Would you like to test out some Magnums? Enter our Comment to Win Contest!

Tell us: What's the coolest thing you've done in your boots?

Just give the best answer in the comment section of this post for a chance to win a FREE pair of Men's Magnum Precision Ultra Lite WPi. We'll announce the winner next Thursday. And be sure to follow Magnum on Facebook and Twitter.

This contest is open to the U.S. and Canada only. If the winner’s size is out of stock, Magnum will replace with another style of equal of lesser value.

I've worn a lot of boots in my day. None quite compare to the quality and value I found in Magnum's Precision Ultra Lite. I've been eyeing these bad boys for awhile and was really excited to get a chance to check them out.

Comfort-wise, it compares to the boots I wore while in the Marines. Since I don't suit up every day in that same uniform, it's difficult to give an exact comparison. However, at my office job, the boots are incredibly comfortable. They just breathe easily and much better than other leather boots.

The ion masking is what makes all the difference. Even before I wore the Magnums, I watched videos about the water repellent technology online. My curiosity was piqued. It gave me a reason to test the boots out in the rain.

The only thing that got wet? The bottoms of my pants.

Needless to say, I was surprised. The other waterproof boots in my closet still soak up water. Nothing beads right off like Magnum's ion mask. The rubber outsole impressed me as well. Its intense sole construction made me picture someone walking vertically up a wall. Luckily, I didn't try that—at least not yet.

The bottoms of boots wear out quickly. So quickly, in fact, you can start to see the traction fade only after a week. This is not the case with the Precision Ultra Lites. After two weeks of wear, the bottoms are still just as powerful as the first day. I didn't slip in the rain even when I tried. It also helped when I was doing some heavy lifting.

The quality of Magnum laces are much higher than what you would find on a $30 Wal-Mart boot. Unlike softer laces, Magnum boots use nylon laces that will last much longer. Cheaper boots use cheaper laces that fray when they go through the grommets. After about a year, I've had to replace boot laces like those. I can tell I won't have to replace these laces for a long time, if ever.

My only complaint is that the top of the boot will rub against your skin, even if you have the top of your pants tucked in to it. That's why it's important to wear these boots with tall socks so you can avoid this. Do note that I have only been wearing the boots for two weeks, so the rubbing might go away after I break them in completely.

All in all, these are great boots that I would recommend to a friend, a family member and, if I'm in a really good mood, maybe even an enemy.

This review was written by Scott Nickell, a former U.S. Marine and ecommerce specialist at Cat5 Commerce. Scott served our country for eight years and has been wearing heavy-duty boots for about a decade.

Bootlaces are always an afterthought.

This might come as a surprise considering its important role in footwear. Flimsy bootlaces untie easily, which is a danger in countless situations. They can also break, putting you in even more of a bind.

Where do you turn when your bootlaces aren't tough enough?

Armorlace makes laces and cords out of Vectran, a fiber spun from liquid crystal polymer. With a lifetime guarantee, its laces are created with the same material used in starter cords, ropes and various NASA spacecrafts. They claim the laces are truly unbreakable, and they're not just stringing you along.

These tough-as-nails bootlaces survived a laundry list of tests including a scorching-hot flame, a sizzling BBQ pit and a very angry angle grinder. Watch footage from all three experiments below.

While ToughCord says it's the world's first and only guaranteed unbreakable bootlaces, there are a handful  of manufacturers that use Kevlar for unbreakable laces and claim it's five times stronger than steel.

Have you experienced issues with your boot laces? Would you invest in a pair of "unbreakable" laces?

At MilitaryBoots.com headquarters, four folks are sporting Magnum boots today. And it's not just a strange coincidence.

Magnum recently sent us four pairs to review, and with each review, they offered to give one of our loyal readers a free pair of boots. Starting next Thursday, you'll spot a Magnum boot review along with a question for the next four weeks. All you'll have to do is answer that question in the comments section. Naturally, the person who has the best response will earn themselves free Magnum boots.

Make sense?

Each week there'll be a new question; each week there'll be a new winner. All you'll have to do is comment to win. So, what boots are up for grabs?

