A Guerrilla’s Experience in Boot Selection

Originally appeared on Brushbeater. -NCS

I was sorting through some old stuff cleaning out a building- an odd collection of crap, mostly junk, from a stack of toughboxes holding my old gear from sometime in between deployments to the middle east. Its crazy just how much junk one bubba can collect, how you instantly are reminded of certain thoughts and feelings when you last used whatever it was, but most important, you come back to old gear with a different perspective.

Digging up a tattered old copy of Aukai Collins’ book My Jihad I had that feeling. Its been a couple of years since I last read it and that copy sits on my bookshelf. But this copy is different. Its a hard cover and was given to me by a pubic affairs guy I was drinking buddies with way back when, who knew Aukai through Robert Young Pelton’s Dangerous Places forum and had stuck up a friendship after living in southern Arizona near him. Back then I was fascinated by the story of a guy who, probably as a product of a rough upbringing and a renegade attitude against the world, converted to Islam in a California youth prison and took up arms in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and then Chechnya. Despite the religious aspect, he didn’t go fight for anything other than himself. He just didn’t know it at the time. And maybe that was the part that intrigued me the most. The story sounded familiar then and far more so now.

Even still, Aukai’s story is a telling one. despite his bungling across eastern Europe and Central Asia culminating in the Caucasus, its full of valuable lessons for a anyone reading it. It is a brutal yet entertaining tale of lessons learned in an asymmetric conflict. A big one is footwear. A man can go without a lot of things but proper footwear is the one thing that will either keep you going in miserable conditions or make you miserable in decent ones. And as anyone who’s trained with me knows, what’s on my feet is what I’ll always recommend.

Aukai died four years ago, but he left an interesting blog behind from about twelve years ago that I skimmed through after dusting off that old copy of My Jihad. And funny enough, he wrote about boots in one of the first posts.

For those of you browsing my website or blog who hail from the San Diego County area I have an interesting side note for you. In my book I mentioned that during one of my original adventures overseas I had to hike up a steep, muddy ravine that would allow us to by pass one of the bad guy’s firebases. This turned into an all night ordeal, hiking/crawling up steep ravines in the dark and mud. Upon exiting the ravine this was followed by another hike through a thick muddy field until we crossed the border and realitive safety.

Our guide took us to the first of a series of safe houses. Keeping with the local custom we took our boots off before entering the “home” (it was actually a man and his wife and four children living in a Conex shipping container because their house had been blown into a pile of rubble). My associates that had made the trek with me took of their wet boots caked in mud and then their socks had to come off also because these too were soaked. Although there were far greater problems to come during the war, like for example out of the four associates who had made the muddy trek with me that night, I am the only one left alive, at that moment soaking wet cold feet with blisters seemed to be quite a catastrophe.

I on the other hand was in relative luxury. My feet were bone dry and didn’t have a blister on them. I actually said a silent little thank you to the man that had sold me my beautiful Danners. My feet would continue that way on through the rest of the war until the day shrapnel from a POM-50 directional mine would tear through the boots like swiss cheese making holes in my legs that would eventually lead to the amputation of the right one.

https://aukaicollins.blogspot.com/2008/05/boots.html

Sounds awful familiar. Experience may be a cruel mistress but she is a good teacher. Danner is good to go and a pair of Elk Hunters are what’s on my feet as I type this. But then again I also have former Marine Raiders who brings a deer he killed in the back of his truck to my Alumni weekend and am trying to find time to get in the woods to kill my own this year…so it shouldn’t come as a shock.

Spend the coin and get a good pair of boots- its the lone deficiency that you can’t make up for in other ways in the field.

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About the Author: NC Scout

NC Scout is the nom de guerre of a former Infantry Scout and Sergeant in one of the Army’s best Reconnaissance Units. He has combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He teaches a series of courses focusing on small unit skills rarely if ever taught anywhere else in the prepping and survival field, including his RTO Course which focuses on small unit communications. In his free time he is an avid hunter, bushcrafter, writer, long range shooter, prepper, amateur radio operator and Libertarian activist. He can be contacted at [email protected] or via his blog at brushbeater.wordpress.com .

22 Comments

  1. Anonymous December 8, 2020 at 06:25

    5

  2. Anonymous December 8, 2020 at 08:04

    4

  3. Rooster December 8, 2020 at 08:07

    Of the hundred or so boots on that link what do you recommend? Or better yet what qualities do you want(comfort, waterproof, arch support, ankle support, waterproof, laces or not, suede or not, type of sole, leather upper) in footwear. My work boots break down at the sole and the inside bottom at the wear spots every couple years. I just replace them for $100 and keep truckin. I know this a subjective issue an am curious how everyone else uses or preserves their foot ware. As an example, my friend runs 2 pair and alternates because his feet STANK if he doesnt and that works for him. Is Danner the preferred example here?
    R

    • NC Scout December 8, 2020 at 08:43

      Definitely the Reckonings.

