View Full Version : GSG9s
I have been hearing about these boots since I was a little kid reading/memorizing the U.S. Cavalry Catalogs. A bunch of the guys I shoot three gun with love them and recommended them to me enthusiastically. I finally found the pair I wanted, something that none of my buds could possibly have (keeping up with the Joneses and all). I am now the proud owner of a pair of "Jungle Green" Adidas GSG9s and they are every bit as good, and probably better than my Oakleys.
Disclaimer:
I am only endorsing these boots as a CIVILIAN who spends a little time running around on a CIVILIAN range shooting matches. I am not claiming that these boots are Excellent, Adequate or Acceptable for 20 mile ruckmarches because I DO NOT KNOW. For day to day general purpose urban footwear, they are working great so far. Take this endorsement for what it is worth -Roundabout what you paid for it-
That being said, They seem to have better traction than the Oaks, they have more toe room on top, and they have better Arch support. They are also MUCH QUIETER on all surfaces I have tried them on than the Oakley are, wet or dry.
And before you ask, no, I didn't have to chase the Leprechaun very far to get his shoes.
NousDefionsDoc
06-14-2005, 18:59
Come back in 6 months and tell us how much you like them.
Come back in 6 months and tell us how much you like them.
Will do. I take it you've had bad experiences?
NousDefionsDoc
06-14-2005, 19:07
I had a pair or five issued. All the leather came off the uppers. On the bright side, I now have a very expensive pair of PT shoes for the Poodle/Manhole 4 Mile Invitational.
Basenshukai
06-15-2005, 07:36
Whenever an "End-Of-Year" buy comes around (spending the last bit of Uncle Sam's money before the fiscal year ends), the guys all want "Oakley Boots". I think part of the reason is the tendency to want to look different than the "regular" Army guys. Other than that, they are pretty comfortable but most guys price them so much that they are afraid to punish the boots like they are meant to be punished.
That being said, I have two types of boots that I use a lot: one pair of Magnum Hi Techs and several pairs of regular issued boots. The Magnum Hi Techs is what I use for CQB and I have had them for five years now (yep, the same pair). True, I clean and condition the leather often, but I also beat the heck out of them. They have sped through the "fatal funnel" when the path was covered with splintered wood, broken glass, screws and nails. I have kicked furniture out the way with them, climbed fences and even fast roped with them.
The regular issued ones have never failed me either. If they are properly fitted, they do just as good, if not better than the more expensive "Gucci" types. Plus, they didn't cost me a thing. And the Magnums, well, they cost less than if I bought a new pair of "issued" boots and they have lasted through a lot.
So, in the end, I wonder why the whole thing with the "Gucci" boots. I remember that everyone wanted the GSG9 boots a while back because the "Boys Behind the Fence" had them. Since they fall apart all the time, mostly they sit in a locker until someone has to conduct a HALO jump. Now, the Oakleys are popular because, "I can wear them, and you can't." Still, as the team is currently fat with gear, if the extra money comes down our way, we are buying 12 pair of Oakley boots for the fellas. And, only because we can't allow the HALO team next door to get them first! :D
I agree with NDD on the GSG 9s, Had 3 pair of GSG 9s. Wouldn't use them for long walks. I use the pair I have now for when I mow the lawn. Used a pair of Rocky's (not sure which model) on a 14 miler in Haiti January 2004. I wish I had them during SFAS. No problems, no blisters, lightweight, and comfortable. I will have a pair of Oakleys when someone gives me a pair. :D
Brother Rat
06-16-2005, 14:33
I found a pair that appear to be almost direct copies in many ways of the GSG9's, but made by Bates. I have a pair of Bates ICBs that I use for rucking, and the quality is excellent, especially considering the comparitively low price. I'm not sure about these, but my Bates have always been good to me.
http://www.discountedboots.com/site/604790/product/2145
zeroalpha
06-16-2005, 19:33
Weve been using the Oakleys - Both Black leather and Desert canvas/suede/rubber jobs.
