Need a Boot Recommendation

I think I'm looking for a fucking unicorn, cause I can't find a boot that fits my criteria. I'm in search of a boot that is:

1. Lightweight
2. Under $100
3. Side-zip (prefereably)
4. Waterproof (optional)

in a style similar to this:

 

Under $100? That might be a problem for something decent. There's a few recent threads about boots.

I swear by www.danner.com but also have Double H, Chips, Mendle, Red Wing etc...

 

http://www.rockyboots.com/rocky-mens-outdoor-boots/

 

Under $100 is a hard sell. Spend at least $160 and you can get a REALLY nioce set of boots.

I love my Georgia Boots and Ariats

 

spend a little more and dont look back.

Also stay away from wellco.

 

Belleville boots FTW!!!

http://www.bellevilleboot.com/

 

I got some magnum boots for $110, side zip and water proof. Got them from a discount shoe place , super shoes i think

 

I have never had a pair of Keen's fail me, use them for work and hiking/outdoors, have had 9 pairs with no issue, and very comfy.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/wall/shoes/men/na/16,1449

 

I have gone through MANY boots in 17 years!! I will admit that I am a little bit cheap and go for the lower cost boots. I was a K9 handler for 11 years and NEEDED waterproof. I ran a lot too so I hated the big clunky boots like Bates, etc.. I have used Original SWAT brand boots for years and I really like them. they are water proof and you can get them for around $90. They are more shoe like than waffle tread too. That is my .02.

 

I'm with you on the Danners... for the most part. Their cheap chinese line has gotten pretty bad in the last few years. I have a pair of their Cabelas Elk Hunters. They have been pretty good, I only have probably 250-300 miles on them and they nubs are starting to come off the bottom.
I have heard awesome things about Meindl, but I tried 3 different sizes, 2 were too big, and one was too small. The break in was a nightmare which I knew about. But being 220 miles from the closest store that sold them I was tired of dealing with it. I ended up buying my Danners.
OP, if you can spend the extra money, you'll be happier in the long run.

 

Danners +1.

Spend the extra cash and don't look back.

 

Option 1: Jungies!

http://www.jungleboots.net/

Cheap, comfortable, speed laces almost make up for the lack of zip.
While not water-poof, it has the "well F* if the water is going past the tongue anyways, lets just dry faster" attitude


Option 2: Mk IIIs

http://sniperready.com/en/2597-cana...boots-mkiii-limited-quantities-and-sizes.html

little bit of a longer break in than normal, but ridiculously comfortable once broken in. Waterproof as long as they are taken care of, dry really fast, and if you hate laces, you can get them lace in zipper doo-dads.


I wear these two boots for everything. I've tried damn near every boot out there, and every other boot out there has some kind of padding crap inside the boot, forget that noise, I just want leather and a sole.

 

Here you go..

http://www.militaryboots.com/mens-magnum-8-viper-pro-wp

 

rockyboots are good

 

I used original swat for about 5 years. I liked them a lot better than the 5.11's that I switched to, even though they aren't too bad. I recommend getting a nicer set. You generally get what you pay for with boots. FWIW I had a zipper seam split on 5.11's and they were replaced no questions asked.

 

I have the Original SWAT boots pictured in the OP.
I like em, they feel nice, grip good, and take a beating.

 

look at sportsman guide catalogue there brand is called guide gear. I have a few pairs,not bad.sportsmanguide.com