Scotch Harry Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221915235185?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Just dug out an unissued pair of the same type of Desert boots as in the above link,had for about 5 or 6 years stored away and was going to wear them for work. Noticed that the soles/heels felt very soft and springy-so much so that chunks are coming away and they are now fit only for the bin. Had heard stories of similar problems with the first issue boots issued during Granby,hence the pics of troops wearing varied footwear and a lot of private purchase suede type boots. Cannot remember when bought if the soles/heels were as soft,pliable or what would have caused this as they werent stored away anywhere cold,dark damp or anywhere in direct sunlight to be honest. Hope this isnt a problem common with this type of boots as a few days prior to me trying mine on,sent a similar pair to a Spanish Ebayer and hope he doesnt have the same problems/issues with his boots. Many Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garys39 Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Hi, I had exactly the same problem with an identical pair of boots like yours, these had been stored for the last 4/5 years, got them out and found the same deterioration, straight into the bin I'm afraid. Regards Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevpol Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have got a pair with the soles/heels crumbling, bought them from W&P a few years ago, very annoying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topdog Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Its not uncommon with this type of sole. They give of a small amount of vapour (phenols?) and if they are kept in plastic or anything which traps the fumes, then they fall apart rapidly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotch Harry Posted October 20, 2015 Author Share Posted October 20, 2015 Thanks guys,not good then and just hope the ones sent to Spain fair a bit better but not looking good>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boots dms Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 This is also a common problem with the issue black leather combat assault boots,I have had three pairs and a pair of the goretex pro boots and all of them have eventually crumbled away on the soles,certainly much sooner than the life of the boots should have had.I,ve heard of lots therories for this including 5 year shelf life,bad batches from the manufacturer etc etc.Its a shame as the boots are comfortable and the leather uppers seem pretty strong.I enquired about resoling but it cost so much you are probably better of buying a pair of Lowas or such. ps I have a pair of the old mk2 hi leg boots from 1984 and they are bombproof and still going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 Yep, had it happen to me too. In the heat they also seemed to melt, strange when considering they were designed for hot weather... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Hall Posted October 21, 2015 Share Posted October 21, 2015 A very common problem even in service. When I was op Op Bolton our guys continuously had to get new boots off the yanks because we never had stock. Oil contamination only made it quicker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotch Harry Posted October 22, 2015 Author Share Posted October 22, 2015 Is it just a sign of the times/poor quality as have boots from various countries from the 40s,50,60s and they are non the worse,same goes for 70s DMS,BCH and Granby Desert Boots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotch Harry Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share Posted October 29, 2015 Loath to throw a brand new pair of boots in the bin but no point keeping as they seem to be getting worse by the day,just hope that the assault boots(when I find them)havent suffered the same fate:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 I removed the cracked and almost melting outer part of the soles so I could still use them on hot days at last W&P... With the bad weather I didn't use them much though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
draganm Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Any cobbler would be able to re-sole a pair of boots or shoes for very little money, we even have one in the little town I live in. Or, what am I missing here, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotch Harry Posted November 4, 2015 Author Share Posted November 4, 2015 Not sure if Im right in thinking in that DMS boots were a throw away item in that the soles/heels etc cannot be replaced when worn out? As for boots being cheap to re sole,not in my experience they havent which is a shame-cheaper to buy a new pair when the heels/soles wear out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlymb Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 I've had several pairs of these for daily use, as I like their looks and they are comfortable. I bought them new for around a tenner per pair at W&P, but the soles were completely worn after 6 months or so of daily use. I always thought the material was softer because they were made for use in sandy areas. I've kept them all and the uppers are in great shape, so I'll have to check to see how much they would charge for a re-sole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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