Pilot Boots

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jrflight

Well-Known Member
I'm looking to buy some slip-on boots for work. I'm a colgan FO flying the Saab. I was looking at the Roper boots from sporty's. Anyone have a suggestion on what kind to get? Thanks
 
moocowtex

moocowtex

Well-Known Member
I have a pair of Luchese's that have felt like bedroom slippers from the first time I put them on. The drawback is they aren't cheap, and you have to take them off to get through security. Got 5 years (re-soled several times) out of a pair of Justin Ropers. But ditto on security. Rumor has it there is a shoe company named Ariat that sells security friendly ropers.
 
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AMH

Well-Known Member
jrflight said:
I'm looking to buy some slip-on boots for work. I'm a colgan FO flying the Saab. I was looking at the Roper boots from sporty's. Anyone have a suggestion on what kind to get? Thanks
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Those are nice boots but I wouldn't buy them from sporty's. Just go down to a local boot store or a Sports authority and get the ropers by Justin. They are less than half the cost of sporty's. I have a pair and they do set the metal detector off but they're easy to slip on and off so it's a breeze.
 
Captain_Bob

Captain_Bob

Well-Known Member
AMH said:
Those are nice boots but I wouldn't buy them from sporty's. Just go down to a local boot store or a Sports authority and get the ropers by Justin. They are less than half the cost of sporty's. I have a pair and they do set the metal detector off but they're easy to slip on and off so it's a breeze.
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Take them to a cobbler... yes they do still exist... and they can take out the metal shank and replace it with a thermoplastic one for probably under $10. Then, they'll go right through the detectors.
 
wick81

wick81

Well-Known Member
I've flown with Justin Ropers on the Saab for about three years, but I have had them resoled many times and I think its time to get a new pair. I got the leather sole on mine, I think you can get them with a rubber sole and it might last longer. I got mine at a local boot store for about 90 bucks.
 
JDE

JDE

Well-Known Member
I've got some Justin ropers as well, and love them. I haven't worn them in a long time since they get a little warm in the summer. Rubber soles are good - you are less likely to slip and fall on the icy ramp.

Are passengers still required to take their shoes off in security?
 
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SuperKingAir

Well-Known Member
I'll have to go with the Arait boots for my suggestion too. We have several guys in our department that LOVE them. I can't reccomend the Justin's for longevity reasons. The Ariats will supposedly (according to one of our guys) last several years. Just remember, you'll pay for quality.
 
USMCmech

USMCmech

Well-Known Member
freedevil said:
Those are some big ass boots. What happened to regular hush puppies ? :)
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You're not from Texas are you?


I have worn boots since 8th grade. The boots in the sportys catalog are your basic roper from Justin. These will last you a couple years, and you'll have to resole them once. I would recomend buying some better quality that will last a LONG time. The Ariats will do you well, I wear a pair of Red Wings that should last a decade.
 
TXaviator

TXaviator

Well-Known Member
USMCmech said:
You're not from Texas are you?


I have worn boots since 8th grade. The boots in the sportys catalog are your basic roper from Justin. These will last you a couple years, and you'll have to resole them once. I would recomend buying some better quality that will last a LONG time. The Ariats will do you well, I wear a pair of Red Wings that should last a decade.
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I also have a pair of redwings that have seen every imagineable abuse known to man (i was a fraternity pledge at UT at one point in my life...)... and they are totally indestructible.
 
ERfly

ERfly

Well-Known Member
I had the Justins (model 3170 airport friendly) and liked them. However, I got them a size too wide and they initially caused blisters on my feet when I first got them. Then, after not wearing them for a month, they started to cause blisters again. I switched to the Ariat Heritage Roper a couple of weeks ago and couldn't be happier. They're as comfortable as a pair of sneakers and have no break-in time. They feel great. I, too, would recommend going down to a boot store or something and have them properly fitted.
 
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