Men's Magnum 8'' Stealth Force SZ

Men's Magnum Precision Ultra Lite WPi

Women's Magnum 8'' Stealth Force SZ WPi

Women's Magnum 6'' Response II

What kind of questions do you think people should answer in order to win a free pair of boots? Let us know, and come back on Thursday to comment and win! And be sure to follow Magnum on Facebook and Twitter.

This contest is open to the U.S. and Canada only. If the winner’s size is out of stock, Magnum will replace with another style of equal of lesser value.

When Bruce Springsteen gruffly chants "Born in the USA," Americans everywhere seem to get a little teary-eyed and awfully prideful. We hope the following military boots made in the USA will inspire a similar response.

1. Men's Danner 8" Recon 200G ($249.95) – This excellent cold-weather boot is 100 percent waterproof and full-grain leather. It boasts a stitchdown construction with a wider platform that increases stability.

2. Men's McRae 8" Panama ($119.95) – As a 100 percent Berry Compliant, this boot's materials originated fully in the United States. While other combat boots claim the USA-made status, Berry Compliance guarantees every aspect of the product is homegrown.

3. Men's Bates 8" Tropical Seals Durashocks ($111.99) – Yes, we all know that military boots are going to be a hot item this fall. However, Scottish actor Gerard Butler already appeared on the cover of W Magazine in April donning a pair almost identical to these Tropical Seals Durashocks.

4. Men's Thorogood 10" Ulti-Met Structural Wildland Fire Fighting Boot ($225) – With puncture-resisting insole material, fireproof leather and Goodyear Storm Welt Construction, it's no surprise that this footwear was created especially for firefighters. Needless to say, these are some tough boots for even tougher people.

5. Women's Danner 8" Desert Acadia GTX ($249.95) – Of course manufacturers make military boots for women in the USA. Danner carries some of the sturdiest styles with Vibram Sierra outsoles, 1000 Denier nylon uppers and Gore-Tex lining.

6. Men's Rocky S2V ($171.99) – Also Berry Compliant, Rocky's S2V have drainage vents that allow water to flow out while blocking bothersome debris. To top that, there's SuperFabric instep panels that work to prevent early boot failure caused by rope burn.

7. Men's Belleville 310 ST ($103.99) – This ACU-approved boot is equipped to outwear many other standard-issue boots on the market. Its outsole provides three times longer wear. Its one-piece sole has been proven to not separate--even under heavy wear.

For most people, buying shoes online is more than a novel idea—it's a reality.

That's especially the case for those in the market for a new pair of combat boots. Many military boot brands aren't readily available at brick-and-mortar stores. This is when a site such as MilitaryBoots.com steps in to save the day.

Get it right the first time. Or at least try to. We know it's so much more convenient to be lazy—choosing a size similar to your sneakers. On the other hand, picking the right size can be like a science since every foot is unique. And we don't have to remind you combat boots are much different than your everyday running shoe.

Good fit from the get-go. Military boots are bulkier and do require a bit of breaking in—but not too much. Your boot should have a comfortable fit almost immediately. Be sure not to confuse a bad fit with "break-in time." If you do, you'll run the risk of being unable to return those boots after trudging around outside. Almost all manufacturers won't accept boot returns if the boot has undergone outdoor wear.

Know the brand. Most military boots fit true to size. That means if you're normally a size 12, a size 12 combat boot should fit like a glove. Nevertheless, there are several brands who've defied logic. If you’re shopping for Bellevilles, some suggest ordering an entire size smaller. So, if you're a size 12, order an 11. It's just the opposite with Danner boots, which have been said to run a half-size smaller. And Blackhawk boots fit like a running shoe—be prepared for a tighter feel!

When in doubt, measure it out. This seems like a lot of work—printing out a Brannock Device, standing on it, figuring out your exact measurements—but in the end, it's all worth it. But be warned: There can be miscalculations even with the 71-year-old measuring tool. Check out the video above for more measuring guidelines.

Live, learn and return. Mistakes do happen, and many online stores happily accept boot returns bereft of wear and tear. Just break in your boots around the house, and if they don't work out, there's no harm done. Who knows, the best-fitting pair could be just one click away.

