CHEAP vs. EXPENSIVE Army Boots - Can Spec Ops Feel The Difference?

Our first t-shirt is now for sale. Visit to bit.ly/ShiftFireMerch to grab yours!
Spec Ops veterans put their feet on the line and test the most expensive and cheapest Army combat boots on the market in this episode of War Wallet. They will base their "scientific" research on two sets of boots priced at both $20 and $200 and challenge their usability and comfort. Cam & Israel has many years of military experience behind them and knows what to look for when it comes to functioning and comfortable military footwear. What other Army and combat items would you like to see Spec Ops review in the next episodes?
00:00 - Introduction
0:13 - Presentation
1:18 - Rothco boots
3:03 - Walking with Rothco boots
3:37 - Impressions
5:21 - Garmont boots
6:51 - Walking with Garmont boots
7:31 - Impressions
8:36 - Conclusion
8:58 - Outro
#army #combat #expensive
--------------------
Israel Wright: / israelwrigh. .
His twitch channel: / myhappyself
Cameron Fath : / cameroncfath

[@simbadg13]

yeah garmonts are still super popular at least in my unit. I have belleville sabre. back in AIT we had an MOS transfer who was past airborne infantry in the 82nd and said that belleville sabres were the best and what he wore during his deployment. You guys should also try diffrent vests and ACH for war wallet.

[@tuba_herogaming632]

Are the boots toe reinforced thinking of getting some

[@domingopgarcia8391]

My trainer used to say " Never cheap out on anything that keeps you grounded; boots, matresses and tires" I have always followed that advice

[@TheRealMrPeeWee]

I always say "always invest in your shoe and your bed because you'll always be in one or the other"

[@jaysongreenfield5947]

These boys have their channel for 2 months now or so, but the vids look so professional and crisp like they been doing this for years. Really appreciate the content guys

[@dharmathecreator]

facts

[@ivansylva9244]

Im kinda sure they dont run the channel, i think theres a team/company doing this, like gameology, they just appear in the videos, the content is amazing anyways

[@thompsongunner27]

I think gameology helped them grow from the videos from them, I found out about this channel from gameology

[@jakethunderbird8735]

@@thompsongunner27 Yeah, these videos are edited just like Gameology. I feel as if this is a subsidiary of Gameology, like Buzzfeed had a bunch of subsidiary channels such as Tasty and Buzzfeed Red, Yellow, etc.

[@drmonstaa1]

@@jakethunderbird8735 in the credits section I recognize some of the names from the Gamology channel, like the editor and producer

[@joaquinvelasquez6252]

"War Wallet" could be its own channel! Keep up the fine work gentlemen. I see Shift Fire going far. (In comfortable boots)

[@ILoveLamp-sj4bx]

I walked 6+ miles in walmart slippers when I got out of jail.. Buy the ticket take the ride I guess.

[@raymondmacias2993]

@@ILoveLamp-sj4bx we gotta do, what we gotta do

[@jonathancathey2334]

My dad was issued original jungle boots in Vietnam. According to my dad. The original jungle boots had an anti punji stake insert, much like insoles for boots/shoes. He said that it was like walking on chicken wire. So everyone in his unit got rid of anti punji stake insert. Now on the improved green jungle boots. The manufacturer put an anti punji stake liner in the sole of the boot. Making the boots more comfortable and still trying to keep troops feet safe.

[@voidunity986]

I mean if we’re talking cheap vs expensive, could we see some Nods in the future…👀 PS- Great work building the channel guys, keep up the great work.

[@HeyItsJoe1]

As cool as this would be idk about the budget lol nods expensive as heck.

[@MyHappySelf]

Once we starting blowing up…ya never know! 👀

[@fathblin]

@@MyHappySelf the king itself reply

[@ajbone5188]

Aren’t those quad nods like 25 plus grand

[@fathblin]

@@ajbone5188 yeah it is

[@EpicGamingGuruReal]

I actually love those rucksac backpacks. Its like a full set up anywhere for just about any accusation. Can you guys do a cheap vs expensive of those?

