View Full Version : Oakley Boots
Okay, Since Oakleys have been recommended for an urban enviroment, and since I live and work in at least a semi urban enviroment, I may need these boots. That being said, I do not know what one should pay for these boots, nor do I know the best place to find them. I understand that to a lowly civilian such as myself, nice, cutting edge gear is NEVER cheap. However, I would like to get the best deal possible. So, who has them for the best price?
And no, Cheaper than Dirt doesn't sell them.
NousDefionsDoc
03-23-2004, 15:14
What you should do is get CTD to set up as an Oakley dealer and set up a group buy on here. Our hook I got mine from is no longer available.
NDD, I'll see what I can do.
NousDefionsDoc
03-23-2004, 15:25
Good, I need some new shades.
Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
Good, I need some new shades.
Yeah, it's bad form to let your avatar have newer gear than you do:D
Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
Good, I need some new shades.
You still wear shades?:munchin
NousDefionsDoc
03-26-2004, 09:33
Of course, that way people can't see me squint when I try to read. LOL
lmao...I can see to read. It's the far away things I have problems with.
Those boots are the rage now. Are you going to fast rope with them? If not maybe think about another boot if you're trying to save money.
NousDefionsDoc
03-26-2004, 23:38
I like 'em better than my PF Flyers
18C3V-No fast roping at this time unless they pick up a surplus blackhawk and pilot here at the Dirt. I tried on the SI boots on Thursday, and they were very comfortable. More so than other boots that I have found. As for price, I have a tendancy to keep shoes in general and boots in particular for long periods of time, so if I get 5-6-8-10 years out of a $200 pair of boots, I come out better than If I had to buy a new $75-$90 dollar pair every 2-3 years. Just my .02, and thank you for your input.
rakkasan187
04-08-2004, 10:53
Originally posted by Air.177
18C3V-No fast roping at this time unless they pick up a surplus blackhawk and pilot here at the Dirt. I tried on the SI boots on Thursday, and they were very comfortable. More so than other boots that I have found. As for price, I have a tendancy to keep shoes in general and boots in particular for long periods of time, so if I get 5-6-8-10 years out of a $200 pair of boots, I come out better than If I had to buy a new $75-$90 dollar pair every 2-3 years. Just my .02, and thank you for your input.
Air...
If you are expecting to get long term use out of the Oakleys don't...because you won't. Don't get me wrong they are sweet but not worth 225.00. I recently got a pair and absolutely love them but mine are paid for from work. These things are like beefed up running shoes basically. I will be happy if I get 8-12 months out them from daily wear...
take care...
rak
BMT (RIP)
04-08-2004, 12:25
Damn boots @ $225.00 a pair!! HTF did we make it with $18.95 Cochrans and cheaper jungle boots!
BMT
SR FOG
NousDefionsDoc
04-08-2004, 12:27
Originally posted by BMT
Damn boots @ $225.00 a pair!! HTF did we make it with $18.95 Cochrans and cheaper jungle boots!
BMT
SR FOG
He's talking about dollars BMT, not wampum.:munchin
Got my tax return and found a $180 pair of tan Oakleys on the same day. Just picked them up from the post office. Thanks for the info everyone.
QuietShootr
04-12-2004, 19:20
Damn, man, you can order SIs for $75 and US mades for $125 through the military sales program...the Shooter's Pack glasses (3 lenses and a case) are only $100!
The Reaper
04-12-2004, 19:33
Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
He's talking about dollars BMT, not wampum.:munchin
Maybe he thought it was MPC, Scrip, or Piasters.
Let's not get them posting the bar chits again.
TR
Originally posted by QuietShootr
Damn, man, you can order SIs for $75 and US mades for $125 through the military sales program...the Shooter's Pack glasses (3 lenses and a case) are only $100!
NOW you tell Me!!!
Oh Well, You can't take it with you and I will just have to be satisfied that my squandered money went to funding some Chinese child's sweatshop experience :rolleyes:
The Reaper
04-13-2004, 10:15
Originally posted by Air.177
NOW you tell Me!!!
Oh Well, You can't take it with you and I will just have to be satisfied that my squandered money went to funding some Chinese child's sweatshop experience :rolleyes:
You seem to catch on pretty fast.
Must be in the genes. Good job AM.
TR
Yup, That's Me: Thouroghly Corrupted and loving it for 20 + years now
Roguish Lawyer
04-13-2004, 12:25
I got mine at the Oakley outlet store, and they were still $225. They must be in demand.