The average shoe size for a man is 10 to 12. This explains why many military boot manufacturers only make boots up to size 14.

And you know what big feet mean? Even bigger problems while boot shopping.

Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal wears a size 23. And if he's shopping for combat boots, unfortunately he'll have to go the custom route. But if you wear a size 17, you're in luck.

Magnum makes a military boot that goes up to a size 17 regular. The Magnum Stealth Force ($99.95) is a black soft-toe boot. With full-grain leather and a ballistic nylon upper, the side-zipper boot is large and in charge. Along with a Cambrelle moisture-wicking lining and Agion antibacterial treatment, the compression-molded EVA midsole creates a comfortable wear for men and women.

Still curious about the Stealth Force? Watch a full review on the boot.

If you're a size smaller, look no further than the Men's Belleville 300 DES ($111.99).

The tan steel-toe boot has Vangaurd running sole construction. The upper material is a full-grain tan cowhide; the outsole is Vibram. Don't forget the Polyurethane removable inserts—a very nice touch indeed. This boot is available in a size 16 regular and wide.

And then there's the world's largest boot...

Even Shaq himself would look puny next to this gargantuan tower of boot. Erected by Red Wing Shoes, the work boot is a size 638 and a half. It weighs in at an astounding 2,300 pounds. To fit into this boot, you'd need to be 12 stories tall. Ready to test it out?

This month Danner is honoring the tradition of hunting and the boots that go along with it. Danner Pronghorn boots were developed for sportsmen ready for a good chase.

With a claw-like sole ready to grip to the toughest terrain, the Pronghorn has a full-grain leather upper and CamoHide Camouflaged leather that's scuff-proof and waterproof. It's a serious boot for a serious hunter. Someone who doesn't takes their sport or their footwear lightly. Check out a 360 view of the boot.

We join Danner in proclaiming: "Long Live the Pronghorn!" Click below to watch their official commercial.

]]> http://www.militaryboots.com/blog/danner-pronghorn-boots-video/feed/ 0 http://www.militaryboots.com/blog/how-to-dye-military-boots/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-dye-military-boots http://www.militaryboots.com/blog/how-to-dye-military-boots/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0000 Jeanette K. http://www.militaryboots.com/blog/?p=1117

If your military boots are already jet black, there's little hope for it to undergo a color change.

Dare to dream, though, and one day your boots shall shift colors as often as those Emerald City horses in Wizard of Oz. That's certainly another extreme.

Let's try a more plausible scenario: How about turning leather desert tan, brown or sage green boots to a nice shiny black. Or experiment with a rainbow of colors, keeping in mind that the lighter the boot, the lighter the dye will appear.

Materials
- Deglazer
- Boot dye
- Sponge brush
- Top Coat
- Mink Oil

1. Before slapping on some dye, make sure, at the very least, you clean the boot's surface. For best results, we suggest using a deglazer like Fienbing's Deglazer with a damp cloth or sponge to really take off all the dirt, wax and other protectors that likely accumulated through the years. Once you get it fully stripped, you're ready to move on to the next step.

When it comes to dying leather, there are plenty of color choices.

2. When you get ready to apply the boot dye, be certain that you've mixed it well. You can do this by shaking the bottle for about 30 seconds. There are many tools you can use to paint on the dye, whether it's a cloth, brush, wool pad, spray or spray gun, though we hear a sponge brush works best.

3. Apply using a figure-eight or swirly pattern, and allow it to completely dry between coats. You should apply at least three coats.

4. Once the third coat dries completely, apply the top coat, which can give it a matte, satin or gloss look. You can also use mink oil to seal and waterproof your military boots.

For some, the choice is difficult. For others, it's not. But the task at hand? It's more than simple.

We want to know all about your favorite brand of military boots.

You've got to have at least one. There has to be something about the certain way those boots hug your feet. Or maybe it's the extra ankle and sole support. And then there's the ability to take on ultra-rugged terrain when other boots fail.

So, what boots brand has served you best? Why did you buy that certain boot? What made you pick one over another? We're curious to find out.

(Image via Flickr)

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