A while back ago, like Medic999, I was approached by Magnum Boot company about becoming a field tester for a new pair of boots. They asked me to wear their new boots for a while and write about them in my “Popular EMS Blog”. They’d send me new boots for free, and I would review them. I weighed the decision carefully… I couldn’t decide whether I would alienate my readership (both of them) by blogging about commercial interests. I pictured myself as a NASCAR driver, blogging for a corporate sponsor. Would you think that I’d sold out? Would you think that I was a corporate shill?
But then I thought, y’know… free boots.
So I signed up and Magnum Boots sent me a brand new pair of Magnum Elite Force 8.0 WPI boots. They arrived yesterday and they’re replacing my old boots, which (No foolin’) I’ve been wearing dang-near every day since I got them 5 years ago.
I figured this. Magnum Boots has bought a review by sending me a new pair of boots to replace my 5yo pair that have been with me through so much. What they didn’t buy is an automatically positive review. I’ve decided that I’m going to wear these boots through the whole week and put them through everything I go through. This includes 72 hours of shift time on a busy rural paramedic ambulance service, 24 hours on duty at the fire department (really. I work a lot), a bunch of volunteer calls, and my daily life of being a husband, father, and homeowner in a small town.
I’ll test these boots out, put them through hell, and report back to you on how they perform. If I like them, I’ll tell you. If I don’t like them, I’ll tell you. I’ve already mowed the lawn in them, and have put in a few hours of other misc yard work in them. Today I’m taking them down to the river for a little water rescue training. (fishing the bank) These are things that I’d usually try to protect my other duty boots from, but I’m being tasked to review these things and I’m going to put them, and my feet, through hell week.
All for your benefit. I already got free boots, y’know.
It’s time to go kick my feet’s um, kick these boot’s… something. Look for a post in a week.
You know, Chris, you and HM have now both received a new pair pf boots. Being that I'm out on a line of duty disability, it won't be cool gear for the active FF or PM, But I'm wondering when I'll be getting my lil' sumthin'? Maybe some rubbers (the kind that go over your shoes) for when I amble down to the park to feed the duckies and avoid the goose poop? Or some day old bread? “A lil' sumthing for the effort?”
Anyway, looking forward to your review!
Everyone at my day job (in the corporate world) makes fun of my boots. They always ask, “are you going to a fire while you are here?”. I just think duty boots are just best footwear to use everyday. Glad I’m not the only one who wears boots all the time!
Uhhh…how do I get free boots?
I can just see it now. An angina patient, lying supine on the ground, clutching his chest. You come in through the door, but all he sees from his ground position are the boots. Walking towards him.
Wheezing, he beckons you forward.
“What, sir?” you ask, expecting a summary of symptoms.
“Nice… *gasp*… boots….”
Uhhh…how do I get free boots?
I can just see it now. An angina patient, lying supine on the ground, clutching his chest. You come in through the door, but all he sees from his ground position are the boots. Walking towards him.
Wheezing, he beckons you forward.
“What, sir?” you ask, expecting a summary of symptoms.
“Nice… *gasp*… boots….”