The leather black ones are comfortable, and light. But theres the sold noise issue in the wet. All over a pretty good boot that would FAR better if the soles had better grip and didnt have the 'wet sole problem' - noise and slipperyness.
The deserts again are light, comfortable BUT - have found that they dont really "wear in" even after a lot of miles. The upper stays very hard and doesnt mold to the foot as well as leather. Also, have found the the soles on the Oakley Deserts are starting to split a little under the ball of the feet. Oh, and they have the same wet sole problem. No grip and really noisey. Ive also had a pair split on the suede just above the joint of my big toe. Its not a big split, only may 4mm but its still has split or ripped and will probably get bigger amd bigger. Oh - And Oakley WOULD NOT REPLACE THEM - They said they couldn't tell what had happened to them....
Have also used the GSG9's - Hey they WERE the cool boot. Quite similar to the leather Oakleys, but for some reason they really made my feet stink. They are lightweight and IMHO more of an urban boot that a rocks/ruck hard out boonies boot. Mine wore out and I went to the Oakleys.
I have a pair of Bates M9's on the way.... judgement reserved until at least 200 miles.
Update,
OK, I have been wearing these nearly every day since I got them. they have held up much better than the Oakleys have, but do still share some of the same weaknesses. The soft rubber soles have very little wet traction, and also wear rather quickly outdoors. Other than that, I love them. They have canvas sides and suede-type toes and heels, so they aren't as shiny as the standard black ones, neither are they water proof. No peeling as of yet, except a couple of chunks of rubber from the toe areas. By and large, I am very happy with these boots and am actually looking for another pair.
Good times,
Blake
aestreet
06-05-2006, 23:42
While on an entry team. I wore the GSG9's for about 6 months. They look cool, and they are the most comfortable boots I've had, but when your trying to be sneaky on an entry, they can be squeaky in the humidity, pretty decent traction on grass, and nice for climbing compaired to jungles, but I have noticed the soft rubber bottoms start to come off, and they wear like crazy, I started putting kiwi on them before entries to cut back on the squeak.
x SF med
06-06-2006, 07:31
I'll have to agree with Basenshukai - I'm partial to the HiTec Magnums, and for really extreme terrain my issued Chips (heavy, but mine are over 20 years old, never been resoled, and amazingly comfortable) and my old leg boots for day to day stuff, I still have an old pair of issued brown goretex boots but the soles are way too slick if there is even just a little rain.
Too bad I have to dress like a corporate clone now and only wear the boots when I can make it to the trails or the wx is really bad.
Hey, if Paul Bremmer can wear desert boots with his suit, surely you can wear Chips or Magnums with yours. ;)
x SF med
06-06-2006, 09:16
Razor,
I wish, but after all those years in group, if I wore boots with my suit, I'd blouse them, and that really ain't gonna fly in medical diagnostics. Plus, the old motto - dress for the terrain- has to come first.
NousDefionsDoc
06-06-2006, 11:38
I am wearing the Bates Spiders now. Only two days so far, but GTG.
x SF med
06-06-2006, 11:54
NDD-
do you have to break them in the old fashioned way - a tub of hot water, a 10 mile ruck march, and stuff them with newspaper for a day? then do it again 3 days later - and you got boots that really fit - after the blisters heal, because the benzoin just melts in the water....
NousDefionsDoc
06-06-2006, 11:57
Naw, they're GTG right out the box.
x SF med
06-06-2006, 12:05
Takes all the fun out of new boots........
skipjack
06-15-2006, 19:46
I have a pair of "Original Duty" desert boots (bought them at Yadkin Boots), they make a SWAT version as well, but I'm not sure what the difference is. Anyway, so far they have brought me through Phase II, SERE and almost through Phase III, so far. Love them! Other than not being water proof, I have no problem with them. They are light and very comfortable, right out of the box. I heard the Bates are very comfortable as well, I'll have to try those as well.
-skipjack
When I was looking for new boots last year or so I was told by several PJ/CRO buddies that the GSG9s were squeaky and slippery on wet surfaces, as well as not holding up well.