QuietShootr
04-15-2004, 00:02
I'll order them if two or three other folks want to get in on it to donate and defray the cost of MY pair.:D
SIs for $75, US for $125. Shipping we'd have to work out individually.
SERPENT5XX
04-18-2004, 07:08
Gentlemen,
I purchased several pairs of Oakley Boots prior to deploying. It is a long story how I ended up with so many pair, but here is my take on them.
There are two different versions. The made in a China version and the made in the Good Old US of A version. The US version has more suede construction especially on the toe and heel. The China version has plastic fabric in this area. There are two different colors of these boots. Black and Tan (not beer). They are alike except for the color but the tan boots reflect the same differences in construction between USA and China manufacture. How are they? These boots remind me of High-Tec or tennis-shoe style boots. Overall they are comfortable but not really durable for field use especially in rocky terrain. These boots are also pretty warm. My take is they are great for urban or garrison type wear. The cool factor is high and the chicks dig them. If I remember the price was $75 Military dealer for China Black, $95 for USA black and $95 for China Tan. I cannot remember how much the USA tan was.
If you want a boot that is comfortable in an urban environment try the Thorogood SEB boots. I have a pair that I have been wearing over here in addition to the Oakley boots and the Thorogood boots are almost as comfortable as the Oakley boots but are more durable. The SEBs also grips better on wet surfaces that the Oakley boots. The color is unique. It is an OD green-ish tan color.
Good luck and what ever you’all get, please give us some feedback on what you think of them.
Clay
QuietShootr
04-18-2004, 09:30
I was thinking about the Desert Acadias, too..but they look kind of heavy.
How are folks liking the regular issue boot?
NousDefionsDoc
04-18-2004, 12:47
serpent is correct. The Oakleys are designed and constructed to be an urban assault boot. The are designed to be worn on concrete. You should always have more than one pair of any boots and rotate them daily if possible. If you plan on making these your daily wear, I would suggest at least 3 pair. If you wear them for other than their intended purpose, you mileage will vary.
Roguish Lawyer
04-18-2004, 13:52
I have worn mine to work twice now. LOL
pbr549xxx
04-20-2004, 07:07
Originally posted by BMT
Damn boots @ $225.00 a pair!! HTF did we make it with $18.95 Cochrans and cheaper jungle boots!
BMT
SR FOG
See, the difference between you FOGs and us young guys is that we dont want the bad knees/backs when we retire. Tactical technology, expensive, but well worth it. If only I could get my wife to realize this LOL:D .
Roguish Lawyer
04-20-2004, 07:31
Originally posted by BMT
Damn boots @ $225.00 a pair!! HTF did we make it with $18.95 Cochrans and cheaper jungle boots!
BMT
SR FOG
$18.95 in 1968, adjusted for inflation through 2003, is about $100.
The Reaper
04-20-2004, 07:42
Originally posted by pbr549xxx
See, the difference between you FOGs and us young guys is that we dont want the bad knees/backs when we retire. Tactical technology, expensive, but well worth it. If only I could get my wife to realize this LOL:D .
If that is your concern, maybe you should consider a new line of work not involving rucking or jumping.
I really doubt that a set or three of Oakleys is going to make that much of a difference in your orthopedic health in the long run.
It is the activity, not the gear.
TR
I really like my Oakleys thus far(of course if I didn't like them, do you think I would admit it after what I paid) the rubbery plastic toes scratch easily but other than that and the lack of traction on wet ground, They're great.
Originally posted by Air.177
I really like my Oakleys thus far(of course if I didn't like them, do you think I would admit it after what I paid) the rubbery plastic toes scratch easily but other than that and the lack of traction on wet ground, They're great.
You want traction try out a pair of these http://www.aperfectdealer.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/scstore/p-MW746BR.html?E+scstore I just bought a pair from a "Just For Feet" store that was closing, got em for $49 too. :D These things stick like glue on wet pavement, even stick on wet painted concrete surfaces. Very nice, but they may be discontinuing them, I couldn't find the mens version on NBs website anymore.
pbr549xxx
04-23-2004, 07:24
Originally posted by The Reaper
If that is your concern, maybe you should consider a new line of work not involving rucking or jumping.
I really doubt that a set or three of Oakleys is going to make that much of a difference in your orthopedic health in the long run.
It is the activity, not the gear.
TR
Sir, my post was probably 90% humor and 10% bitching. I try to give BMT a hard time, he knows why :D .
