Matterhorn Ranger

Serving in the military for almost six years, covering countless miles over all sorts of terrain, the Matterhorn is the most comfortable hardcore boot I could find. While the Bates Light (Non Steel Toe) is a great tactical boot and quiet, if you think you may end up someplace rough, the Matterhorn is awesome preparedness. My only complaint is the soles tend to wear quickly. Maybe thats just me. But you cant complain about the hold they have on rock and wet surface, ie. the side of a rock face or a slick shingle roof in the rain. They are my favorite. They are heavy, running in them can proove to be hard on the knees, but you can shuffle in them well. Other than the weight you cant tell you are wearing anything at all.

I bought these in 1989 and I've been through seven sets of laces. They've been through an ocean of salt and mud, snow and rain. The soles are still in top shape, but I've just noticed a hole has worn through the heel counter on the inside. This has been an incredible boot for me and now I'm setting about sourcing another pair. At about $13 a year with laces factored in, I think I've gotten my money's worth from these top notch boots, and still am getting compliments on their appearance, (I've always kept them protected with Dubbin).

I work in these boots 10 hour days walking on cement floors. The boots have lasted me 7 years and now the soles are looking pretty worn. Can't even imagine the amount of miles these boots have on them and the abuse they have taken. The only part of the boot that doesn't hold up is the insoles it seems like they last 4-5 months then need to be replaced. Laces do wear out but can be bought through Quartermaster or made from static cord from R.E.I. for about a buck a lace.