I saved $$ and got what I think are great boots in the 5.11 HRTs. Having been assigned to a HQ job though, they have not yet seen field work. Just my .02.
NousDefionsDoc
06-16-2006, 19:23
Every pair of boots I've ever had have squeaked and/or slipped on wet linoleum.
Basicload
06-17-2006, 04:57
I have never seen green GSG-9's. Anyone have a vendor/link/price?
I like the idea of a non-leather GSG-9 for urban desert work.
NousDefionsDoc
06-17-2006, 07:18
I have never seen green GSG-9's. Anyone have a vendor/link/price?
I like the idea of a non-leather GSG-9 for urban desert work.
I've heard people talk about it, but never any one that has seen them first hand. I think it was either a unit buy or is urban legend.
Basicload
06-17-2006, 12:21
I remember how I felt when I found out that there was no Santa. It felt kind of like this.
:(
I had the same problems with the GSG9'S. The rubber started to peel away in less then a year and they are very hot. Most important the price is outrages. Mine were issued. There are so many more high quality boots out there at reasonable prices. My latest is the Blackhawk Warrior Wear. Been using them for a month and GTG so far. When ordering from Oakley remember anyone in the Military, LEO or working for any Anti Terrorism organization gets a discount. Last time I ordered from Oakley I Faxed them a copy of my last contract and received about 30% off. This was a year ago. Don't know if they still do it. Most gear companies have this policy but don't advertise it. You have to ask. Anytime you do a contract always ask for some type of letter Head stating your employment. Some Contracts have sensitive info on them you don’t want people to see.
NousDefionsDoc
06-17-2006, 18:32
I remember how I felt when I found out that there was no Santa. It felt kind of like this.
:(
LOL
Ssssh, The Ranger Regiment CSM isn't really God.....
Brother Rat
06-17-2006, 21:34
I have never seen green GSG-9's. Anyone have a vendor/link/price?
I like the idea of a non-leather GSG-9 for urban desert work.
Here's a link. They're on eBay pretty often, mostly from the UK.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ADIDAS-GSG9-F-JUNGLE-LIFESTYLE-BOOTS-TRAINERS-UK-6_W0QQitemZ5480328421QQihZ006QQcategoryZ11497QQssP ageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
geronimo
06-18-2006, 19:23
I have never seen green GSG-9's. Anyone have a vendor/link/price?
I like the idea of a non-leather GSG-9 for urban desert work.
There are a couple of guys here who have them. I'll try to find out where they got their boots the next time I see them.
I've heard people talk about it, but never any one that has seen them first hand. I think it was either a unit buy or is urban legend.
I have the jungle green GSG9s. I bought them off Ebay a year ago, they came from England and they cost me about $140 shipped. I have worn them a ton and the uppers are holding up extremely well, but the soft rubber soles are not faring so well. They are more comfortable than any others I have tried, and I will buy another pair of jungles and/or a pair of deserts as soon as I can find them.
Please note that I am not a HSLD bad mutha running through bombed out wreckage, but as everyday civilian footwear, they have served me well.
Good times,
Blake
Basicload
06-20-2006, 20:39
LOL
Ssssh, The Ranger Regiment CSM isn't really God.....
I figured that one out years ago, but of course he is the USASOC CSM now and has brought SF command under his spit shined green jungle boot! LOL! :p
CSMs above BN level serve no practical purpose. The guy in charge of Iraq was my CSM 13 years ago. CSM for 13 years!!!! What kind of touch does he have with the enlisted man?
Anyway back on subject. Geronimo, get me some poop on these magic shoes. I'm thinking that E-bay will not have them in 12.5.
Hey I'm stuck in your big FOB down south waiting for a flight up north. Why are you not here to pick me up in an Air Conditioned NTV and take me out for Green Beans double non-fat rasberry mocha Chai latte with a twist? Consider yourself counseled......:D
NousDefionsDoc
06-20-2006, 20:46
JJ Mellinger?
