What's the longest you wore the same pair of boots before tossing?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:52:15 -0400

Yes, I wore the same pair of boots for just over 3 years before they started 'crumbling' from the sole. They were Bates 922 edition, same that SEAL trainees wear, great for running too, and super comfortable, especially when I had to put chases on foot. I still miss them.

Anyone beat my record? I'll give you a thumbs up!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 5:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:58:30 -0400

I had a pair of Jump Boots that I wore from 1983 until I retired in 1996. However to be honest, the only time I wore them was in Class A/B uniform, Special Formations where black boots were mandated......Other than that it was my green jungle boots and if it got real cold I had a pair of Danner cold weather boots I would force myself to wear. I still have my Danner's and wear them for certain incidents (emergency management/response related). They stay in the box in the bed of my truck. But I miss my old jungle boots.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 6:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:17:40 -0400

I have a pair from deployment that I kept for range boots, because they are way to comfortable to throw away.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 6:34 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:34:34 -0400

I've had these boots for 3yrs and some change now. Need a new pair soon, but these ones are still hanging in there, paint and all.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 10 at 2014 6:59 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:59:52 -0400

I usually got about 12-18 months out of working boots but I still have of few of the old spit-shined parade boots that lasted 15 years until they were honorably discharged by ACUs.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 10 at 2014 8:03 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:03:20 -0400

I wore the same pair of boots I was issued in boot camp until I had to get Super Boots with anti-slip soles and non-conductive toes (instead of steel toes). I had those boots for 12 years at least, but they only saw about 2 years of active duty. I sold them and some skateboarder is probably still wearing them.

Response by SGT Philip Zobel made Sep 10 at 2014 8:35 PM

SGT Philip Zobel — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:35:44 -0400

I still sport my initial issued pair. It's been over 4 years. They refuse to fall apart!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:12 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:12:08 -0400

I purchased my NWU boots in Sep 2009 as a first class and am still wearing them now as a Senior Chief.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:14:33 -0400

I'm wearing the same winter boots from my first Afghan tour in '08. I will never wear a non winter boot again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 10:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:27:43 -0400

It wasn't a pair of boots I had in the army, but when I used to do landscaping and property maintence I had a pair of steel toe logging boots that lasted me 4 years of daily use. I'd still have them too if it wasn't for my wife throwing them out because "they look like hell". That was a sad day in my life.

Response by SFC Nestor Nievesmoran made Sep 10 at 2014 11:13 PM

SFC Nestor Nievesmoran — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:13:07 -0400

I retired my jump boots after 22 years and still have them on my display. (they have been my parade boots) hahaha

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 1:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:12:50 -0400

I bought a pair of H & H jump boots in 1992 while in Germany. I wore out the sole and then had them resoled with this wicked looking Vibram sole. They were my pride and joy, shined like black obsidian glass with the kiwi polish. Somewhere around 2003 the leather on the outside of my left foot finally showed a crack finally. I thought I may have saved them in a box somewhere as a keepsake, I'll have to look now.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 11 at 2014 1:29 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:29:06 -0400

I wish I had grandpa's jump boots! I rotated them quite a bit so I'm not too sure. At least 2 years.....probably more.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Sep 11 at 2014 1:42 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:42:06 -0400

I have boots that I started when I got back from Afghanistan in Nov 2010 so almost 4 years. They have been relegated to boots and utes PT or range duty in the past year so they are not worn daily. They might still be worn daily if work hadn't bought me a new pair of steel toes that I wear on a daily now.

Response by Cpl Murray Estes made Sep 11 at 2014 2:22 AM

Cpl Murray Estes — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 02:22:19 -0400

I wore the same pair of boots I was issued in boot camp in 2008 until a couple of months before I deployed in 2013. Replaced the insoles once a year, ran multiple CFT's, boots and utes runs, and daily wear the entire time. They were Bates boots. I did have a separate pair for working parties though. Wore a set of steel toes that I wore once a week (the frequency of being on a working party) from sometime in 2010 until I deployed, and I went back to wearing them weekly after I got back.

Response by LCpl Stephen Tombs made Sep 11 at 2014 2:28 AM

LCpl Stephen Tombs — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 02:28:56 -0400

I'm still wearing, and have worn on a near daily basis, the boots I was issued at Parris Island in 2010. Nowhere near as long as some of the others here, but they're comfy and provide more support than tennis shoes do, with the added advantage of "I don't have to spend money on new footwear."

