Gentlemen, my friends and I have decided to embark on a fool's errand to drive a 1 L, 2WD car from England, to Iran, and across Mongolia, a trip known as the Mongol Rally. Since the amount of space allocated to my person is extremely small, I'm in the market for a single pair of boots to wear for the entire trip. As such, these boots must satisfy a number of criteria:
>protect my feet from injury >be suitable for walking somewhat long distance in case of breakdown >be waterproof >be comfortable for long periods of sitting >look aesthetic as fuck for instagram shots
Good luck! Always wanted to do something like the Mongol Rally.
For your boots, I think you'll have to consider your timing. Since you're leaving in July, you probably won't have to worry about snow mostly. A look at the weather map now shows 15-20 C through Europe to Turkey, 25-40 C in Iran, back to 20 C across the stans, and sub 10 C in Mongolia. No precipitation noted along the route, but I don't know the rain patterns to be honest.
I'd suggest an unlined leather work boot, but a variety of socks, sock liners, and a bottle of leather oil. A waterproof membrane boot will be harsh in the heat for 60% of your trip, and a rubberized boot is out of the question.
When you get to Mongolia, buy a pair of their local boots, which are extremely sweet.
I have a set of Justin steel-toes that are great but they're a real bitch to walk more than a mile or so in. Does a steel toe with a thin sole exist? Or should I not worry about steel toes? I find them very handy for when you need to kick the bejeesus out of something, or use it as a base for someone else to hammer, as a pivot for levers, etc
Cameron Nguyen
LOWA Zephyrs.
Jose Russell
these look pretty tight and come highly reviewed. What's the difference between all the designations? gtx mid and gtx and mid and high and low and upside down and whatnot
Sebastian Allen
Lowa mountiain boots. Sorry to derail, what car you taking? My mechanic did it in a Terios but he'd swapped out most of the drivechain and suspension to landrover parts. You'll have a buzz by the sounds of it, good luck fella.
Ian Anderson
dont own them, but my mates got Tibets he practically wears in the shower.
Well to begin with, that's a great fucking idea OP, good luck on your trip, you'll have tons of fun doing this.
Now, as a seasoned traveler and trekker, I know all about packing light and sticking to essentials, but even then, the first thing I double on is shoes. I spend most of my time walking, so obviously that's paramount because if I can't walk I'm dead, but still you'll be crossing vast empty spaces with no soul around for miles and no one knowing you're even there, so you can't afford to fuck up. Do what you must, but get a backup.
If I need to be walking, I'll take some tough leather hiking boots alright, but only if I have to walk some long distances. If I need to drive, I'll just take a pair of running shoes. They're always comfy, great for driving, and great for walking as well as long as you're being careful where you step. They're not very gucci, but driving with boots isn't such a good idea believe me, it's not as comfy as it sounds, the heavier weight will tire you down quicker, and then don't underestimate what hours and hours of driving will do to the soles, you'll ruin them in no time, and you don't want your boot soles to be flat when you're walking down a muddy or rocky slope. For warmer climates, I swap the running shoes for a pair of crocs, past the retarded looks they're incredibly comfy and capable shoes, durable, offering better protection, ideal for crossing a river and getting wet, and they're light as fuck, so much you have no excuse not to bring a pair.
Whatever you do, don't count on buying shoes on the way, past Europe you'll only find shitty ruskie and chink stuff. You'll only have what you bring with you to count on, so pack those shoes.
Andrew Stewart
Asolo fugitive. It was the Oper8rs’ choice in Afghan for years
This is more /out/ or /trv/ or even /o/. seriously though OP, this board is absolutely useless unless you want to discuss the finer points of which AR buffer tubes feel best in your asshole, or which Soviet APC would make for the best girlfriend
Id recommend the tanker boots since they are designed exactly for all the things you described except the long walk maybe, and looks exotic for pictures
sorel caribous are very nice I have a pair myself and I love them but if it's not cold your feet might get too hot but they look pretty aesthetic IMO
Elijah Clark
Good luck. Now fuck off to /out/, /fa/ or /o/ with your non-gun related questions.