    • Johnny Paratrooper December 8, 2020 at 09:25

      Your friend needs to scrub his feet. I recommend a stiff bristle brush and a 150 grit sanding block.
      His shoes will wear better and his back, knees, and ankles will not ache as much.

    • StormN December 8, 2020 at 11:37

      For years I have sprayed the inside of all my footwear with Odor-Eaters Antifungal Spray powder with great, long-lasting success. Although I don’t have a bad odor problem I recommend slathering your feet, especially between your toes, with sanitizer in gel form. Done regularly will eventually kill almost all the very tough odor-causing bacteria that’s hiding in one’s skin and survives bathing. Also for years I have used sanitizer on my ‘pits (yes, and occasionally, my nostrils!) with great success also. I don’t feel it burn my armpits at all ANYMORE. Well, my nostrils a little but why, you ask? Because the nostrils are part of the deadly triangle of infection. I have a hunch you all will understand and appreciate this.

      • StormN December 8, 2020 at 11:41

        It’s also dangerous to pull the hair out of the top of one’s nose and in one’s nostrils -shave and trim, guys.

      • wwes December 8, 2020 at 12:41

        Putting some warm water and a SMALL amount of bleach in a washtub and soaking your feet for 20 minutes once a week will get rid of all the nasty stuff after a while too. Just don’t put too much bleach, or your feet will get a chemical burn, a lot like a sunburn.
        Some plain deodorant wiped on your socks every morning helps a lot with odor too. And if you are somewhere that you cannot take a bath or shower, putting a little rubbing alcohol on a washcloth and wiping down with that helps a lot to get rid of body oils and odor. I think it works much better and makes you feel much fresher than just a wet washcloth.

      • SOG December 8, 2020 at 13:05

        while at Parris Island Boot Camp that year a ton of recruits got skin infections MRSA,Cellulitis and some other shit i cannot think of. to keep my skin clean even after a 2 minute PT shower i would sneak off and rub my whole body down with purell, it burned and i mean everywhere but i never got skin infections or rotten feet, gold bond also went in boots after each day, and in socks,

        hibicleanse is also a great antimicrobial for skin

        • Johnny Paratrooper December 8, 2020 at 13:51

          LMAO. Funny stuff. I used to rub hand sanitizer in my eyes when I had pink eye. Burned like hell, but I avoided getting quarantined by the DS. Quarantines get recycled. F’ that. I would rather rub hand sanitizer in my eyes. Hurt like hell.

  4. Johnny Paratrooper December 8, 2020 at 08:09

    Real talk on the boots. Quality socks are also important.
    This book sound interesting. I alway love hearing about other peoples stories during the war. Good or bad, I enjoy a story well told.

  5. Coyyote December 8, 2020 at 08:25

    Danner and Lowa were my goto until I discovered Kenetrek a few years ago. Like Danner they have their own resoling department which over time blunts the initial cost of these tier 1 boots.

  6. American Yeoman December 8, 2020 at 09:23

    I’ve worn Danners for years, the only complaint I have is they are heavier than some others. LA Police Gear had closeout Marine RAT boots made by Bates several years ago for $29 a pair, I bought 6 pairs for the boys and I and as spares.They have been very good boots and the price was certainly right. In socks, which to me are almost as important I wear Darn Toughs. Expensive but you can find some deals on Ebay if you aren’t so caring about color etc….I had one set mauled by a new puppy- sent them back, they sent me a new pair. You can’t beat that kind of warranty! Puppy Proof!

  7. David Lawrence December 8, 2020 at 10:12

    I have a pair of high top Navy issue boots I got off a guy who returned from Al Assad. Tan top, Gortex label inside, Vibram sole. Didn’t think to note manufacturer until label worn out. I have had heels put on three times and had them resoled once (I have had them 6 or 7 years and put on quite a few ruck miles every year – 770 so far this year). Tops are still in good condition. So my point – I like them. Anyone know who might have made them?

    • NC Scout December 8, 2020 at 10:27

      Probably was Bates or Altama.

  8. James December 8, 2020 at 10:48

    I got a pair of Danners when me grandfather died,he probably bought em in the 70’s and I got em in the late 90’s,doubt he wore them more then a few times(grandfather was a boot collector ,probably had 20 pairs) and I break em out for a walkabout once or twice a year to keep em formed to me feet,tough ass boots but heavy mothers!I cleaned the home from top to bottom during remodel for me uncle,as grandfather was a 20 year man with WW2 and Korea under his belt found a few stashed uniforms/medals ect.,did not find a footlocker with a say 1911 and M-1 sadly.I also found a lot of journals of his times in the war which was interesting reading and a great gift for his son(also a 20 year man).

    I like the tough socks warranty,reminds me of the Vortex story where a guys truck burned to the ground with a set of their binocs in it,they couldn’t replace the truck but did replace the guys binocs,best cheapest advertising ever!

  9. SOG December 8, 2020 at 11:24

    i left a pair of Danner RAT boots in NC leaving the Corps regret it alot!

