How to: Choose your Boots

By George Nikolakopoulos

Author's boot collection. From left; Danner Bull Run, purchased in 2017  are the author’s everyday boots. The second pair are Matterhorn with 200gr thermal liners, purchased in 2008. These are the author’s winter boots. These are the only 10-inch height boots that the author possesses. The next pair are Danner Rainforest, which served as hunting and outdoor boots, purchased in 2018. The last pair are Belleville 330 ST, bought in 2015. They serve as working boots during olive harvesting season. 

Everyone engaging in outdoor activities, like hunting, camping, hiking, or even prepping, very often talks about gear like backpacks, knives, tools, guns, and ammo. One piece of gear that is very important and often overlooked is a pair of good boots. It is funny how often we ignore this item given that we are using our feet for long periods every day but also when are hiking to reach our perfect campsite or hunting spot.

I have used many pairs of boots in my military days, and at one point I used five different models. I had one pair for everyday use around the base and for CQB training. That pair was either a Hitech magnum, Adidas GSG, or Oakley S.I. Then for field training, I wore a pair of Welco Jungle boots(with Vibram soles). For water/sea environment I had Jungle boots with Panama soles, and for winter operations Matterhorns with 200gr thermal liner. I also had a pair of issued boots in case of parades, or similar occasions that I rarely used. Now I wear boots when I am working at my olive fields, and of course daily. As you can understand I have used quite some pairs. The are some criteria that I want my boots to meet. I especially preferred a height of 6” or 8” full grain leather construction, that comes with a good traction outsole like Vibram. The general rule for the outsole depends on the terrain. I prefer stitched-down construction of the welt but that is not always the rule. If the boots are equipped with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex, that is a bonus. Even if they don’t have such a feature, I can apply bee wax or seal fat to waterproof them. 

Different characteristics - Advantages and disadvantages

Let’s break down the main characteristics of a good pair of boots. A great number of boots are built from full grain leather, nubuck leather, or some combination of leather and Cordura. Other materials are also used in making special kinds of boots like rubber boots, but I would like to focus on the majority. Their typical height is 6” to 8”, although there are taller boots on the market. They also come in different styles of outsoles.

Full grain refers to the strongest and most durable part of the hide of an animal, which is just below the hair and has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed, and it displays the more natural characteristics of leather. A full-grain leather construction makes a heavy-duty, durable boot. It is a great boot for temperate to cold climates. It can withstand the abuse, and the weather elements if it’s waterproofed either by applying bee’s wax or seal’s fat, or if it is equipped with a waterproof membrane. It can also be winterproofed, adding a thermal liner on the inside of the boot. The breathability of your feet is also good. A full-grain leather boot is typically heavier than any other boot, due to the leather’s thickness, usually 3oz-4oz. Also, if water enters from the top of the boot, it will take longer to dry. Since leather is a natural material, it does need some care. Apply wax or fat regularly to shield the leather. You should apply special waterproofing products even if the boots have a membrane, like Gore-Tex, in extremely wet environments.

Nubuck leather either comes from full grain or top grain leather, after sanding it, however it is usually from the top grain layer. Historically nubuck leather comes from buckskin, either from deer or elk. Nowadays nubuck is also made from calfskin. It makes a refined, soft, light boot. Its thickness is around 1oz-2oz, resulting in excellent breathability. It is perfect for hot weather climates. It can be waterproofed, using bee’s wax, or other products but it will not have the same level of protection as a full-grain leather boot. Also, it doesn’t have the durability of full-grain leather, thus stains and scratches can more easily damage the boot. Stains are difficult to clean in any leather boot, but on nubuck are also very visible.

Cordura is a high-tenacity woven nylon or polyester bag fabric. Because it is treated with a polyurethane coating on the back and a durable water-repellent finish on the front, Cordura fabric is often recommended in applications requiring high durability and water repellency. It gives the fabric a fantastic resistance to abrasion, tearing, mold, mildew, rot, and moisture. Plus, Cordura is quick to dry and easy to clean. Some companies use a mix of leather and Cordura on their boots. The boots that have Cordura, are lighter and easier to dry. They are not good for cold climates though, and although Cordura is water-repellent, it is not waterproof. Applying wax or fat doesn’t help in this case. Also, pointy rocks or thorns usually penetrate the fabric and can hurt your feet.

Most boots come in 6” or 8” heights. The 6” height boots are great for everyday use because they are lighter than the 8”. They offer very good ankle support and can be used while hiking. If you are using them for hiking, keeping a pair of gaiters handy is a good idea in case of heavy rain or water crossing. If you are wearing 8” boots you don’t have to have gaiters. They are great for cold weather, but in hot weather, your feet will get sweaty. The taller boots offer greater ankle support and can be used in any outdoor activity. If you tuck your pants in the shoes, you protect your legs from ticks and other unwanted guests. 

There are many different types of outsole offerings. The best outsole comes from Vibram. You can choose from a wide variety, ranging from everyday use to hiking the toughest terrains. The design of the footprint makes the difference. Is it a concrete street, a mountain trail, a muddy path in the jungle, sandy hills in a desert, or just a place of wandering?

Some other features that the boots might have are steel or composite toes, useful for people that work at construction sites. Some boots are also rated for electrical hazard protection. Insoles are offered with any good pair of boots. You can change/replace them at will.

The design of the boot will attract your attention first. Keep in mind some of the features mentioned here. There isn’t a right or wrong choice. It is a matter of personal choice and what suits individual needs. Finding the correct fit is also important. After the purchase, your boots need a break-in period. Do not overlook maintaining your boots and they will serve you for many years.

George Spent nine years in the Greek Army Raiders where he learned survival skills. Since being honorably discharged, he has been working in the tourism industry. After every season ends, you will find him at his olive field harvesting olives to make oil. In his free time, George loves spending time outdoors hunting, camping, and practicing traditional archery. He enjoys writing articles, sharing his experiences of his trips to the woods, gear reviews, recipes and survival tips. George was a a contributing writer to Self-Reliance Illustrated magazine and has a YouTube and Blog under the name Mountain Raider. 

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