New boots! First impressions of the Danner Marine Expeditionary Boot (M.E.B.) 53111, GTX, Mojave.  GTX is for the Gore-Tex liner and Mojave is the color code.  These boots are keepers!

Finally found a boot made on a last that fit my feet.  Many brand boots have too much space above the foot.  My foot in other brand boots properly tied would have at least 1/2″ of vertical movement.  When I lifted my foot to walk the boot would shift downward moving the footbed off my foot.  Then on the down step the boot hit the surface first, then the foot onto the footbed of the boot.

To remedy this I used a combination of socks and sole inserts which put my foot at an awkward place in the boot and never worked well.  No more of that with the M.E.B.  I can wear a single pair of socks and skip adding thicker sole inserts.  The fit is more like an athletic type shoe, much more comfortable around the foot.  Snug and supportive without binding.  The leather has no visible flaws, stitching is perfect.  The overall finish and look of the boots are aesthetically pleasing.

Materials quality will be determined through use.  Concerns with the sole are an arch that causes the boot to want to move in a rocking motion.  Maybe this will flatten out after the boot breaks in.  I’m wondering if the sole might stay like that and wear out the protruding part until it evens out.

 

There is a short length of stitching that holds the front end of the sole onto the boot as reinforcement.  This line of stitching is not protected and might wear through enough to break the stitch.

The laces that came with the boots are too thin and I prefer to use Mil-spec type 3 paracord so they were changed.  The sole inserts feel comfortable, but I might add some arch support.  I’ve worn them at home for about 7 hours walking as much as possible and am confident they will keep me happy for years.  Since an opportunity presents itself to track these from the start I’ll post periodic updates on the state of the boot.

Next post will explain why the M.E.B. was chosen and a progress update. Video review is below check it out. -13