Game in the Brain

One of the hardest to find:

• 8″ high (for ankle support, because this is the small bones and the first to give)
• Zippered – for easy lacing
• Waterproof! Always ask for this because this is an important feature and the price reflects it. Also not its easier to clean Waterproof shoes vs those that can absorb the dirty water ://
• Safety Shoe (designed to take a lot of damage in construction)
• Good Grip – sadly this is trial and error, so no way to tell except by anecdote. 

All these shoes are $100USD and up. To set a price benchmark the shoe has to be at least Waterproof. Many meet 8″ criteria, but many don’t offer some or all the features required. The only one that meets them all is the

5.11 has
ATAC STORM

• 8″ high (for ankle support, because this is the small bones and the first to give)
• Waterproof!
• Zippered – for easy lacing
• $130USD in the USA, plus $50 in the Philippines

ATAC Shield 

• 8″ high (for ankle support, because this is the small bones and the first to give)
• Zippered – for easy lacing
• Waterproof! 
• Safety Shoe (designed to take a lot of damage in construction)
• Good Grip -???
• $150USD, not available in the Philippines. 

Underarmor only has Waterproof Boots under their Speed Freek Line of Hunting Shoes. Their price is ok given the others. Expensive as Waterproof Boots go. 180USD for their Waterpoof Boots.

Rebok has tactical combat boots but it seems that its under the distributed

Nike has tactical boots but not waterproof and doesnt give you confidence looking at it. Definitely not Workshoe safe levels of protection. Not available in the Philippines and its not carried by the Nike store, it is exclusive to Patriot Gear.

Palladium Boots has waterproof 8″ boots, but its poorly stocked, its more for civilian wear than tactical – which is actualy a plus if you want to get your money’s worth. Price is comparable to

• Northface has a Philippine presence. Their waterproof hiking boots, the Chillkat II  is at 110USD.
• Rockport Boots are all civilian wear and extremely expensive. Their Trailbreaker Alpine boot is their Cheapest 8″ boot that is waterproof at 210USD. It llooks good though.
• Merrel has waterproof boots, more expensive than the others at 200USD with the Mattertal being their Toughest Boot.
• Cordura – Rocky – Cordura the durable Fabric Brand works with Rocky to produce Tactical Waterproof Boots

Gore-Tex – is for Waterproofing
Vibram – for sole durability while being able to flexible. Nike’s own Sole technology is competing with this.
YKK-Zipper – for durable zippers
Ortholite® –  Insole foam for comfort. Addidas insole is a competing technology.
Dont forget Ian’s Lacing Website. The Ideal Boot Lace is the Ladder Lace