Dont you think that there are preventive measures that go along with physical fitness and training that can help avoid injuries? Unfortunately, Im not so young that I dont already have the sore knees and back. But if I had a choice of Oakleys or Cochrans for foot marches Id choose the Oakleys. Of course, I wouldnt spend tnat much ona pair of boots.
zeroalpha
05-13-2004, 22:53
Hi All,
I see some names around here I know. Just registered...
I find the Oakley boots fantastic but they are rather expensive.
My biggest bitch with them is in the wet... they can be slippery little mo'fo's but worse than that theyre REALLY noisey when the soles are wet!
Like walking around on wood, vinyl or concrete after being outside in the wet... hard to be quiet and tactical when you can be heard for miles away! (Squeeaaakkkkkkk.......!)
Dont get my wrong, great boots (I'd love a tan pair but cant get them here - unless someones wants to send me some! ) lightweight, comfortable... just like a pair of combat Nikes :D
Just not the best in the wet!
zeroalpha
zeroalpha
09-16-2004, 06:37
Hey, Silly question maybe, but does anyone else have a pair of Oakley boots that are as noisey as hell when the soles get wet?
Ive had a pair for a while now and have tried various things suggested to me by shoes repair places, but the problem remains... when the sole gets wet it becomes very very noisey on certain floor coverings.
Anyone else have a similar problem and if so, have you solved it?
Cheers
Z :confused:
Mine do the Same thing, in addition to completely losing all traction as soon as you step onto a smooth wet surface. Unfortunately, I know of no way to prevent the noise.
zeroalpha
09-17-2004, 19:33
Yeah, you got it. I failed to add that when wet, the things become like rollerskates. Not a lot of fun when kitted up and running full arse up stairs after stepping in puddles!!
The Reaper
09-17-2004, 19:42
Gents:
Don't mean to butt in, but Oakley is a sunglasses company.
What did you expect from them in tactical boots?
TR
NousDefionsDoc
09-17-2004, 21:03
They're good boots, but there are limitations. The old Adidas they gave us squeaked like that too.
zeroalpha
09-18-2004, 00:34
Gents:
Don't mean to butt in, but Oakley is a sunglasses company.
What did you expect from them in tactical boots?
TR
Thats my point, they are damn good boots (for what they are made for)... yet the soles are simply lacking.
Very very good boots, but the soles are crap!
NousDefionsDoc
09-18-2004, 01:50
What would you do to fix them?
The Reaper
09-18-2004, 06:53
What would you do to fix them?
The logical answer would seem to me to be to use a different compound for the sole.
TR
Ambush Master
09-18-2004, 09:41
I bet that if they did a Zig-Zag razor slice pattern, like on Deck Shoes, it would tame them down.
I bet that if they did a Zig-Zag razor slice pattern, like on Deck Shoes, it would tame them down.
Maybe, but Deck shoes have pretty much flat soles so they have a lot of Surface area, these things have quite a few small bands of tread that are in contact with the ground. It couldn't hurt, but I don't think it would work as well as on deck shoes.
The Reaper
09-18-2004, 09:50
I bet that if they did a Zig-Zag razor slice pattern, like on Deck Shoes, it would tame them down.
That is called "siping", IIRC.
It is also done to tires.
TR
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 06:12
Actually its more of a clarification but do the SI boots have the logo/ patch on the side of the boots?
I'm about to order a pair but I can't use them for work if they have the logo/ patch on the side of them.
Thanks for any help.
Surgicalcric
02-02-2005, 07:06
Actually its more of a clarification but do the SI boots have the logo/ patch on the side of the boots...
Thanks for any help.
There is a black 'O' for Oakley (duh) on the lateral side near the top that is about 1-1/4" in diameter. Not very visible unless you are looking for it. There is also an inverted traingle in the medial side of the boot around the ankle area that is red and silver. This one is much more visible, but a little black paint would cover it right up.
HTH
Crip
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 07:42
Thanks Crip.
Are the Oakley Assualt Boots the ones with out the red and silver logo?
Did the department get rejected for Oakley product placement once before?
Surgicalcric
02-02-2005, 08:03
Thanks Crip.
Are the Oakley Assualt Boots the ones without the red and silver logo?
The assault boot has the logo.
That is the meidial side of the boot though. I would imagine it could be painted over or removed easily.
I cant believe they are $225.00 through Oakley. They have them at LCI on Pope AFB for $140.00.
