A couple of our local ranges have been nicknamed “mud pits” for what the ground becomes in the rainy Seattle winter. While my trail runners work well for shooting USPSA in the summer, having a pair of “Give Back” boots from the Boot Campaign saves me much grief during the colder months.
The Boot Campaign is run by five Texan women; a portion of every pair of boots purchased is donated to a variety of charities that support veterans. Not only do I have an excellent pair of Desert Tan ALTAMA boots [$129.99], but I was able to support veterans and a strong group of women who have dedicated themselves to an excellent cause.The boots are warm and water resistant. Even diving through the mud at the local ranges, I find that these boots have never failed to keep my feet warm and dry. The mil spec Vibram sole has proven to have excellent traction in mud and dirt alike. The boots are light enough for quick movement and provide enough support to be used all day on hard ground.
I’ve used my Boot Campaign “Give Back” boots in practical pistol shoots, where even in the mud they have provided the traction necessary while still allowing me to move quickly through the course of fire. They have also served me well on back country hiking and horseback riding trips – where they have been put through their paces and held up to some of the most extreme conditions: everything from snow to desert sun.
A new Boot Girl in the making? Photo by Caleb Giddings.
In fact, the only complaint I have for the “Give Back” boots is that the break-in period was far from pleasant. When the boots first arrived, I had to wear them for a couple weeks before they ceased to be painful on my feet. While this is normal for combat boots, it’s not a lot of fun, and is something any purchaser should be prepared to go through.
The versatility of these boots through different conditions is almost as impressive as their day-long comfort. There are not many shoes I can wear in a day of work at West Coast Armory that can withstand the several miles of walking across cement and send me home with happy feet. The “Give Back” boots have made the short list of footwear I’m willing to suffer through the workday with, and for over a year these boots have served me well as work boots, play boots and any activities in between. If you’re looking for good pair of boots that can handle a wide variety of conditions (and care to donate to a good cause during the course of your purchase) you can find my ALTAMAs along with variety of other boots for sale at the Boot Campaign’s website.
Shelley Rae in her Altamas. Photo by Caleb Giddings.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
I agree with you. This is a superb way to break in boots. I use this method all the time with new hunting boots. And I start by wearing the wet boots while outside, doing yard work, going on a walk with the dog, etc. I think it helps to get the boots to conform to my feet. But, hey … what a GREAT program, eh?
Now why did it take this long for me to learn that? Thanks much for that info!
I bet that Marine kid of yours would have revealed that secret, had he known you needed to know!
Great review! I’m currently using a military surplus issue very similar to those. I have to agree wholeheartedly with your experience with the break in period. Mine was the same. Torturous.. BUT once broken in worth the initial discomfort. I think this a wonderful cause – when I replace these old souls, it will be with a pair of “Give Back Boots:”.
Re: Break-in of real leather boots
Immerse boots completely in water overnight. Next day, wear boots until dry. This shortens break-in to nearly nil. Happy shooting!