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Sep 11 at 2014 4:45 AM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 04:45:13 -0400

I remember when the Base General out at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii MCAS opened up choices of boots to include ANY Black Boots so long as they were 8-12 inches in height, laced up (no zipper shit), and I think there were 1-2 other requirements I cant recall atm...but the whole damn base went out buying up black Doc Martins. I had a pair that lasted me a total of 12 years...this included the last 2 in service, and were probably worn 40% of the rest of that time. Damn good boots. Maybe not suitable for all military activities though. (And this was early 90s when we still wore black)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 6:18 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:18:18 -0400

I've a pair of boots from my last deployment in 2011 that I still wear

Response by Cpl Adam Fisher made Sep 11 at 2014 7:32 AM

Cpl Adam Fisher — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 07:32:15 -0400

Hmm, I had a pair of Danner boots I purchase in the Marines wore those for close to my whole enlistment had to resole them once but man they were like pillows on my feet.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 11 at 2014 11:32 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:32:26 -0400

You mean you're supposed to throw away old boots.....? ;o)

Response by SPC(P) Angel Christopher made Sep 11 at 2014 3:50 PM

SPC(P) Angel Christopher — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:50:03 -0400

I wore a pair of cheap black combat boots bought from the surplus store (because I likes the green canvas fabric and lightweight feel of the boot) until the sole literally came off...from the front, lol

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Sep 11 at 2014 9:38 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:38:01 -0400

I still have a pair that I had made in Korea in 79. LOL

Response by 1SG Richard Trundy made Sep 12 at 2014 5:30 AM

1SG Richard Trundy — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:30:24 -0400

I use to burn through a pair of Jungle Boots in 6 months in the Ranger BN

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 11:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 23:00:03 -0400

Still wearing my pair from basic, they are not stained, and maintained, I also have my second pair from basic which have yet to be broken in. It seems that since moving to the hide boots maintenance is simply not being taught within IET, which among other things is creating the current age of army that lacks standards and discipline.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 8:24 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 08:24:18 -0400

I still have my winter boots from basic in 2008. I only stopped wearing them post deployment in 2012. Now I've retired them to my closet and replaced them with new issued winter boots.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Sep 13 at 2014 2:07 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:07:53 -0400

I still have the first pair I was issued 17 years ago.

They haven't been authorized for wear for the last 7, but I still have them.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Sep 15 at 2014 6:06 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:06:01 -0400

I inherited a pair of jungle boots that had three tours (39 months) on them. Salty gear was always cool. I put about another nine months on them and had planned to take them home, but they wouldn't let me. Those boots were BROKEN IN!

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 11:24 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 11:24:31 -0400

I'm still wearing the boots I was issued in 1984. They're not the most comfortable, hard soled, but have a good shine on them and can still do the job. I went through two pairs of Bates that had the soles wear out quickly on the non-skid.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 13 at 2014 11:27 AM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 11:27:29 -0400

I had my Danners for at least 5 years....but only wore them when it was cold, which was a few months a year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 12:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:33:24 -0400

I'm still wearing boots from my first tour in Iraq back in 2006....yikes

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 1:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:48:41 -0400

My boots from basic lasted my first deployment until I had to toss them because the soul was completely gone and I managed to get a couple of holes in them where you could see the sock

Response by SGT Kyle Totten made Oct 14 at 2014 1:31 PM

SGT Kyle Totten — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:31:31 -0400

Had a pair of German Army boot that I wore for around three years.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 8:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:19:55 -0500

I've had mine since Basic, almost 5 years ago.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 8:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:28:17 -0500

PO1 Private RallyPoint MemberIn my case, 5 years including a year in Afghani mountains.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 8:38 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 08:38:09 -0500

But I rotate between the 4 year old pair and a 2 year old pair of Oakley boots.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 6 at 2014 8:36 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 08:36:42 -0500

My first pair of Tanker boots, purchased in 1988, resoled in 1991 before I headed to Germany, wore them until the leather split along the seam of the toe (these were the cap toe and heel version like jump boots) and had to put them down in Korea in 1999, so just about 11 years on that pair.

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Nov 6 at 2014 11:40 AM

SFC Benjamin Parsons — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:40:24 -0500

Never paid any attention. Never owned any boots other than GI issue. Always had at least three pair - dying pair would be my 'field boots' until too uncomfortable/unwearable.
Usually had a 'dress up' pair for occasional use but as I rose in rank that seemed less and less important.
Don't get me wrong, I took care of my boots and kept them highly (brush) shined.
Seems to me I'd buy a new pair every year, year and a half or so.
Always broke them in Marine Corps style.

Response by Cpl Gregory Hajder made Nov 6 at 2014 11:50 AM

Cpl Gregory Hajder — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:50:35 -0500

I still wear my "cadilacs" I was issued in 1992. I wore out my Engineer boots in two years. I use to wear my "jungle" pair to play football instead of cleats.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 11:55 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:55:08 -0500

I wore my flight deck boots for about 5 years total. 3 years on the deck and kept them for a couple more years after my enlistment.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Nov 6 at 2014 3:45 PM

CSM David Heidke — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 15:45:00 -0500

I still have a pair of Corcoran jump boots from Military Clothing Sales at Fort McClellan AL. I bought them in Basic Training. Although I don't wear them in the Army anymore, I wear them when riding my motorcycle.