[@LazyBoarding]

This would be cool. Would love to see what they’re stuffed full of

[@romeotango5597]

I recommend getting a surplus Alice pack and a good frame, then if you want some added comfort check out the MALICE upgrades for stuff like the straps and pads. It’s affordable and it’s a great pack. The green pack he has is an Alice with some malice straps, possibly more. It’s a good affordable option that is favored by a lot of soldiers. The full malice pack is also an option if you want to shell out a lot of money. Depending on what you plan to use it for there may be better options from companies like mystery ranch that are more outdoorsy/hunting focused but those are usually pretty expensive. Honestly there are so many options for packs you’re better off finding videos recommending particular pack options for what you want it for, a cheap vs expensive video is just going to be super barebones on info that is applicable to you.

[@Brees1986]

@@romeotango5597 ALICE is the old school. You can carry an entire house in them, but I like the organization of the MOLLE’s better.

[@skynet0912]

I remember wearing fire fighter boots for 16 hours a day when i was in civil defense, and in the beginning, i never understood why a single pair was over 300$! But after spending the majority of your week in them, fighting fires, stepping on sharp debris and running around in all kinds of weather and so forth, i never wanted anything but the best! We even tried a similar test, where unless we were on call, we had to use the cheapest pair of rainboots we could for our daily tasks, and most of us had to drop the idea after just 5 hours or so, to avoid destroying our feet for when it mattered...

[@jbryantphotographer]

Yeah man, my Globe Leather boots absolutely blow rubber 3M boots out of the water. Well worth the $500

[@defaultwhiteguy1049]

You two dudes are honestly made to be doing this, watching you guys get more and more comfortable on screen and finding your beat is amazing. Y’all seem like you’re really becoming homies and I think we are all here for it.

[@GRUDGEHOUND]

Honestly I'm not a military guy and I never saw any service myself but I find your channel interesting along with Task and purpose mainly for the hosts. Y'all are great! The content is interesting too. I saw another comment mentioning something about world war II equipment too and I think that would be a neat idea!

[@markredacted8547]

I once laughed when I read all the things my boots could handle, the marketing made it sound like they were indestructible. I turned to my mate pointed out my boots were acid resistant and we had a laugh. A few months later I walk into a warehouse approach a guy I know and we stand in a puddle on the floor, I ask 'What's going on here?' he points to a hydrochloric acid IBC pallet that's leaking and follow the spill to the puddle I was standing in. Learned that day no matter how crazy it may seem, you never know when you need it. I did remain standing in the puddle to see just how resistant, but boots were better than my patience as I got bored. Moral Don't buy cheap sh*t.

[@sophtware_slump]

Back when I was in Korean army (South one ofc), a pair of standard issue boots literally mangled up my feet. Blisters, scratches, blood oozing out under my toenails and all that - nasty stuff. They did change it to one of those middle-of-the-road boots with actual cushioning but still not that great

[@pickleman40]

And to think of all the historical armies that had to march cross country with the absolute worst footwear imaginable like in the napoleon wars or wii. In some ways you are connected to them now lol

[@CounseledRope97]

You can thank from the inspiration of US jungle boots.

[@diggity1039]

Probably wouldn't have happened if you were a Katusa

[@alexanderabramov2719]

Would be interesting to hear you talk about electronic headsets and hearing protection; I’m not a shooter myself, but I gather it’s supremely important, and if a young person is watching a series such as this, they’re probably interested in guns too

[@LazyBoarding]

as someone who wears earplugs to concerts, I’d watch this

[@vgt]

Peltor Comtacs are pretty much the gold standard, but the Ops-Core AMP headset is a relative newcomer that is making waves.

[@RDJ134]

Very good advise, when i had my gun permit i had Peltors. But still have a 24/7 ring in my ears now. So new shooters definity need good decent ear protection, because its not fun to have this ring/beep al day and all night. Just recently found a good routine to fall asleep after years of insomnia.

[@ryand.3858]

I’ve always used HL impact sport electronic ear pro. They run about $50 and work great. Only bad thing is they aren’t quite as comfortable for all day wear. Hard to beat for the price though.

[@yummycookies58]

I second the Howard Leight's Impact Sports, great starter pair of ear pro. Those + orange foam earplugs and your hearing will be 100% safe.