  10. Ugly Dan December 8, 2020 at 12:45

    Some thoughts from just a guy who likes to hike

    Always recommended to size up your boots, particularly to get extra room in the toe box. The other is to try the boots on before you buy and when trying on, see if you can simulate walking down hill to see if your heel stays put. Toe slap is a son of a bitch.

    Right now I’m running a pair of lightweight La Sportivas, a stout pair of Mammuts, and an insulated pair of Oboz. Each have their place and use.

    Don’t get confused with mountaineering boots, which are not the same as hiking boots as they have stiffened soles for use with crampons. When hiking you end up walking like frankenstein. Don’t bother with them unless you are bagging summits. Though some hiking boots, like the Mammuts, have some stiffness and can accommodate crampons. Something worth thinking depending on your area.

    Leather outers need treated. And you should dry your boots if at all possible between use. Some boots like the Mammuts can be resoled. But won’t be worth a damned without maintenance. Something to think about.

    Boots are one of those things you can damn near by a lifetime supply of, though one should take in account that your shoe size tends to increase as you age.

    Also, merino wool socks. Darn Tough recommended. Hell, merino wool everything if you can afford it. Shit is magical.

    Gaiters can be great.

  11. Publius December 8, 2020 at 13:15

    I recently purchased the Danner Reckoning (Hot) on NC Scout’s recommendation. They are the best footwear I’ve ever wore. It’s hard to imagine that a boot would have the comfort, support and breathability that supersedes a running shoe while providing more grip, stability and durability than “hiking” boots. Hiking in the Appalachian mountains, check! Slogging through the swamps of NE Florida, Check! Feet dry and comfortable, 10-4! Thank you for the great recommendation for a quality US made boot.

  12. SVS December 8, 2020 at 17:08

    High quality boots are worth it if you’re covering some serious miles. I run Lowa over Danner, mainly because my foot is shaped a certain way and that brand just fits my foot better. I take out the insole and overlay my foot to find the boot that fits my shape the best.

    I also run gaiters for off-trail hikes. It keeps the bugs out, helps me bust through brush and has saved me from wet feet more than once. I’ve crossed streams up to my calves (quickly) and stayed dry. Avoiding wet feet alone is worth it.

    Camp shoes are also a big part of my boot system. Thowing on a pair of Crocs after a long day is a special feeling, and it lets you air everything out.

  13. StormN December 9, 2020 at 10:29

    I have a pair of cheap zippered RG tactical boots from Big 5 Sporting Goods. Yea, I know. I’m not combat ready. Too bad I can’t show you a photo of how I have mod’ed them. I know y’all would appreciate it. Of the half dozen people I have invited to look at my boots (as I was wearing them) only one took me up on it and only because I almost begged him to; insisted, actually. It was quite satisfying to see the pleased look on his face when I showed him. So now you can understand why I am posting this.

    I use 2 laces on each boot. The top half and the bottom half. That’s it in a nutshell. Reflect on the reasoning which I will explain later.

    In my case, the top half is bungee cord (looks just like paracord but stretchy, of course). It is permanently tied. In my case I skip the middle pair of eyelets. The bottom half is regular shoe lace, but short, of course.

    If I had the expensive tactical boots with a curved zipper, I would use bungee cord on both halves, permanently tied. This way I could simply zip my boots on and off. No tying of shoe laces. Fast and easy. I carry a pair of cheap slip-ons in my ready-bag to rest my puppies in and rest or dry-out my boots and the end of the day. I got this idea from ‘Shots Fired in Anger’ where the author explains how the Jap soldiers did this in WWII.

    So why skip the middle pair of eyelets and why 2 halves? I heard how you can tell an experienced combat veteran by the lack of hair on the bottom half of his legs from his boots chafing as he crouched so much. Selco (One Year in Hell) said that he hated military boots because they made it near impossible for him to crouch for long periods of time as he almost crawled his way everywhere at night – sneakers solved the problem but were little protection from unseen sharp objects on the ground. I understand that veterans reduce(d) this problem by wearing their boots looser as a compromise. But that can still create blisters and allow some water and dirt to get in.

    By having both halves separate you can have the bottom tied tight and the top half looser allowing for crouching and no blisters. The bungee cord further allows for the snug flexibility on the top half which, as explained, is looser. This will keep more water and crap out. The expensive boots with both halves bungee’d is, of course, the best because it has even the further benefit of allowing quick taking off and putting on of boots. This way you won’t feel the need as much to sleep for hours with your wet, stinky boots on. OK guys, show me some love. I’m begging.

  14. VoorTrekker December 9, 2020 at 12:25

    When I was in the National Guard Infantry I would get wicked blisters at every annual training event. Took a few years before my feet learned how to survive. Lanolin or cocoa butter on the feet with waterproof tape over the “hotspots” pre-ruck out. Calf high queen size nylon stockings and then a good pair of thick wool socks, merino if available. Ample amount of foot powder when on a road march.

    Socks wore out quickly. Danner’s are the best IMHO, Bates and Belleville come in second tied. I have a pair of Danner civilian combat style boots with nylon uppers and they are a bit like Rocky’s, I’ll need to put a piece of foam at that crease.

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