Post by mrmike on Jul 27, 2013 16:03:00 GMT -7
The USMC RAT boots come from a variety of manufactures. I have had mine made by Wellco for a year now. They have been worn almost exclusively on a daily basis. At work I am in the woods most of the time, they have seen swamp, rivers and streams as well as fresh pavement on 95 degree days for hours on end, not to mention the ocean. They have seen spring, fall and snow. They are NOT water proof, but that's ok, they dry out very well often as I wear them. These boots have held up fairly well. Tread is currently at about 50% and the soles have come unglued at the arch, but nothing a little shoe goo cant fix. None of the stitching has given way and the laces have yet to break. A friend of mine has a pair of Bates RAT boots bought the same time I bought mine. The Bates have held up equally well except that his sole has not separated at the arch. So in a nut shell these boots are GOOD TO GO! If you can, seek out the Bates version over the Wellco but either will hold its salt.
Where to buy? Sportsman's guide, ocean city job lots, other discount type outlets.
Rating scale is 1 - 10. 1 being junk, 10 being awesome.
Wellco RAT hot weather boot
Price 9 I paid 49.99 for mine, prices range from the mid 40's to 200.00 on these depending on where you shop
Comfort 9 worn daily, my favorite boot far
Breathability 9 No stink foot in these
Warmth 5 Not the warmest boot, I have worn them in 20 to 30 degree weather with heavy socks and they ok, but I was only good for 3 or 4 hours and needed to warm up
Durability 7 The nylon and leather has held up FLAWLESSLY, the sole has worn very very well but has started to unglue on the arch. If it wasn't for the arch I would give this a 9
Weight 8 Each boot weighs 2 lbs. Even wet they don't weigh much.
Water resistance 3 BUT... They are not meant to be. These are a "hot weather boot" They are leather and nylon with drain holes. They do how ever remain comfortable when wet and drain/dry very rapidly.
Grip 9 This tread patter is awesome, I will seek it out in the future.
Where to buy? Sportsman's guide, ocean city job lots, other discount type outlets.
Rating scale is 1 - 10. 1 being junk, 10 being awesome.
Wellco RAT hot weather boot
Price 9 I paid 49.99 for mine, prices range from the mid 40's to 200.00 on these depending on where you shop
Comfort 9 worn daily, my favorite boot far
Breathability 9 No stink foot in these
Warmth 5 Not the warmest boot, I have worn them in 20 to 30 degree weather with heavy socks and they ok, but I was only good for 3 or 4 hours and needed to warm up
Durability 7 The nylon and leather has held up FLAWLESSLY, the sole has worn very very well but has started to unglue on the arch. If it wasn't for the arch I would give this a 9
Weight 8 Each boot weighs 2 lbs. Even wet they don't weigh much.
Water resistance 3 BUT... They are not meant to be. These are a "hot weather boot" They are leather and nylon with drain holes. They do how ever remain comfortable when wet and drain/dry very rapidly.
Grip 9 This tread patter is awesome, I will seek it out in the future.
