Danner RAT Boots vs Bates Tropical 922 Boots

Comparison Review: Danner RAT Boots vs. Bates Tropical 922 Boots

Military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts often require reliable and durable footwear to tackle various terrains and conditions. The Danner RAT (Rough-Out Hot Weather) Boots and Bates Tropical 922 Boots are both popular choices for those seeking quality military-grade footwear. In this detailed comparison, we will assess these boots based on key specifications to help you make an informed decision.

Danner RAT Boot Specifications:

Manufacturer: Danner
Upper Material: Rough-out full-grain leather and 1000 Denier nylon
Sole: Vibram 360 outsole for maximum traction
Lining: Breathable, moisture-wicking, and waterproof GORE-TEX
Height: Approximately 8 inches
Weight: Approximately 4.4 pounds (per pair)
Insole: Danner Airthotic footbed for superior arch support
Compliance: Berry Amendment compliant, ensuring domestic sourcing
Color Options: Desert Tan and Mojave

Question: What is a good way to protect your toes and feet from getting blisters during hiking?

Put this on your toes and feet and add a good pair of socks and you will be good to go.

We know guys who have used this cream and gone through GORUCK and Spartan Races with no blisters at all.

You can pick up a tube or Trail Toes for about $13 and this is cheap insurance to protect your feet. My buddy got blisters on his toes and I let him borrow a little bit. I bailed him out and he bought me beers later so it was a good deal for both of us.

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Danner RAT Boots Review:

The Danner RAT Boots are renowned for their ruggedness, comfort, and adaptability in various military and outdoor environments. The combination of full-grain leather and nylon in the upper ensures durability, while the GORE-TEX lining makes these boots waterproof and breathable, ideal for hot weather. The Vibram 360 outsole provides excellent traction on diverse terrains, and the Danner Airthotic footbed offers superior arch support. These boots meet the Berry Amendment requirements for domestic sourcing, making them a preferred choice for those who prioritize quality and compliance.

Bates Tropical 922 Boot Specifications:

Manufacturer: Bates
Upper Material: Full-grain leather and 1000 Denier nylon
Sole: Slip-resistant rubber outsole
Lining: Moisture-wicking and breathable for enhanced comfort
Height: Approximately 8 inches
Weight: Approximately 3.5 pounds (per pair)
Insole: Removable cushioned insert for additional comfort
Color Options: Coyote and Black

Comparison:

Durability: Both boots feature a combination of full-grain leather and nylon for durability. However, the Danner RAT Boots offer a GORE-TEX lining for waterproofing, making them more suitable for wet conditions.

Comfort: The Danner RAT Boots, with their Danner Airthotic footbed, provide superior arch support, making them an excellent choice for those who require additional comfort and support.

Traction: The Vibram outsole in the Danner RAT Boots is well-known for its excellent traction on various terrains, offering an advantage over the slip-resistant rubber outsole of the Bates Tropical 922 Boots.

Berry Amendment Compliance: Both boots are Berry Amendment compliant, which ensures that they are domestically sourced, meeting quality and sourcing standards.

Bates 922 Boot Review

The Bates 922 boot gets a lot of publicity as it was the go to boot for Navy SEAL training candidates at BUD/S.  These boots are relatively inexpensive and break in easy – and they drain well.

The Bates Tropical 922 boots are designed to offer performance and comfort in hot and humid environments. These boots feature a combination of full-grain leather and nylon in the upper, providing the right balance between durability and breathability.

While they may not offer the same level of waterproofing as the Danner RAT Boots, the moisture-wicking and breathable lining ensures comfort in high-temperature conditions. The slip-resistant rubber outsole provides traction on various surfaces, and the removable cushioned insert adds to the overall comfort.

What is not to like about them? If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, boot, look no further than the Bates Tropical Seals. I have owned these for 5 years and worn them for work as a DOD contractor and Law Enforcement Officer.

We have the same boot when I was in the US Marine Corps, but in a desert suede which are equally incredible. I was stationed at 29 Palms and these boots do great in a desert environment.

Danner® RAT Temperate Military Boots Review
The first pair of Danners I put on I was impressed with. As much as I was impressed with that first pair over other boots, I am that much impressed with this pair over those. I’ve read reviews where people said “no break in” before, and thought people were exaggerating. I put my foot in these boots, and I could flex my foot in in direction: forward, backward, right, left and they boot just moved with my foot with no discomfort. I could bend down and flex the toe and the supple leather in both the toe and the back of the boot just flexed perfectly with my movement. These are amazing. I tied them as tight as I would a pair of boots a year old and they just moved with my foot perfectly. I can’t emphasis enough how there was absolutely no break in with these boots.

From foot patrols in dry rocky terrain to a beat in the city, these boots never let me down. 12-18 days on foot and anyone’s feet will hurt, but these made it better than any other boots I’ve owned. The sole is more of a urban tactical sole than a combat boot. It’s forward oriented tread makes running on hard surfaces easier than with a more traditional blocky combat sole.

These are the boots the Navy SEALs are issued in training. And as I mentioned, the Marine Corps is using the same boot in a rough-out tan. They’re that good. After 5 years of hard use, my soles are just starting to show some wear.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the choice between the Danner RAT Boots and the Bates Tropical 922 Boots depends on your specific needs and the environment in which you’ll be using them. The Danner RAT Boots are favored for their exceptional waterproofing and arch support, making them suitable for a broader range of conditions. The Bates Tropical 922 Boots are an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable boot for hot and humid environments.

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