We are looking for tactical style boots. It's just for wearing to the range and for fun. Not going to war or anything. Are 5.11 products good? I have no idea which model to get. Any other brands you like?

5.11 8 inch Tac lite, zip side.  They run a little big so order 1/2 size down.  I wear them all the time. 

This one had some deals on NB boots

http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/cat_mens_shoes.htm?category=mwork&sort=POP&size=&width=&shoeLast=&price=

I've been using the Danner TFX GTX in sage & dessert for a few years now & do really like them. I've also used (recently) the Belleville dessert ONE XERO 320's and the Oakley Tactical Six.   So far the Danner's have held up the best overall, the One Xero's were comfortable & very light but wore out quickly, the Oakley's were heavy but quite comfortable as well.   The Oakley's are also my only 6" boot which one would think helps with mobility but they're too heavy & clunky IMHO.

HTH, Ahui hou 

Boomah

Most comfortable for me are the VooDoo Tacticals.  Otherwise whatever surplus I score which turn out to be heavy, clunky, hurt my feet as some noted above but cheap.  Tried a pair of Asolo hiking boots, too freaking narrow.

I found Belleville to make the best and comfortable military/tactical boots.   

Combat Proven from the mountains of Mauna Loa to the Crumy deserts of Iraq LOL!

http://www.bellevilleboot.com/

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If you are not planning on wearing these to war, DO NOT invest in designated military boots like danner, rockies, belleville, etc. While they are a good investment, they are built for heavy use in military environments, and are highly discouraged from being used as an all purpose boot for other activities like hiking because of their weight.

STAY AWAY from Nike or Converse; they are built like shit and will last like 2 weeks.

If you want some 'super star' boots, 5.11's and Oakleys are ok. Personally, I think its for brand fans who just want to rock the name, as the price you pay for the boots are not worth it.

The boots I can whole heartedly recommend are the Altama Exospeed II's. They are extremely light weight, extremely comfortable, and will hold up for a very long time if given standard abuse; i.e. range days. I used them for 3 months in Afghanistan, with one month of heavy field use on a daily basis; i.e. 10-15 total mile patrols over the course of a day. I ended up reverting back to my Bellevilles after the one month of heavy use because the soles started to give way, being that they are more like 'tennis boots' than designated military boots with a solid, heavy sole.

If you are looking for the best all around boot to invest in to use for multiple tasks, I would invest in a solid pair of hiking boots. You will spend some money, but they will definitely pay for themselves in that they will quite literally last forever, and can be comfortably used for multiple purposes like hiking.

Hope that helps 

I pretty much concur with this in regards to the heavy duty boots as it is also my experience. 

I currently own, Danner, Bellville, Altama, Magnum, Converse, 5.11 and a S&W branded boot.  Stick with a lightweight boot if you go that route and indeed the 5.11 ATAC side zips I have are comfortable and are waterproof.  However I very much prefer the Merrell or similar style hiking boots and are my normal daily working / range footwear.  You also won't "stick out" as much at the range as opposed to "tactical boots". 

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Both my bates and 511 boots fell apart with in 6 months of daily 8-10 hr use.  The best boots that lasted me were my gortex timberline boots but I did not wear them daily.  Only hiking

The bates and 511 had issues of the sole separating from the leather

Belleville TR models... if your planning on water stuff...belleville goretex

The boots I can whole heartedly recommend are the Altama Exospeed II's. They are extremely light weight, extremely comfortable, and will hold up for a very long time if given standard abuse; i.e. range days. I used them for 3 months in Afghanistan, with one month of heavy field use on a daily basis; i.e. 10-15 total mile patrols over the course of a day.


+1 on the Altamas

I'm on my 3 pair of Altama boots and they are GTG, light, cool and come in wide sizes.  I 've had 2 pairs of the Exospeed and loved them then they came ot with the Exospeed II.  I then switched to the Ortho-TacX which has a thicker insole.

So far I've been using a pair of Columbia's and they've been working out good for me. Not exactly a tactical boot but it is a hiking boot (not so much for rugged terrain but sand, dirt and mud seem to be no problem) very light weight, tough,  doesn't stand out like the tactical shoes and is very comfortable.

Whatever decent hiking shoe/boot that's on sale at Ross

Thanks guys. Very helpful. Anyone know where I can see the Merrell boots in person?

Awesome. They have a camo style.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/33635M/82777/Mens/Pulsate-Camo-Waterproof-Wide-Width?dimensions=0

Now we need synthetic socks.

Thanks guys. Very helpful. Anyone know where I can see the Merrell boots in person?

Awesome. They have a camo style.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/33635M/82777/Mens/Pulsate-Camo-Waterproof-Wide-Width?dimensions=0

Now we need synthetic socks.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Static/Dealer.mvc.aspx

socks- ross had a bunch of different styles of hiking socks for cheep 

I've used a pair of 5.11 ATAC for 3-years and not a problem.  Wear them at work every day, to the range on weekends and when I'm going out.  Picked up a second pair to keep at the office for back-up.  Only change I made was to dump the stock insoles and use an after market pair from Sports Authority.  Merrels are good too, I have a pair at home for hiking. 

Last year I picked up a pair of Keen Gypsum.  I really like these.  The toe box is roomy which is good for wide feet.  The lug design sheds mud well and the shank is solid when walking over rocks or other uneven terrain. 

http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/shoes/men/outdoor/gypsum%20mid/brindle!tawny%20olive

When you go to buy your boots make sure to take along the socks you will be using with them.

Find all the info you need here here 

https://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=1320644

Thanks guys. Very helpful. Anyone know where I can see the Merrell boots in person?

Awesome. They have a camo style.
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/33635M/82777/Mens/Pulsate-Camo-Waterproof-Wide-Width?dimensions=0

Now we need synthetic socks.

Sports Authority carries Merrell boots, but I have never seen them carry that camo model.  They also have Hi-tech, Colombia also.