[@ViewlessSquid]

I never served, but I had a friend that served in the army back in the early 90s. He was an army ranger. We were talking about ranger school and I was asking all types of questions about it. And I finally got to the age old question about what did he think anyone could do to get through ranger school and his answer was this, “there isn’t really much anyone can do to get through ranger school besides go in being as fit as possible, and having the mentality of knowing shit is going to really suck, but needing to push past it…” and then he paused to think about it a little bit more, and said this, “but if I had to think of something as advice for anyone to get through it easier, or what made it easier for me was having dry socks. Always carry extra socks.” Now again I never served, but I think pretty much anyone can know and related to how shitty a day can get when you walk around in wet shoes and socks. So there you go guys, without serving, and not knowing ranger school other than what I watched on TV, I give you the elixir of life from an old school army ranger. Hopefully this reaches someone and they can comment on this one day and let me know if he was right.

[@joshkiej6601]

he was 100% right. If you're on a hike or anything alike and you have a 10 min break, change your socks. Also: buy merino wool socks, theyre by far the best. Treat your feet the best you can or you could end up with trench feet.

[@rburkoutdoors247]

Absolutely love the content you two put out! Serious and informative, but also funny and relaxing! Keep it coming! Please. Honestly puts a little light to my day when I see new content from you guys.

[@CarolinaAnglingCo]

I love this channel. Growing up in a military family, you learn to appreciate and respect those who serve. You guys are bad ass! Keep the awesome videos coming!

[@ridhoadlihanjaya9762]

Im so happy that this kinda bromance. Im a big fans with these two amazing personalities

[@fathblin]

Anjir bromance, udah gila

[@patrickcomparan7023]

The chemistry you guys have is easily the best part of the channel. Informative, hilarious, and is like a friend you haven’t seen in a long time. If you guys could review hiking packs, that’d be awesome!

[@XInoAricinNilo]

The chemistry you two have and the sense of humor is fantastic

[@xXscissors_61Xx]

These are great ideas guys. I could literally watch anything you 2 put out!

[@ryand.3858]

I like how Cameron is always fashionable and well kept, even rocking the crye pants in the modern camo pattern. Then you’ve got Israel with the baggy chocolate chip pants and scruff. Lol

[@romelohdz]

Y’all should do the same with helmets or armor carriers.

[@MyHappySelf]

Yes and yes!

[@romelohdz]

@@MyHappySelf opscores are so hawt right now🤓

[@Bttl71958]

Yea that would be good

[@zazha8715]

Man I love this channel! I've watched ALL of tour gamology appearances and podcasts but I really do wished to see videos of you outside doing stuff and - it came to life ❤️ Thanks men more power!

[@earthatom7]

This is a great lesson I learned in the Army. I still preach investing in good boots except now they're work boots instead of combat boots.

[@9991chiller]

If I can give you a pro tip from a German army mountain force guy, always try to work both legs when taking steps like these. Try to switch left to right as equally as possible it'll make you last longer because sometimes you maybe got more days then one while hiking 😂🤙

[@tacoenvy]

My friend was just telling me about his Garmont boots. Even after several deployments they still look in great shape and hold up well.

[@JohnyScissors]

I see this as being a great series for campers and hikers

[@LtDogoop]

I like how Cameron is Wearing Multicam as he served later than Israel who's wearing dcu the older camo

[@andrewestrada250]

1 minute into this video and I'm subbed. The enthusiasm, editing, and knowledge had me hooked lol Hope to see more of these videos in the future. Maybe gloves and tac pants similar to this 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@Wollathet]

More gear reviews would be awesome to see! Also loving the new content guy, this is great!

[@QDArt-gj6lb]

Channel is growing quite nicely. Good sht 🔥💪🏾

[@ke3285]

I am a fan of your videos from gamology, and I am an aspiring military man (since ill be migrating to US) and you two are one of my big influence on joining. Keep up the videos, thank you!

[@nobleactual9865]

You guys are awesome love the content, keep up the good work!

[@Brownebas]

Hey Cam and Israel, absolutely love both of you guy's stuff, you two are literally awesome. Have you two ever thought of testing cheap and expensive helmets/headgear for War Wallet? Well if not, I think that would be really cool and interesting! Stay safe out there guys, stay happy, peace ✌

[@davidlabauve3812]

By far some of my favorite people to watch, please keep em up guys!

[@STRIPESrt]

This is awesome didn't realize you 2 had your own channel. Dunno why but was feeling kind of low and seeing you 2 pop up on screen gave me a smile! Always loved the gaming commentary haha.

