Winter Dess Boots?

[ATA73Pilot]

Looking for recomendations on boots to wear with the uniform for the winter.

Is there such a thing as dress pair of black boots that are waterproof.

The last pair I bought several years back are called "uniform boots" but aren't very comfortable.

Winter is coming on fast in Chicago!

Thanks....

 

[prodigal]

From one mick to another . . .

Off topic, but I love that signature! Also: "God created whiskey to prevent the Irish from conquering the world."
Erin go braugh.

PS May Richard Harris be an hour in heaven before the Devil knows he's dead!

 

[bobbysamd]

Boots

How about something like Justin Ropers? They are sharp-looking and cover your ankles. Rugged as well. You can apply mink oil, etc. to waterproof them.

 

[TurboS7]

I fly a 738 as you and we do the same kind of flying so I'll let you in on my little secret.I get a boot from Walmart call Fanfares Men's Dress Boot.The order number is 4419922. It is a very comfortable zip up boot. The zippers do sound off the security alarm so I just take them off going through security-no big deal.
The cost $20.00, and I just get a new pair every 3 months or so. They hold up well and they have rubber soles so they can be worn as in on the ramp. I have used them for years and I really like them. Just be careful on ice if the soles are smooth it can get a little slick. That is why I just get new ones every three months, for the price how can you go wrong. No, I don't own any Walmart stock.

 

[Rvrrat]

Good leather

For Ropers or other leather boots....

You might consider Atsko "Sno-seal". I've used this product on everything from dress boots to hunting & pac boots and leather "drover's coats" for OH & PA winters with great results both before GoreTex was common and afterward.

Check out http://www.atsko.com/products.html#waterproofer

From their Technical Care site:

Proper Care of Hard-Working Leather

Sno-Seal provides maximum waterproofness and durability for smooth full-grain leather footwear. Oil or chrome tanned leather accepts Sno-Seal readily after removal of any factory coating. (Glycerin or Carnuba wax, which are water-soluble, is often applied for temporary shine and scuff resistance). A new boot should be washed with a soft brush and dishwashing soaps, and allowed to dry before applying Sno-Seal.

Slainte,

 

[skypine69]

I had a pair of Justin Ropers with a Vibram sole on them. They worked great but recently started to get the strip search to often. I bought a new pair and took them to a cobbler for a good sole and had them take out the steel shanks and put fiberglass in. All together the boots will cost me about 150 but the last pair lasted over 4 years with good care. I like the idea of the sno seal. I use them on my leather mountaineering boots and it works great! I will try it on my new pair of boots and see what happens.

I emailed Justin awhile back and asked them to start making thier ropers with firberglass shanks but they said they dont do that. Maybe if enough pilots emailed them requesting that they would start making them.

 

[njcapt]

Hey, Ed. What I can discern from purchasing three different pairs of dress boots and having two of them set off airport metal detectors, you should try Justin Ropers. If you stick to a heel less than 1", you should avoid the steel shank that sets them off. If you want to spend more money, you can get rubber soles from the factory or do what I did and buy the leather soled ones with the expectation that I would re - sole them with rubber when the first ones wore out ($79 online or $99 at Alcala's in Chicago - where I bought mine). Follow the advice to treat them with Sno-Seal and they should get you through several Chicago winters.

By the way, thanks for bidding over to the 73 and helping to bump me down six numbers (kidding). Hey, why don't you call in sick on some of your better trips and give this reserve b1tch a good time?

 

[ATA73Pilot]

Thanks for all the good info folks!!!

Kev

Sorry for the bump down in 73 numbers. Trust me...I wasn't excited about leaving the 75 but needed quality of life for awhile.

Just finished GS today in lovely Atlanta and am heading back home.

The bid to go back to the 75 is already in the works. Maybe they will just ignore the 18 month committment.

 

[dualrated]

Try Lucchese (pronounced- Loo-KAY-see) boots. They are a little more expensive, but are a much better boot than the Justin. They all have a steel shank, so you'll have to have them re-soled, or do what I do and shuffle through security in your sock-feet.

Also, whatever type of boot you end up with, get a cheap pair of shoe-trees and put them in your boots every night. This will make your boots look better and last a lot longer.

P.S.--only wear the zipper-sided boots if you have lamb-chop sideburns and wear an your shirt unbottoned to your navel.

 

[TurboS7]

You guys will all be broke before your 40.

 

[Rvrrat]

Que?

Turbo??

Isn't that the normal American consumerism way??

 

[Burt Gutherie]

Justin makes a Roper that comes with the rubber sole and an insole that is much more comfortable than the "original" roper. Ask your boot dealer for the "trooper boot". I bought mine in Texas. It's my understanding they are for LEO's. I have never taken them off at security and I make it through everytime. They are about 15 to 20 $ more that the original.