Crip
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 08:40
Did the department get rejected for Oakley product placement once before?
Not sure I'm following you on this could you clarify?
The assault boot has the logo.
That is the meidial side of the boot though. I would imagine it could be painted over or removed easily.
I cant believe they are $225.00 through Oakley. They have them at LCI on Pope AFB for $140.00.
Crip
Crip,
I'm getting them a "different" way which is more reasonable then the $225.00 I could have sworn I saw some, somewhere on the internet that didn't have the red and silver logo. I guess I could try and remove the logo
Never mind, was trying to be funny. I have failed my mission.
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 11:08
Never mind, was trying to be funny. I have failed my mission.
No worries Huey, I work graves now so I miss humor about as much as I miss drinking beer at night.
Surgicalcric
02-02-2005, 11:18
Crip,
I'm getting them a "different" way which is more reasonable then the $225.00 I could have sworn I saw some, somewhere on the internet that didn't have the red and silver logo. I guess I could try and remove the logo
The only ones I have ever seen have the logo on them. Maybe one of the other QP's who have more experience with them will chime in with their knowledge.
Sorry I cant be further help.
Crip
Smokin Joe
02-02-2005, 21:08
Well I just heard from my source they do make a set without the logo but you have to get them through the Oakley Mil/Gov program. All the other ones are the "civilian" model and have the logo.
Not a QP, but mine do not have the Logo. Only a bronze colored "O" on the outside of the boot, right above the ankle. I purchased mine (desert tan) from somedamnbody on Ebay in april, before the tan ones even showed up in Oakley's catalog. The prices are steadily dropping, and if you have a choice, buy from an Authorized dealer so you can file for warranty repair/replacement WHEN they break down (notice I didn't say "If")
Rotor Strike
02-04-2005, 14:02
I have the Black US Made Mil Boots and they do not have any Logo at all. They squeek like hell, though. Unless you can convince Erick to get Oakley to change sole material, you are just going to have to live with it. It's fine for my needs.
I have been wearing them on duty now for almost a year and they are without a doubt the best. I recently got "stuck" out for most of the night and my feet stayed warm and cozy. They feel like high quality running shoes. Anyone else wear them ?
zeroalpha
03-08-2005, 04:36
Well I just heard from my source they do make a set without the logo but you have to get them through the Oakley Mil/Gov program. All the other ones are the "civilian" model and have the logo.
Correct. The Mil issue ones do not have the logo, the 'civvie' ones do... No difference as far s I can tell between them, aprt from the little logo on the inside as described before.
zeroalpha
03-08-2005, 04:54
They feel like high quality running shoes. Anyone else wear them ?
Yeah, I have both the Black leather and also the Tan ones. I find the black leather gets quite soft after a while and does lose some of its umm 'tightness' around the foot. Not too much of an issue for me as I have a narrow foot, so I can just tighten the laces up a little more. They do seem to expand when worn for maybe over 10 hours at a time however. Basically the leather seems to stretch.
The Tan ones aren’t as comfortable as the leather IMO, as they are suede and canvas (?). The canvas doesn’t seem to free up all that much, (compared to the leather) so they are a little harder on the feet. Although they do wear in ok I found that the toe and heal areas don’t loosen up and if you walk some distance in them you do tend to get sore feet as compared to the black leather ones.
As described, they are really just like a running shoe that’s a boot. Very light and very comfortable when wearing them for long periods (Black Leather). The leather ones do make your feet stink however!
ALSO, the only REAL fall back on these things is the soles... they have bugger all traction in the wet (I have arsed over on more than one occasion because the soles were slightly wet and I was on a smooth surface) and are also VERY noisy when wet / damp on most smooth surfaces (concrete, tiles, vinyl etc) If you need a boot for covert entry, and it never rains where you are, then they are all good.... however if your feet may get wet, expect to be heard before seen.
I’ve also found that the soles are starting to wear out a little and the tread is disappearing. This of course is due to wear and not much you can do about it. (I’ve had my black ones for maybe 18 months and the tan for a little less than a year)
All over, as long as you take into account the rubber sole noise issue when purchasing, they are a pretty good and comfortable boot. I wouldn’t rate them in the real hard bush or mountain environment however, more light duty / urban type would be to go. (I haven’t worn the in a really harsh environment)
Would I buy them again? – Possibly, however I do like the look (and the reports) of the new BATES boots. So id have to look hard at them before going back to the Oakleys.