[@kato_dsrdr]

I had my boots for 5 years, used it in countless outdoor activities.. The color is already worn out but still sturdy af..

[@kakyoinmilfhunter1896]

I've had that same design of jungle boots for a while and they are the best boots I've had.

[@jacobl6714]

oh wow that flippant delivery on "i long for oblivion!" was amazing. these guys make great videos

[@joeyb7408]

I got two pairs of boots i use on deployment and i never have a problem with the price. All that matters to me is they fit and they are comfortable as soon as i put them on because that sets the tone. I have oakley light assault 2.0 for my everyday patrol and Lowa gortex for cold/stormy days

[@alexparviz746]

Loved the video, you guys never make a dull one. Do you have the link to the Garmont boots by chance?

[@nunyabuziness8520]

Best channel I've followed recently. Can't wait to see what you two get up to

[@CY3ER]

I really want this channel to be successful because you two are awesome dudes, plus you both served our country so THANK YOU and good luck with everything! New sub here.

[@andresascencio5628]

Great video for equipment I would love to see you guys try out backpacks,uniforms,watches any yup yes of gear!!

[@shockwave6213]

Grunt Proof did a video review on the Rothco Jungle Boots after 2 years of use and abuse and I agree with him after my own experience that they are fantastic for the price. You really do a disservice to the Rothco boots by not putting insoles in them to give them a REAL review. Not including insoles in the boots is actually a good cost saving measure in my opinion, because I have my own preference (gel inserts fyi) for insoles that I use in all my boots.

[@andrewweisel438]

I’m hiking the PCT this year in my 1988 surplus green jungles. I’m currently breaking in. The way the sole breaks in, it makes the bottom of your boots both, injection molded to your foot, and thin as possible 🤙

[@Ghostvertigo]

Boys this is the Start of an awesome channel been following yous since gameology listen to the podcast too, keep up the great work! PS: Ruck sacks/backpacks would be a great episode, o walk / hike with my dog alot and a good backpack makes all the difference lol

[@andrewweisel438]

Green jungles are spike protection. So, when you break them in, you’re breaking in a leather-steel-leather sandwich under that Panama sole. The rothco looks the same outside, but on the bottom they’re crap.

[@TrueAloy]

Awesome Video, they make such a good duo. The Chemistry between them always gives me a smile. :)

[@bishopm4401]

Also, came over from seeing you guys react to video games. Super excited to see your guys’ stand alone content. Subscribed

[@marz.6102]

These reviews are quite insightful, thx for the vid

[@andrewtanczyk4009]

Oh wow 🤩, great 👍🏼 review 🥾! You sold me! Got to get a pair now!!! Thanks! Good humor as well!

[@Floridian_Kole]

Love the content!! Been binging all yalls vids

[@amendus]

Would be great if you would do a comparison between 2 similar boots, and not knowing which ones are the expensive ones to avoid any bias.

[@Mrcuddlesworth_]

Amazing work. Quality content for such a new channel! Keep it up!

[@Builttobeat]

I have a pair of jungle boots myself (not the $20 ones they ain’t it) the jungle boots come into their own in a wet environment like swamp where you have to move through knee high water in some instances as they drain once out of the water, they make a decently comfortable mesh insert that helps push out the water

[@BlackMetalVikingCustoms]

I use to run 5.11’s, they are good enough for the price, but could be greatly improved upon. Just recently picked up a pair of Solomon’s, game changer!

[@mrnohax5436]

i have pair of 5.11's atac 2.0 8 and that was the best choice i made that day because i wear these boots over my converses

[@mehad9885]

great channel!! happy i found it

[@abms1219]

Learned the hard way back in the 80s. Wore cheap jungle boots for ROTC training. 2 steps into a paddy field, soles were left in the muck.

[@tcsullivan6083]

Fan from Taiwan, Like you guys so much since you started hosting Spec Ops REACT. Enjoy your videos, keep going!