NousDefionsDoc
06-21-2006, 21:03
GSG9s for $126 (http://www.tacsurv.com/TSSIPortal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=315)
BL, the old "classic" GSG-9 design has been replaced. Supposedly Adidas is dumping the remaining stocks on the clearance market. GSG-9s were manufactured a little over a year ago in both green as well as tan for the UK market and most found their way on to Ebay.
Basicload
06-23-2006, 14:13
Yeah Doc,
The "Sky God" himself.
NousDefionsDoc
06-23-2006, 16:16
JJ was my Drill Sergeant in Basic Training. Yeah, he's OLD! LOL
Basicload
06-24-2006, 03:49
He has aged quite nicely Doc.
I did not mean to sound too down on him, he is actually not bad as a CSM here.
He told the fobbits that they cannot wear pin-on scare badges and authorized watch caps and black fleece as outer garments.
He wants to do the right thing as a warfighter and take care of soldiers, but I think that he is just SO far removed from the guy in the trenches that he misses stuff.
He visited a unit and asked about Iraqi soldier's pay problems. The American NCO questioned later came to me and said "what about MY fucking soldiers pay problems"? The sergeant was offended that his serior enlisted advisior was "towing the party line".
Despite all of this, I think that JJ is pretty good at what he does here and we could have it a lot worse.
PIC REMOVED
NousDefionsDoc
06-24-2006, 06:36
LOL - he has aged well, doesn't look a whole lot different than he did in '80. Still has that sort of crazy look on his mug. I'll bet he still bums Copenhagen too.
I think the GSG9 boots are fine for around town and light duty hiking boots.
I wear them on duty (as a cop) April through October and get about 4 years out of a pair before the soles wear down. I haven't had any problems with them splitting or anything. I do wear insoles in them to get more arch support.
geronimo
07-09-2006, 13:15
Anyway back on subject. Geronimo, get me some poop on these magic shoes. I'm thinking that E-bay will not have them in 12.5.
Hey I'm stuck in your big FOB down south waiting for a flight up north. Why are you not here to pick me up in an Air Conditioned NTV and take me out for Green Beans double non-fat rasberry mocha Chai latte with a twist? Consider yourself counseled......:D
Sorry bro, I asked and everyone here who has a pair got them from e-bay.
As for the other question...
I had some stuff come up that required me to stay home. Besides, I'm more of a fall and wintertime guy. It is to hot over there right now. I'll try to get my time in once it cools back off. :D
Enjoy the heat!
Christophe
07-10-2006, 11:13
I have a pair of black Oakleys and I find them very comfortable but a bit warm in summer.Only real drawback is that they are slippery as hell on a wet surface.Falling on your face during a foot pursuit is embarassing to say the least :rolleyes: so I only wear them in dry weather.
I also have a pair of BATES Falcons;they have the same type of sole as the Adidas´and are excellent for the job I do.Also they are cheaper than Adidas´and easier to get here in Belgium.
Does anyone know if the Royal Robbins HRT boots are any good (for LE work)?
The Reaper
07-10-2006, 11:20
Does anyone know if the Royal Robbins HRT boots are any good (for LE work)?
Comfortable as sneakers and hot as Hell.
On a long warm day, trenchfoot waiting to happen.
Search for the reviews here.
TR
Christophe
07-10-2006, 11:28
Reaper,
thanks for the info,I´ll go look around.
What I am currently looking for are sturdy boots, leather, with a sole that doesn´t melt right away when walking through fire.During molotov training all the guys wearing Hi-Tecs and the likes had their soles melt.The only boots that hold up to that kind of abuse are our issued Belgian army boots,but they are uncomfortable to wear.:confused:
The Reaper
07-10-2006, 12:06
Reaper,
thanks for the info,I´ll go look around.
What I am currently looking for are sturdy boots, leather, with a sole that doesn´t melt right away when walking through fire.During molotov training all the guys wearing Hi-Tecs and the likes had their soles melt.The only boots that hold up to that kind of abuse are our issued Belgian army boots,but they are uncomfortable to wear.:confused:
I would look for an oil-resistant sole, maybe like the jungle boots or Wellcos. The sole will be the key.