Ryan Baker
I swear by redbacks from upside down land. best pair of boots ive ever owned.
Xavier White
Yeah but how well can you toss those gumboots?
Camden Gutierrez
>Mongol Rally
Too bad the "Hippy Trail" went through hotzones. Looked a lot cooler. That being said, take this to another board please.
Bentley Powell
Are you Wes Anderson wannabes or something? >>/out/
Anthony Rogers
Hippy? No, Hipster. Hippies are old burned out boomers who live in Upstate NY and Commiefornia.
Christian Perez
So what's the terrain actually going to be like? For a do it all boot I usually look at military or military esque boots. Kinda what they are designed for. Don't get goretex, wax them up good for waterproofing, since you'll be in a vehicle, full leather is probably best including the laces if you get something with laces, and get an insole for maximum comfort. Maybe engineer boots or tanker boots?? Oh and this sounds badass, I wish I had the time and friends gnarly enough to do this.
Caleb Davis
I wish I could wear these things around without getting weird looks. Always liked eastern style boots, look simple and comfy.
James Robinson
These. Or whatever the best hiking boots you can find that fit you well.
Also is right, grab a pair of discount reeboks or something, they're super light and you can always tie them to a backpack when not in use.
Ryder Jenkins
wolverine 1000 mile boots and get a half commando sole stitched and glued on.
Or redwing iron rangers, and same as above.
Get like 6 flat waxed shoe laces and a good shoe brush.
Get some high quality socks for hot and cold weather.
I did a backpacking trip through europe, asia, and a deployment in afghanistan wearing my wolverines. I still use them as dress shoes and daily walking shoes(got the idea from watching indiana jones and how he went from tomb raider to formal professor wearing the same shoes).
Matthew Smith
If it’s a stick you might wanna consider a separate pair of shoes for driving, I wear steel toe timberlands cause I work in constriction and I hate driving stick in boots, if it’s an auto then you good/disregard this
I wear leather work boots and wool socks all year round through 90 degree summer and 0 degree winter. My feet stay comfy the whole time. I wear the shitty timberland pros but I'm making a switch to redwings in a week.
Kayden Morales
wool socks are a wonder. cotton socks would just suck in those conditions. what brand are you using?
Nathaniel Perry
Smartwool, I got like 16 pairs for 7 bucks each so it was super worth it. I have a pair of darn tough and I like em but they aren't ever on sale so 20 bucks a pop isn't worth it to me.
Jaxon Ross
This seems pretty cool. Come to /out/ and tell us about your trip. This board sucks.
Owen Sullivan
I'm going on that too lad, wearing a pair of tricker's country boots, good luck
Noah Nguyen
I'd wager the Sorels a fair bet. But pray tell, OP: just what sort of car do you plan on driving? And do you really think you'll be alright rallying without 4WD? Most cars I know that are customized for rallies have 4WD stock to deal with the elements.
Sebastian King
William Lennon if you're not a homo.
Connor Myers
the point is to do it in a fucking shitbox i think the budget is traditionally 100 british pounds
You might have trouble getting them in Europe, but Redwings are the best boots in the world. Heavy leather, steel toe caps and puncture plates in some models. And comfy. Augh, I will never wear cheap boots again. You'll need to act fast, tho. The break-in process takes some time.
Asher Allen
Fuck the boots; are you seriously crossing Mongolia with a 1L engine? Are you expecting asphalt the whole way?
Oh, and as for boots... some comfy leather boots with enough room for warm socks and enough shaft to support your ankle should you need to leave your vehicle for an unexpected trek to civilization.
Matthew Sanchez
agreed. have fun on your adventures OP
Ian Rogers
Yo op are you expecting to fugg some mongol punani?
Brandon Ortiz
Bean maine hunting shoes. They look the best, and they'll do the most.
