Thursday, May 29, 2014

Equipment Review - Corcoran Combat Boots


I have a confession.  I wear combat boots.  Not fashion boots, or pretty boots or feminine boots - but combat boots.  Nearly every morning I slide my feet into my boots, give the speed laces a pull and I'm instantly ready to meet the day.  My boots carry me through my morning hikes, daily wood cutting excursions and gardening tasks.  They accessorize my skirts, enhance my wardrobe and just plain fit my feet.  I wouldn't leave home without them.

How did I come to wear such eccentric footwear?  Actually, it was nothing more than a happy accident.  I started hiking a few years ago and quickly walked through too many pair of boots to count.  I would spend a few weeks breaking in new boots (blisters and all), walk about 300 miles, throw the boots in the garbage and start all over again.  Finally, I bought a pair of Corcoran combat boots.  I slid my feet into the boots and knew I had found my new best friends.  They were actually made to fit my feet - I didn't have to force my feet to fit the boots or have my toes squeezed unbearably!  The toe bed was wide and the arch support excellent, a perfect fit. 


I did have to break the boots in (I doctored blisters for about a week) but have worn them happily every day since (about a year and a half).  I have come to truly appreciate their ruggedness and fit and have even come to appreciate their handsome good looks!  I love them so much that I have added another pair to my collection.  Now, I have not only a stylish OD pair, but also black with leather toe caps.

As far as I'm concerned combat boots are a preparedness essential.  Comfortable, durable, well-fitting boots are a requirement if you are on the move or on the homestead.  Sir Knight swears by Danner boots and Master Hand Grenade loves his RAT boots, but me - I think I'll stick with my Corcoran's!

Until next time....

Enola



13 comments:

  1. They used to have a problem of splitting easily behind the toe section and were slicker than snot when moving about on an armored vehicle. Thatw as years ago though so I am sure they got those problems corrected.

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  2. Here is a nice pair! http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Corcoran-Cloth--Suede-Boots-Sz-55M-16706516.html

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  3. PioneerPreppy, yes, these new Corcorans have a rubber sole with a different tread, unlike the much harder rubber sole on the old black ones. I wear this same kind she's writing about (I'm still active duty). I bought a pair used off of a guy and they got me three years of wear. I purchased a pair new, and I didn't even have to break them in, they fit beautifully. I'm over a year and a half into this pair, and no sign of wearing out yet, still plenty of tread left.

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  4. Two jobs ago, I had a surplus pair that lasted three years-consider that the average shoes lasts me about two months. I didn't wear the combat boots out, I ruined them with calcium chloride and a variety of solvents/fuels we used at that job. As I recall they did have a "break-in" period, but once that was over they fit well. I bought them at a surplus place in the mid-1980s. I don't remember the manufacturer.

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  5. I still have and occasionally wear one of the same pairs of combat boots I was issued on July 20, 1978 as young enlisted US Marine on the first day of boot camp, more than 35 years ago. They have new soles but still comfortably fit my somewhat less sturdy feet, support my old(er) arches, and bolster my well-worn ankles. Those boots have soaked in two oceans, stood guard in bitter cold and blistering heat, trudged up mountains, waded though swamps, and stood tall in the desert. I have other boots I wear, but I wouldn't trade those for 10 pair of fancy new ones.

    Semper Fi,

    Mark

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    1. Thank you for standing between Us and Them so many times. xoxoxo

      Dixie Chick in CA

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  6. When I started back in 71, we were told to soak them in warm water, put on two pairs of socks and go for a walk. No blisters, the boots broke in nicely and I did this until I left DOD in 2010.
    I still teach in my classes wear two pairs of socks, 1think and 1 thick. the friction will be between the socks not you feet.
    I pray all is well, hugs to you and the family.
    RangerRick

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    1. Thanks Ranger Rick,
      Now I know why my hubby always wears two pair of socks with his White's smokejumper/loggers. God bless you. Hope to see you soon.
      Paintedmoose

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  7. Well...could just be me, but I think they're cute too. :)

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  8. Be sure to switch out the laces with 550 cord. Will outlast regular laces many times over. Cheaper too.

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  9. I work at a prison and I wear these daily. I usually replace them every 4 years and use the old ones for hiking and working on the land. I am on my fourth pair. I love them. I even wear them when we have special functions. I wear my suits with combat boots. The guys laugh at me but whatever. These boots have never let me down. I have wore them to break up fights, walk on questionable surfaces, on the firing range and in the woods hunting down escaped inmates. I have had to replace the laces so thanks for the tip Scott.

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  10. I love my Blackhawks boots! This last pair has lasted me well over 2 years now. While I was still in the Army they lasted about a year. I bought a new pair with each clothing allowance. I replace the insole whenever it starts to get too torn up. I've worn the insides down to metal and plastic but it was designed so that the seams don't rub your feet. They did well in Afghanistan although I did replace them halfway through my year-long deployment. You trade the lighter weight of the more modern boots for the longevity of the older heavy style boots. I don't mind that trade but some people might.

    For new boots that are tearing up your ankles either wear two pairs of socks(a thin dress sock next to your skin and a normal boot sock as the outer sock) or put duct tape across your ankles. Any decent boot will have a break in period of about a week or so. That's just boots.

    Also don't just pull your laces up at the top. Take the time to snug each criss cross pair of laces and your boots will follow the contour of your foot a lot better. Tie a knot in each end of your laces and you can tie them quickly. The big loops that are formed are easy to slide into your boot without getting big bunches of lace that are a pain by the end of the day.

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  11. It's amazing how the right pair of boots can make any experience throughout the day much more enjoyable and efficient! Thanks for sharing your story and review!

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