Looking for jungle boots

D

desertfox

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quebec
Hi

Do you know a place in Canada who sells real military issue Vietnam jungle boots.They must be new as possible.No import stuff.Size must be 9R.And with Panama soles if possible


Thanks Desertfox
 
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Don't laugh, I've got a pair. When I retired 20 yrs ago I found myself with 3 pairs of new ones. I've worn out 2 pairs doing crop inspections over the years and am about to initiate my last pair. They work great for walking wet or irrigated fields. The wet gets in but it also gets out and they dry quickly. There aren't really any good options for this. Any boot, except a rubber boot, gets wet. Rubber boots have no ankle support and they aren't comfortable to walk any distance in. Then there's the age old problem of your socks sliding down. I've told folks when this pair wears out I'm done.
 
They are the best boots going for staking mining claims in warmer weather here in Northern Ontario. You often find yourself waiding waste deep through muskeg swamps, and when you get out the other side, it's nice to have the water drain from your boots.
 
When you actually need jungle boots for balls out, mud to your ankles and knee deep water there are no substitutes for the old Wellco Boots.
I have a pair of the original OD ones in like new condition. Got them from US on Ebay for $35 plus shipping US. I wear them only once in a blue moon. They aren't the most comfortable walking on anything other than wet, muddy swampy terrain in hot weather. But I haven't seen anything that can outperform them in those conditions.
Most modern "jungle boots" are just regular boots with thin lining and drain holes. They aren't true dedicated jungle boots.

OP, Ebay is your friend. I found my brand new with tags pair on there. I'm a 9R in the Wellco military issue ones. There's no half size in the old school ones. The all black later variants do have half sizes. Good luck in Canada. Buying anything in this country is a nightmare. Terrible websites and zero selection.
I have had a few pairs over the years and will say that my brannock foot measurement is 9 1/2 Medium and I wear a size 9R in the old school boots. So usually a half size down from your brannock device true foot size SHOULD fit you. That will get you started if you're looking online/ebay. Also beware that a lot of the brand new ones still around are still around because they are factory rejects that are badly stitched inside the boot and you may find them excessively tight over the top of your foot to the point of pain. Hence why noone has actually worn them and used them.

Ask yourself if you really need true jungle boots though. The old Wellco's are almost only good for that terrain. If you're going to be wearing them anywhere else, you're probably not going to find them very comfortable as the mesh insoles don't cushion the impact of your steps etc The stiff steel shank in the sole does not aid in this either lol You may find them very hard on your feet and hence knees and back in anything but soaking wet, soft ground/mud. Then if you add a cushioned insole to them, they may not fit properly anymore.

The only other option I have found decent is the Rocky S2V Jungle variant. However you will need to replace the stock sole as it is in no way designed to be used in true hot wet weather conditions. It sucks up moisture and traps it rotting your feet. You can swap it for a wet weather aftermarket sole. Other than that they are damn near equal to the old school versions for venting water and fast drying/light weight. However again, the rocky soles don't have anything on the old panama soles. The heels don't shed mud as easy and you will never find better traction in wet mud than the panama sole.
Hope that helps!
 
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What size do you need ?

I have to dig but I know I have one or two pairs of black jungle boots size 9 1/2 with a bonus VIBRAM soles. These were resoled for me after issued, then crusty RSMs made these boots obsolete.

Army issued (ALTAMA) and resoled after. Makes them very confy to wear all over the place.

Pm me if interested I'll go and dig them up meanwhile


 
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Check out the danner tacheyon. Or the Nike sfb. Although not really sold as a jungle boot. You can pretty much watch them dry after walking through a river.
I've given up on keeping stuff dry. Now I want it to dry quickly.
 
stsfld66 said:
Gorilla Surplus in Vancouver had lots last time I was there. Not sure if they have a website.
Click to expand...

Same as Westley surplus in New West but they are made in China jungle boots, they have become my go to boot for hiking. I don't find them bad on pavement either, I should go back and grab another pair in my size as a backup once these wear out.
 
Wore out a pair one summer working up in High Level, but they were the cheapo knockoff no name brand. It was a really wet summer, cutblocks were ankle deep or even knee deep in places. Great boots for those conditions, rubber boots are nice until you get a boot full.
 
If you want price no object jungle boots, instead of lowest bidder jungle boots check out Altberg. They can be had with Panama soles or ground grips. There's even a lighter version that reduces the weight from almost nothing to less than nothing. While you're at it check out all their boots. Downside is they are in England.
 
OP seek out Sarges Army Surplus in Peterborough Ontario as well.
I'm not sure if they ship but they might.
They had mountains of them for a while. Even some of the older, better made olive drab ones that I have.
Also on a note DO NOT buy the Rothco or any other knock off. Their sizing is ridiculously off, the materials are recycled scrap, the soles are softer than chewing gum, they WILL fall apart on you if you're lucky enough to even come close to getting the proper fit. Just...don't....
 
I have some

I have 3 pairs, all black RoSearch, made in 1992, ex Canadian military surplus, spike protective hot weather boots, new in the box in 9R, I'll sell for $40 a pair plus shipping.
Make a deal on all 3 pairs :)

 
I think of these boots like hard soled sneakers. Comfortable on the feet, good underfoot. My recollection is the heel was a bit too high, and it felt like I was walking downhill with every step.
 
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