[@enzonv1]

God... takes me back to when I was an infantryman in the Brazilian army, 99% of the time, we would be using some variation of the jungle boot. Always hated having to spend time polishing them to a mirror-like finish... Btw that old GI rucksack is still in use in Brazil

[@ahole5407]

Yep. All the poor ppl want what we have. We will sell you all the surplus crap you want but always keep the good stuff for ourselves 😆

[@enzonv1]

@@ahole5407 😪😴😴

[@andreasr6632]

Gread Video 🎥 fellas keep them coming! I love the Garmonts T8 Bifida along with the Belleviles 590 are the most breathables are rugged simultaneously (however the 590s are a bit stiff). For winter ❄⛄ Haix GSG9X are simply amazing and Meindl MD Rock 🤘 for 3 season use at average temps.

[@MONEYPYROgaming]

I've got a couple things to say from my experience with boots. For reference, I'm mostly speaking as someone who went airsofting a lot, and goes out shooting. First, boots totally matter. I used to wear the same pair of Nikes everywhere, including during outdoor activites. Finally I got a pair of Garmont T8s for about $80-$100, and they've held up since, I love them. I also got a pair of leather combat boots, and jungle boots both from the Vietnam era for about $80 together. They're both great, and the jungle boots actually hold up really well to being used. My second point is about those Rotcho jungle boots. Those are 100% something that only Vietnam reenactors should get, and only if they cant find the real deal. There's a few repros of the jungle boots, but most look to be cheap junk, or they're fairly solid but don't look correct. And lastly, I love your guy's mismatched time period clothing and ruck setup. Isreal has the Chocoloate Chip pants with a UCP ruck, and Cameron's got those Crye's with a old Alice pack. Maybe you guys could do a video on combat clothing, or rucks/assault packs

[@aidenpears2620]

Dudes you are really killing it with the content of the channel, keep it up and by the way I love the videos when you try the mre they are to die of laughter

[@ApekOmega]

My garmonts will always be one of my best purchases while I was in.

[@theidirianthinker108]

God i love these two. They really made it for them selves and it's really cool.

[@oldscratch3535]

I used to wear a pair of steel toed Bellevilles to work. I used the ones with the Gortex liner b/c I worked in marine construction doing dock installation and repair so I was in the water a lot. As long as you kept the water line below the top your feet stayed dry. They were expensive but seemed to last longer than most other commercial work boots and they actually maintained their waterproofing. I still have 3 pair that are still in good shape. I never had any foot problems even after spending 10 hours walking on concrete or standing in putrid river water. I'd pair them with a thick pair of merino wool socks in the winter time or use a thin boot sock with an extra heel pad insert in the summer time. The leather didn't burn when it got hit with sparks from a grinder or cutting torch. I always tended to go with a military boot b/c I figure if its made to perform in combat roles then it will likely stand up to whatever I'm doing at work.

[@TheMailmanOfSteel]

If you're even thinking about the Rothco's, just get a pair of surplus Hot Weather Type II's instead for about $50.

[@JonnyThrash_]

this vid sparked my curiosity so i went looking for boots for work( im a gardener/landscaper so boots are a must) and i did not know that NIKE makes combat boots!!!

[@josiahhorn5395]

I am waiting every day hoping for a Shift Fire episode, and I love every video. I love how much you hate the Rothco boots. Can't wait to see what you do next. *Thumbs Up*

[@archer8492]

Here in the UK a popular brand of boot is Alt Berg, based in Yorkshire (in the North of the country where it's pretty rural and hilly). They do a lot of military-style boots designed for different roles, and apparently were saved from going out of business years ago when a couple of soldiers walked past, saw some boots in the window, tried them and bought them - then the next day pretty much the entire barracks went to the shop wanting some because they were so impressed. I'm not military myself but I totally agree that a good pair of boots is essential for anything you want to do on your feet for long periods or on rough ground. Not an area where you want to cheap out when buying your kit! Loved the vid as always guys, keep it up!

[@HeyItsJoe1]

Can you guys do gloves? Im still rocking the classic green flight gloves but i see all kinds of different gloves on amazon

[@jeffkenway8919]

I have Rocky S2Vs with Vibram soles And they are the most comfortable hardworking boot your feet will ever fall in love with!

[@shadoraeveon9312]

I have to say you guys are extremely underappreciated. Perfect balance of information and entertainment.

[@ahole5407]

Wtf? Their is no information here. It's just a paid promotion and a test sample of 1 that proves nothing more than you get what you pay for. Slap a $10 gel insert into those cheap knockoff boots "look up altama jungle boots" and you will have different results. And I would tell them to step on steel spike traps and see how well those lightweight tennis boots protect you.