Just my thoughts.
zeroalpha
Roguish Lawyer
03-22-2005, 20:59
Just sat next to the COO of Oakley for 6 hours from LAX to JFK. Told him I love the boots as long as its not wet -- he was aware of the issue. They are coming out with a new boot, but not for military.
I did explore a group buy of shades with him, but got nowhere. :D
As I read over the posts in this thread it appears that some of you may not be aware of your entitlement to discounted pricing directly from Oakley’s government program. I have recently acquired the information on my brothers behalf (he's a bit busy having just completed SUT) and would be happy to pass it along with the associate price sheets. This pricing is available only to the military folks so please use it accordingly as misuse may jeopardize the continuation of the program for those who would most benefit from it.
As an example
The assault boots are $125.00
The half jacket shades are $50.00 non-polarized and $75.00 polarized.
If you need me the pricing sheets (I have them for glasses, accessories and boots) feel free to email me directly at azmogul@direcway.com. No gimmicks here and I don't work for Oakley, just trying to pass along a good thing
Cheers
I tested the tan oakley boots I bought in Bangkok in a sports store for a crazy US$290 and used it after training in them last summer on a 225km march on tar sealed roads and on gravel, and thru palm oil estates and through jungle on the sandakan-ranau deathmarch memorial and the boots were extremely comfortable BUT I must agree they dont last...
They were certainly meant for use in an urban setting and for organizations that actually buy the boots for the tropps or staff...
The soles wore down over the distance and tears from the gravel started ripping the sides of the boots...
Also got tendinities of the feet which was a killer as I still had 80KM to go and that was the last 2 days....that was a painful experince...
NousDefionsDoc
11-25-2006, 05:44
Silly wabbits, why would anyone wear assault boots to road march?
Silly wabbits, why would anyone wear assault boots to road march?
Cause they is better than leather boots in the humidity and heat of North Borneo...and they breath alot better than leather boots..:)
Less blisters..or so the theory goes....but I switched to my old salomon shoes on the last two days of the last 80KM's because of the tendinities in the feet. The aussie soldiers on the march all wore combat leather boots or desert tan boots and also suffered bad bad blisters...the heat and the leather just dont mix in Borneo..and the humidity takes its toll on the feet..
Links:
Picture 1: me and an "escort" on the last leg of the march near the town of ranau
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2403/deathmarch2205ol1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Picture 2: The feet on day 7...falling apart some-what
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9817/deathmarch2045ix4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
But it was a good experince...
As far as getting a government discount. All I had to do was fax them a copy of my present contract and they gave me the Government discount. Not just limited to Military. Any Anti Terrorism/GWOT can get you the discount. Just have to prove that you are working in that capacity and you have to call. You are limited to the amount you can buy. Think it was two pairs of boots and two pairs of glasses.
Kraut783
11-25-2006, 17:40
You can go to the listed web link and register for an account for govt. rates.
www.USstandardissue.com
:)
CATAtonic426
11-26-2006, 14:08
As far as getting a government discount. All I had to do was fax them a copy of my present contract and they gave me the Government discount. Not just limited to Military. Any Anti Terrorism/GWOT can get you the discount. Just have to prove that you are working in that capacity and you have to call. You are limited to the amount you can buy. Think it was two pairs of boots and two pairs of glasses.
All they wanted from me was a faxed copy of my mil ID & some contact info. I've already got 3 pr. of sunglasses, no boots, but I haven't heard about any limits. They have everything on their website now, as listed above, you can register & place orders there.
All they wanted from me was a faxed copy of my mil ID & some contact info. I've already got 3 pr. of sunglasses, no boots, but I haven't heard about any limits. They have everything on their website now, as listed above, you can register & place orders there.
Sounds like they are providing better service. I am a contractor and when I had to send my contract it was two years ago. She never mentioned a specific limit. But She made the point that they didn't want people selling them on their own. Sounds good that they are squaring the Military away a lot easier
I had a couple pair of the first edition 6" Oakley boots for the last tour in Afghanistan.
They lasted about 3 months each, before the lining and soles were falling apart.
I just talked to a friend who got the new version of the 8" boots, and says they are a ton better. He commented on the inside of the boot being put together much better than the 1st edition as well as the overall feel of the boot being of much better quality.
I went ahead and ordered a pair for myself to check out.
Yurk
CATAtonic426
12-01-2006, 21:27
Don't know if y'all have taken this into account, but there were two versions of the old "Assault" boots, one made here and one made overseas. According to the site, all the new boots are being made CONUS.