HartThrob wrote:Andy and Bak's in Portland, and a block away the Bargain Basement in The Next Adventure. Both have great deals. Just go hunting. Good luck!
I've tried some of the boots they have there. Most of the ones on the racks appear to be that Chinese reproduction crap as opposed to actual US military surplus. I'd be wary of them, unless somebody can say otherwise.
As for Next Adventure, the basement alone is probably one of the single greatest places to get outdoor equipment in the city.
Jester316 wrote:Danner Acadia: have worn these almost daily since January 2011. I have a lace in zipper for fire dept work. Water proof unless the water goes above the top of the boot. Soles wear a little quick but Danner will recondition and resold for a fee.
I can also speak for Danners. I've got some 8" Striker II's for work, but I also used them for airsoft up until I got my Merrills. Comfy, and very waterproof. They're a bit heavy-ish but nothing terrible, however they aren't insulated for winter (if you're running around airsofting, you're feet will warm up on their own). Had them for about a year and a half and the soles do indeed wear quickly. I've also started to have the leather split on the top, but at work, they are constantly wet, walking on an abrasive surface, with exposure to chemicals, etc. so they've done admirably considering.
The other nice thing about Merrill/Keen/etc. hiker-style boots is that they are way comfier to wear while driving to events than big combat boots.