Aircrew Boots

[Finton_Stack]

Hi All

I have a question regarding boots, and I thought I would ask it here as I feel I would get a more appropriate response, and a wider range of people with experience of the subject. If its in the wrong place, my apologies Mods, and i trust it wont take too much effort to move it...

I am a Civvy pilot who works hard for a living - none of this shiny airbridge nonsense for me! And with winter fast approaching, and remembering how cold my tootsies were last year, and how slippery the aluminium ladders were in my normal shoes, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good, warm, boot suitable for use as aircrew. The only problems that I have, are that I am already 6'4, and "normal" boots tend to add just enough height to me to make getting in/out of the cockpit a little difficult. The other issue is that I am a UK shoe size 12. But you know what they say about people with big feet...

So thats my question. My first question on PPrUne. I am expecting to be sent somewhere rather cold this winter, so the warmer the better!

Be gentle... :O

FS

[Tmbstory]

Finton Stack:

Please do not forget that whatever boots that you may get, you still need to be able to feel the rudder pedals through the soles.

Tmb

[maxdrypower]

F.S , As ex raf aircrewand former police observer now FI I can say that the raf issue boots are phenomenally comfortable and supple as hell. They do however not have the best sole , it wears out quickly and doesnt have the greatest grip .
In the Police due to the odd occasion where we got out omf the aircraft for Casevac work or foot chases across open land we used boots provided by Alt-Berg , a company in yorkshire , they have a website . Very sturdy comfortable boots , Ive been wearing for years and still do had my last pair five years before the sole gave up the ghost
have a look at their website
:}

[SNS3Guppy]

You really don't need to be able to "feel the rudder pedals" beneath the soles. This is somewhat of a myth.

I'm as stick-and-rudder as the next guy, coming from ag background as a crop duster...but while some airplanes can certainly be felt and flown by the seat of one's pants so to speak...many cannot. Boots are to keep your feet warm, to protect your ankles, and for support. Feeling the rudder pedals through them is seldom a requirement, or a concern.

[Tmbstory]

SNS3Guppy:

I do not agree with you on this statement.

Tmb

[hamilton]

Ciao,me personally i used in last 3 years some elegant but also confortable Geox shoes/low boots.I enjoied them departing from cold european weather in winter landing in Equatorial Africa.THey benefit of some patent sole that let y foot fresh after many many hours ....at same time u maintain "pilot style" look.Have a look to some of their shops.
Ciao
H

[SNS3Guppy]

I do not agree with you on this statement.


Why not? Why do you feel it important to feel the rudder pedals?

[charter man]

I once knew a Bandeirante skipper who flew single pilot out of Gatwick for Connectair. He was a heavy smoker and about 10 seconds after t/o one stormy night, off went the smoking light and he lit up. Unfortunately it was at the exact moment he hit a big bump, the lighted ciggy fell out of his mouth and down the top of his chelsea-style boots where it set light to his nylon socks. Suffice to say it was not the smoothest climb out the passengers had ever experienced!

[low n' slow]

How about a pair of well-waxed doc martens with wooly socks?
It'd do it for me.

Personally I like to fly in my Echo "Berlin" boots. Ankle high, gore-tex and felt inner lining. Warm and comfy yet supple and allows for that feeling you are after.

Personally I am inclined to agree with SNS3G. You don't really have to be able to feel the pedals. In any case, you'll know when you have your feet on the pedals and in that case it's just a matter of pressing more or less and find out the result...

One issue could be activating toe-brakes inadvertently though on a taildragger and this could be a potential danger. Other than that, I fly the Pawnee in thick timberland boots without trouble.

[mad_jock]

Based last winter in -20 deg C And I can recommend

Magnum Boots | Footwear for uniform, protective, performance, safety & tactical purposes. (http://www.magnumfootwear.co.uk/en/home)

Vibram sole so you don't slip on your bum. And it doesn't disintigrate on contact with de-icing fluid

Gortex type material so you don't have to wring your socks out after every flight.

Didn't have any problems with feeling the rudder pedals or braking.

They are expensive at 120 quid but after wearing them for that contract I would quite happily pay 300 quid for them.

And also they don't set the metal detectors off

[Finton_Stack]

Thanks for all the replies so far everyone. Your opinions are invaluable, please keep them coming!

Just wondering if people wear the ankle boots when flying, or the "Hi-Tops"? I know what I would wear if I was jumping out of helicopters, tabbing across the moor etc, but is it necessary for aviating?

Mad_Jock raises a good point that I should have mentioned, Steel Toe Caps are a big no-no, I don't want to have to take my boots off every time I go through security. Not so much for me, but I don't want to gas the Skipper with my cheesy feet :}

So far I would have to say that the Magnums are in the lead, but I probably won't be buying the boots untill next payday, so there is plenty of time to change my mind!

Once again, thankyou all, and keep contributing!

FS

[Nashers]

i cant agree more with buying a set of magnums.

while job hunting for a flying job, im working as doorstaff at a big nightclub in the london area. im on my feet for 9hours at a streatch without sitting down once. i use to have a set of boots i got from ebay for 30 pounds and yes they kept the feet dry and all that. however when i got the mags, i felt like i was just floating as they were soooo comfy!

they have also lasted alot longer that expected so over the time frame, have cost the same as the cheap pair i had before. one bit i love is the little cut out at the back of the boot so you can rest your foot flat on the floor when sitting down, without having the boot try to change shape due to the bend between your heel and your calf.

[trex450]

I'd go with Madjock and Nasher, magnum boots (ankle) are good as are Cat boots. Magnum's are I think a bit cheaper and every bit as good, the down side if I remember was that they did not have the hooks for lacing up. I am 6'5 and have been wearing them when flying for several thousand hours without discomfort.

[SNS3Guppy]

What you wear really depends on what you intend to do. If you're flying a corporate mission, then dress shoes are generally in order. If you're flying a private flight, something comfortable. If you're crop dusting, many wear sneakers, some wear boots. If you're an airline pilot, some wear boots, some dress shoes.

Something a lot of people never think about is the flammability of their clothing while flying. Nylon and most synthetics burn or melt exceptionally well...and there's nothing like having clothing melted into one's skin to really top off good partial or full thickness burns.

One school of thought strongly suggests that if you're going to wear boots in an airplane, they should be leather.

[847NAS]

I agree with Magnums they are outstandingly good, I was issued a pair when i begun volunteering with the British Red Cross, and I have never had a problem, even on medical duties or door to door surveys of 8 hrs + they have kept me warm dry and comfortable, very light too!