Doubtful that the 5.11s would hold up to that.
Good luck.
TR
Christophe
07-10-2006, 12:21
I dunno about current jungle boots but the Nam-era boots had cloth sides.Not ideal for me.I´ll look around for the Welcos.
Thanks a lot for your help Reaper.
Chris.
Christophe
07-10-2006, 12:49
Reaper,
I visited the Wellco website.They seem to have some great boots.I like the BILCTS.If I cannot get them here I think I will get the Danner Acadia which is similar and available here.
Again,thanks for the help Reaper.
Chris.
The Reaper
07-10-2006, 13:00
Reaper,
I visited the Wellco website.They seem to have some great boots.I like the BILCTS.If I cannot get them here I think I will get the Danner Acadia which is similar and available here.
Again,thanks for the help Reaper.
Chris.
I have the Acadias as well.
There are at least two versions, one the normal insulated version with GoreTex and the other a lighter, vented version. They are great boots, and are the kind that should last a life time. Unfortunately, they are significantly more expensive than the Wellcos and some have fabric uppers.
TR
Christophe
07-16-2006, 13:40
I know, they are very expensive.I want to get the goretex ones.Guess I´ll have to save a bit first :o .
Chris.
Has anyone tested, bought or been using the BlackHawk Warrior Wear Light Assault Boots by any chance? My salomon's are on their final's now and its that time of the year to dig a hole and bury the poor sods...
Link: blackhawk.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=4901&d=[/url]
Or were these boots made for the commercial market and arent really used/popular with you guys that are in the military.
There is a mate of mine in the blackwater company that swears they are comfortable but he has only had them for 4 months and used them 2-3 times.
Am thinking of investing in a pair..
The Reaper
11-24-2006, 09:13
Has anyone tested, bought or been using the BlackHawk Warrior Wear Light Assault Boots by any chance? My salomon's are on their final's now and its that time of the year to dig a hole and bury the poor sods...
Link: blackhawk.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=4901&d=[/url]
Or were these boots made for the commercial market and arent really used/popular with you guys that are in the military.
There is a mate of mine in the blackwater company that swears they are comfortable but he has only had them for 4 months and used them 2-3 times.
Am thinking of investing in a pair..
If you are wearing them to the mall, they may be fine.
I would not wear anything with the name Blackhawk on it if it was mission essential.
Just my .02, YMMV.
TR
x SF med
11-24-2006, 16:17
Has anyone tested, bought or been using the BlackHawk Warrior Wear Light Assault Boots by any chance? My salomon's are on their final's now and its that time of the year to dig a hole and bury the poor sods...
Link: blackhawk.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=4901&d=[/url]
Or were these boots made for the commercial market and arent really used/popular with you guys that are in the military.
There is a mate of mine in the blackwater company that swears they are comfortable but he has only had them for 4 months and used them 2-3 times.
Am thinking of investing in a pair..
Go with the Hi-Tec Magnums long before the Blackhawks. Just my .02, I'm partial to the Hi Tecs.
Yea, thanks for the replies..guess I will give the blackhawks a miss then...will need to get the magnums from singapore as thats the closest place that sells them boots..
cheers
brianksain
11-30-2006, 08:12
NDD - Been wearing the light weight Bates Spiders for a couple years now for SWAT work. Mine are the higher topped boot but with the soft fabric sides.
CONS:
Don't dig the zipper. I have a high instep and narrow foot so I suck the laces up snug and it makes the zipper moot. Just as soon it not be there at all.
Toe rubber in one pair has cracked some. Poor maintenance on my end. I just run 'em.
PROS: Light, great traction, and they acually fit me.
I put a good sports insole in them.
Bought two pair from Sportsman's Guide for like 39.95 and now I think they no longer have them. Sniper partner bought some of the all leather ones.
Got a worn pair, new pair and wish I had six or eight pair.
They work for me other than the cons above.
Can't get a Danner to fit me to save my soul.