They were the only part of my uniform that was constant, and they feel like part of my feet 25 years later.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 6 at 2014 5:46 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:46:23 -0500

Still have a pair of jump boots from 1990 that I wear when in the ASU at the 101st, they have been resoled due to holes in the sole.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Nov 6 at 2014 8:56 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:56:54 -0500

January will make 29 years for these boots! And they were my 2nd pair of tanker boots! Around 2000, my wife threw out my old German Army Boots and last pair of jungle boots!!! :-(

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 6 at 2014 9:50 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:50:50 -0500

I first arrived in Germany in the fall of 87. We went straight to the field, with nothing more than basic issue boots and snow on the ground. Upon return I went to the Augsburg PX and bought a pair of cold weather Herman Survivors. I rotated them regularly, but always wore them in the field. They lasted more than 15 years and they finally wore out from the inside. They sucked for road marches, just too heavy.

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Dec 2 at 2014 9:38 PM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:38:36 -0500

Funny, in my job at the Post Office I walk 10-12 miles a day and go through more shoes (boots) than in the Marines, per year.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 11:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:46:59 -0500

I have a pair of Matterhorns that I love but can no longer wear in uniform because they are black. Bought them back in PLDC in 1998. I used them twice last week; once to shovel the driveway (they are still money in cold weather) and once over the weekend taking the kids sledding. Still going strong after 16 years of tough winter duty.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 1:05 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 01:05:13 -0400

I've been wearing the same pair of Bellvilles I got for my 2007 deployment to Iraq.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 1:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 01:06:37 -0400

had a pair for over 5 yrs before I had to toss them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 1:40 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 01:40:44 -0400

I've still got my black leather boys from basic in a box somewhere. But the real winner was a set of jungles I've had since 2000. I've had them resoled a few times. I can find an excuse to wear them two times a week.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 1:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 01:57:17 -0400

I had a pair (Black Boots) my dad gave me, he wore them to Dessert Storm. I wore them for 5 years but soles started to fail during Ranger School. I wore them through Airborne School. I was considering resoling them but we no longer wear black boots. They hang in my garage with my first Ranger tab pinned to the laces.

Response by SPC George Long made Apr 5 at 2015 2:19 AM

SPC George Long — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 02:19:30 -0400

The Mekong Delta and rot is hell on boots.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 2:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 02:33:31 -0400

I still have a pair of boots I wore in Basic Training. However, I do rotate between several pairs depending on field or garrison training.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 6:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 06:29:51 -0400

7 years and counting. I have them now for mainly field environment stuff, as the toes are lookin' dirty/scuffed, and as a commander, I don't wanna jump in front of formation with the rattiest boots in the company.

I finally had to retire my 1LT patrol cap about 12 months ago, and had that one for 4 years. Used it as a fly killer on a couple CSTXs, and through a single mob. Finally got to the spot where it was looking beyond "Well loved" and into "Should probably be disposed of in HAZMAT suits."
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Apr 5 at 2015 12:29 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:29:16 -0400

I still have my last pair of Jungle Fatigue boots from Vietnam, 1970, and I still wear them around the yard.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 12:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:44:08 -0400

Two years max, appearance is a big deal to me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 2:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 14:42:26 -0400

Maybe not grandpa's old jump boots but my oldest pair of Lowa's is going on to 12 years now.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 5 at 2015 2:47 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 14:47:43 -0400

I still have and wear a pair of my old (first enlistment) combat boots, they are much more comfortable than they were when first issued to me. the leather is still hanging in there, but the soles can tell me whether the penny on the ground is face up or face down.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 9:19 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 21:19:15 -0400

Only have three pairs of boots all issued.
1998-2007 issued black from basic worn when we all were in BDUs (in the closet, used when I have to wear blues)
2007-present issued sage basics for ABUs
2007-present tan desert basics (only worn during deployments but still good and comfy)

It may be that I am cheap or that the issued basic boots are pretty good boots and comfortable once broken in.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 6 at 2015 12:46 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 00:46:34 -0400

If the outsoles are still good, I replaced the insoles which I do on a regular basis. In fact, I have an extra pair at the house. Normally, I purchase the same boots over, and over again.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 6 at 2015 12:51 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 00:51:08 -0400

I did have some low quarter dress shoes for 7 years before I purchased new ones. Those are really scuffed up.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Apr 7 at 2015 8:49 AM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:49:09 -0400

I had a pair of Rocky SV2's, I started wearing in June of 2011, and I had to get rid of 'em in September of 2014 I got briefed to much for 'em. Apparently boots are supposed to look nice... Great pair of boots, I went out and got another set, they will last the remainder of my time in the military...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 4:24 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:24:33 -0400

I broke out the ol' BMT boots when I did some work in the field at OTS. I still have those pairs stashed in my closet at home.