[@shadoraeveon9312]

@@ahole5407 I mean I wasn't just talking about this video, yeah they didn't do a super serious comparison but that isn't always necessary and the right boots are subjective, I still appreciate the tips and tricks they give while still having that "mainstream" entertainment value, like buzzfeed for grunts ig

[@GodofDeath95]

Another great video! Keep it up guys!

[@thelando3698]

As soon as I was done with Basic Training I wasted no time ordering a pair of Danners. Best decision ever lol

[@carlosjorge3888]

I like my pair of jungle boots because i use a method of "double sole" memory foam at the bottom and rubber sole at the top and it work great for me

[@paulrogers4234]

Love supporting these guys!

[@jonahchrisuntal2828]

I feel a soap and price vibe from you guys, love your content guys

[@geoffdickey3761]

We all had Jungles when I was in. No problems at all, although now at 55 my feet are all jacked up. Connection? Could be. 😂

[@tristanthomson6400]

Pro tip: cut the length adjustors off something like the strings on a boonie and use those for your shoe laces instead of tying them and it'll help avoid shin splins

[@trollersvex5818]

A way that I tie my boots is I bring them around and cross them in the back bring back to the front and I also have a space after the lace hole to make it more flexible my grandpa taught me this because he did it in the army

[@Citybikeing]

I bought the $300 Rocky SV’s and I love them, perfect for gravel/mud but I do find them lacking grip on damp rock surfaces

[@TheRealAb216]

for the extra lace we always just wrapped them around back of your leg then tied them in the front.

[@EnFyr]

I've always used Garmont as my go to brand when buying hiking or hunting boots.

[@lemorelgambino9882]

I used Belleville boots because of the foam capabilities on the sole of the feet.. made me feel like I rucked on the clouds.

[@mikeh4469]

Protip to anyone looking to further their foot comfort in ruckin or long distance hiking, snag a pair of injinji toe socks. Those bad boys were some serious game changers in my thruhikes on the AT and PCT.

[@taniar1265]

Great Video again gentlemen, LoVing it!

[@landongreager5637]

the funny thing is that sole like pice of the jungle boot was to absorb water and when you step release it out of the vent holes

[@neonpersonishere]

These are quality contents honestly, very crisp.

[@stalinsoulz7872]

Got those rothco boots ones but the ones I got was the more unfriendly Gibson's boots. It's like a metal strap to your feet and breaking it in is blisters but a week past the hell scape is actually good cause having a sole less one adds less weight when traversing muddy humid rainforest. It takes water if you plunge to pockets of rivers but sealed enough to not get leeches. Save my life after getting a concussion from a thunderstruck

[@jjuuden7593]

I always used rubber wellies. Long range recon radio specialist with 45 kg rucksack and combat gear

[@wes11bravo]

As a former 11B, this is a subject dear to my heart. I ETSd in 2000. My first hitch was '84-'90 and was issued those garbage throw away chevron boots. The next generation boots were much better but they were heavy and took a long time to break in. The more recent issue boots are unbelievably good. Comfortable as running shoes, like walking on marshmallows. And if you get the right ones, super high quality. I've gotten nearly new Thorogoods for

[@ggbel3320]

Yet again a brilliant video lads!

[@YaMomsOyster]

This want just well made video and informative , it was entertaining. You guys should do a 5 cheapest boot review, that would be worthy a laugh.

[@R3DR1NG78]

You guys should reach out to the battle bunker, it’s in Simi Valley and I bet Austen would let you guys collaborate

[@ConvelBlade]

I have a pair of those jungle boots just for airsoft after that I don't use them for anything else I even had to add bit memory foam now closes too $200 is Rothco V-Mas

[@stephensmith5115]

I remember thinking the Rocky C4T's were the greatest thing since sliced bread in benning until I got to my first unit in drum and realized they did not get rid of moisture so my boots were constantly wet and cold. Not a great combo at all.

[@brunosturiale3967]

Bro we use these "jungle boots" as standard in brazilian army. What we do to make it more confort is put an insole made of silicon or other material for make it confort. Also we use some vert thin socks so when our feet get they don't rot.

[@TisiphonesShadow]

Amazing what we got accomplished back in the day with what we had (no fancy boutique boots back then!)