[TowerTalk] Boots

[Dick Green WC1M]

I use a pair of heavy leather hiking boots, like these:

http://www.limmerboot.com/Standard.html

Nylon shank, lots of support, good heel and a wide space in the Vibram between the heel and sole so you can hook either way.

Mine happen to be custom-made. I got them in 1989 and have had them re-soled twice (the soles wore down from hiking, not climbing towers!)I believe the custom boots were $280 per pair back then. Last I checked, they were $750 per pair with a four year wait. Don't know what the off-the-shelf models cost, but they're a lot cheaper. 

My custom boots are actually a little heavier than the standard model: 5 lbs. They're really designed for backpacking with a heavy load. These days I only use them only for that (rarely) or when I'm hiking a considerable distance on rocky summits/ridges above treeline or ascending/descending very steep and rocky terrain. It looks like the Mid-Weight or Light-Weight would be just as sturdy for tower work and are much lighter. The Ultra-lights look too soft.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: W0MU Mike Fatchett [mailto:w0mu at w0mu.com]
> Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 11:47 AM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Boots
> 
> I would look for a pair with steel toes too.  I had a mast slip on me
> once and thankfully I had steel toe shoes on!
> 
> I have heard people say use a heel and other say a flat bottom is
> better.   I am not sure what the pros use.
> 
> Steel shanks is a must.
> 
> Mike W0MU
> 
> W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net
> 
> 
> On 4/19/2012 7:18 AM, David Robbins wrote:
> > look for ones with a heavy sole with steel support and good heel.  the
> steel support prevents rung foot, and the good heel to give it a good
> place to hook onto the rung.  if you can easily bend the sole near the
> arch with your hands you probably don't want it.
> >
> > Apr 19, 2012 09:09:39 AM, ve4xt at mymts.net wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> > Anyone have any recommendations for boots for tower work?
> > I¹m thinking light weight for climbing, but sturdy of sole for
> > standing on rungs...
> >
> > 73, kelly
> > ve4xt
> >
> >
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