My little brother is re-working one of his cosplay outfits for his local Comic Con, and he wants to add a pair of good quality black leather paratrooper boots to his getup. He doesn't really know anything about paratrooper boots, or combat boots in general, so he asked me for help picking out a pair. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about paratrooper boots, or combat boots in general, either. So I'm appealing to the collective WTA Brain Trust.

So basically, what he needs is a pair of black paratrooper/jump boots, size 9-10-ish (I asked for his exact shoe size, he doesn't know off the top of his head), that are comfortable (he'll be walking around in them all day), of decent quality and construction, that aren't too expensive. He won't give me a budget, but I did point out that a nice pair of leather boots will probably be $200+, and he said that might be a little steep. So he would prefer leather, but a different material won't be a deal-breaker.

Oh, and it should probably look like something Batman would wear.

Any suggestions y'all might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I haven't worn them, well at least not long and for the life of me I can't find the pair I own. None the less my experience comfort wise was less than stellar though I may not have broken them in enough. From what I've read though more often than not they just aren't comfortable. But I'd wait for someone with more experience than myself;)

But that's my little bit of know how about them;)

Luke

Genuine jump boots, of the type linked to above, are relics from a bygone era, comfort wise.  The sole is a hard-ish rubber, with pretty much zero cushion value.  Any cushioning would come from end-user supplied insoles.

The upper part of the boot is stiff leather, and yes, it does take a shine very well, if you know how to do a proper spit shine.  Like all old school leather footwear, they require breaking in.

Modern airborne units (82nd, 173rd, Rangers, SF) only wear them with dress uniforms.  So formal balls and 'payday activities' (which is, by tradition, a half day) are about the only time they are worn, for 3-4 hours at a stretch.

Do beware, if he wears 4E (Extra-wide) width footwear, corcoran only makes Wides.  Which means the squeeze gets uncomfortable after those 3-4 hours.

(FUPLANS section, Division staff, 82nd Airborne Division, 2008-2011)

The old school black leather 'leg' boots also have zero built in cushion to the soles, take polish but not as well, and also require break-in if new.  The do come in extra wide, if you can find it.

If you don't have a good surplus store near you.  Amazon has several options.

https://www.amazon.com/Brown-Original-Boots-BLACK-10-5M/dp/B000HDXXFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495938090&sr=8-1&keywords=corcoran%2Bjump%2Bboots&th=1&psc=1
Not too bad at $160.

https://www.amazon.com/Brown-Original-Boots-BLACK-10-5M/dp/B000HDXXFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495938090&sr=8-1&keywords=corcoran%2Bjump%2Bboots&th=1&psc=1

Rocky's for $112.  I liked my Rocky's when I was wearing them for work.  Never had this style though. 

The Corcorans are the authentic article but if he goes that route he might want to buy them large enough to put a padded insole in them if he's going to spend the day walking on concrete.