Boot Thread: Magnums or Bates?

I'm with MJ on Danner in the Work/LE categories, Bates and Magnum were both imports and it wouldn't surprise me if they were coming out of the same factory. Quality was fair. For hiking/outdoor boots, Vasque and Asolo were excellent, Rocky it really seemed to depend on the model. I've been in and out of Law Enforcement/Outdoor sporting good's sales for years.

 

For casual wear, NOTHING beats Dr. Martens. I have several pair that are nearing ten years old and still going strong.

For "duty" wear, I prefer Rocky's, but as was posted before, it really depends on the model. I had one pair of Magnums I didn't care for, and haven't tried them again.

 

I use Magnums for ambulance because they are cheap and I have the lace in front zipper that gives me waterproof to about 7 inches + quick on for that page at 3 am. Otherwise I think they are lousy boots. For hiking and search and rescue I use Vasque, Asolo and Raichle. For horses I use Red Wing and Justin lace up packer styles. For steel guitar gigs I use Justin Ropers. For working in the barnyard in the winter I use LaCrosse insulated rubber bottom boots. For working in the barnyard and pasture in good weather I use a pair of lace up Irish Setters.

A funny boot story follows.
A few years ago a friend of mine who is a Sgt on the NOLA PD told me he went to a homicide call. He found the corpse of an obvious pimp dressed to the 9s except for a pair of Bates police boots. Then he noticed the Casio wrist watch. Hmmmm. Something didn't quite seem right. He looked over at the officer who was first on the scene and noticed him wearing a pair of Gucchi loafers and a Rolex with his uniform. My friend suggested that an exchange of footwear and watches might be in order before he wrote up his report.

 

I like Redwings my self.

 

I have Bates and Magnum pairs. I like the Bates a little better for the only reason that they fit a tad better than the Magnums. I'm happy with both....they beat out Wolverine in my book anyday.


AuG