I would like some zippered boots too, but sadly they are not authorized with Marine Corps uniforms. A work around I use is to get Danner or whatever boots you like with speed lace eyelets. They are the ones that have large loops for the laces to go through so the laces can be tightened fast. Then, put some lace-locks on them. This makes it almost as fast as a zipper since you don't have to tie the laces. I use the Nite Ize brand and they work as advertised.

Danner RAT is the best boot I have ever owned. They are full grain leather and have a polyurethane coat over the toe and heel. They also come in steel toe. Two added bonuses: They are recraftable (made to be easily resoled or repaired) and they are made in the USA.



Oh yeah. They have a sweet Eagle Globe and Anchor on the heel too. You can get the civilian version without the EGA,

Those look really nice JJ, made in the US (or any western country) is a huge plus to me and I'll happily pay a premium for that, I'll look into those as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

+1 for Danner.

I'll also plug Redwing. Check out the Fireman's boot....zipper up the front, and meet all of your needs. I love mine (though not as much as my danners)...but for a steel toe, it's ideal.

I'm due for new boots and likely will go the Red Wind 877 route. Those Danner's are tempting but the last pair I had squeeked. I've got some buddies with squeeky too. It is like walking with a mouse tied to your foot.

Another option I'm seriously considering is some Lowa's.

I just got a pair of these tonight.
The company pays $175 towards boots BUT ONLY from this store!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
I'm not sure if this brand is available in the States but they are one of the best brand boots I've owned.

I'm going to make my way down to Red Wing today and see whats available.

I will have to disagree with you on the Dakotas. these boots are the absolute worse boots i have ever owned in my life. I work the rigs and a good hard use boot is a must. and all i have to say about Dakotas (especially the tarantula) is that they are not a hard use boot. my pair lasted me about 6 months before i completely gave up on them. the inner insulation ripped i think month 2, the lace eyelets are either all broken or cracked. the rubber tarantula sole started to die about month 4 and is almost worn off, and has cracked so for the last week or so of wearing the boots (working in the bush so could not replace them and had to suffer) i had the pleasure of working all day with soaking wet feet. these boots are warrantied for a year and i am so disappointed with them that i refused to go in and get another pair. they are uncomfortable and unreliable. I can see why they are super rebated; because they are worthless. that's my rant. IMO buy red wings.

Huh.
I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience with them.
I've been buying Dakota for about 6 or 7 years now and haven't had ANY kind of issues like that. In fact the last pair I had I wore for almost a full two years. I had to replace the insole after a while but that's what happens when you walk on them ALL day.
I work at a plant that treats wood with CCA, Penta and Creosote. They also withstood cement splashing on them last summer.
I think you should bring them back and try another pair.
Either way I hope you have better luck with your next pair of boots.

I've worked on a drill rig, the problem there is that the walks can tear up soft rubber. Also, at the one I worked my boots were constantly getting wet. Water will pretty much destroy any leather boots, I recommend using Snoseal, Nikwax, or Obenaufs Heavy Duty.

Anyone use Lowas?

I might be able to help you get a replacement pair of boots. PM sent.