columbia, all of them. I hesitate to beleive that American-made boots are no longer available,

Danner ? Shit, please don't tell me that Danner has moved to China too. I am geting ready to order some Acadias and I may have to change my mind on that.

Flesh Thorn · Post by **Flesh Thorn** » December 29th, 2004, 12:29 am

I'll call Danner and order directly from them if it is an American made boot that I am getting. I will pay the extra $25. I was going to get a deal by ordering thru sportsmanguide.com and recieve a 10% discount, but that may be because they are made in China. The China Act has got to go!

~I just checked the sportsman guide web site and it states that they are MADE IN THE USA.

keithlester · Post by **keithlester** » December 29th, 2004, 1:05 am

Yeah, I got a pair of Scarpa Attakks At REI when I was at Fort Lewis. That was in '91 and they are still going. I don't wear them anymore 'cause the sole has worn almost completely smooth (That's to be expected with long-term use and not a reflection of poor quality), but the uppers are still like new. They are definitley the best quality boots I have ever owned. I've been meaning to have them re-soled. They are non-insulated heavy-duty backpacking boots, though, so they don't fit my needs right now. I wish they made an insulated hunting boot.
As far as the Danners go, I still believe that Danner makes one of the best boots on the market, and that they, like too many other companies, outsource the low-end of the brand and still make the high-end here. You can't expect the cream of the crop at a big box store like Gander Mountain. The American ones are probably only available at serious specialty outlets. I found a place in town yesterday that sells Browning, Filson, and Clark, so I'll be getting my boots there.

Horned Toad · Post by **Horned Toad** » December 29th, 2004, 6:10 am

Keith I have the Attacks and did wear the soles out into the leather, would like to get them resoled but havent found anyone to do it. I tried to get a new set but they dont make them anymore which sucks since I also have the Berghaus gortex gaiters that fit the soles