Boots for Beast?

[Ebsilon]

I'm exploring my options in boots for R-day. I have the Khybers and they are okay, but not the best boot I've ever worn. I have some 310's that I haven't worn yet I might try.
The Khybers "look cool" and they have a lot of "features" most of which seem unnecessary. My biggest issue is that they aren't waterproof (are any of our three options?). Also, while wearing them in stickers and stinging nettle I got poked through the tongue. The soles are also pretty hard on the heels after a few hours (this can be remedied with a new sole). Finally, I replaced the cheap faux paracord laces with speed laces.

Now, I do think they are pretty comfortable, especially with regard to flex. Traction is also good. These might be the best boot out of our options. I'd like to try the other two though and/or get another opinion.

Can anyone who has been through Beast/worn these boots extensively comment on this?

Thanks.

 

[hawk]

I'm exploring my options in boots for R-day. I have the Khybers and they are okay, but not the best boot I've ever worn. I have some 310's that I haven't worn yet I might try.

The Khybers "look cool" and they have a lot of "features" most of which seem unnecessary. My biggest issue is that they aren't waterproof (are any of our three options?).

To my knowledge none of the options are waterproof. There are some ACU approved boots which are, but they are not on the boot letter list.

Also, while wearing them in stickers and stinging nettle I got poked through the tongue. The soles are also pretty hard on the heels after a few hours (this can be remedied with a new sole). Finally, I replaced the cheap faux paracord laces with speed laces.

Now, I do think they are pretty comfortable, especially with regard to flex. Traction is also good. These might be the best boot out of our options. I'd like to try the other two though and/or get another opinion.

Can anyone who has been through Beast/worn these boots extensively comment on this?

DS is sold on the M8's. Did not like the 310's, nor did his squaddies. Khybers appear very close to the M8's, just a bit milder tread, a little less padding around the ankle & collar. He's getting a backup pair for summer training use, and is going with another pair of M8's. YMMV!

Negative reports after beast last year on the 310's with regard to tread clogging in mud, and a bit slippery on wet/damp rocks & boards compared to the other two. Not a showstopper, but enough that you don't want to be the one holding your squad back.

By the way, I'm not sure I'd recommend this, but if you like both the M8 & 310 you can bring both, or have one pair shipped up after R-day. You'll pay for the boots you are issued, so if you bring both pairs they will not issue you the third and you'll save a bit of money. But I'm not sure it's worth the hassle of carrying, current advice is to carry the minimum required and focus on the stuff you'll need the first week or two. Anything else can be shipped in as needed.

 

[Bigdog1987]

I wore the 310s during beast and still wear them today. Hands down the best boot I've ever worn (hiking, work boots, etc). I bought another pair at the beginning of the year. It's all about what fits you though.

 

[BigBear]

I brought two pairs of khybers with me for beast and will be buying a third pair for this summer. They are much lighter than the other boot options, which helps with rucking, and they held up fine in the field. I highly recommend them.

 

[America's Finest]

I've had the M8's for a while now and they are far better than any of the other 3 types I have owned. They have amazing support and traction. I have worn them so much that I feel more comfortable running in them than my own running shoes.