511 or M77: which combat boot is right for you?
Both come from the same factory in Estonia. Both are made of genuine leather, are unisex models, and are built to last for years. Yet they are two very different boots, and the wrong choice will become apparent during the very first week of wear.
Here is a comparison to help you choose the right one.
The short answer
If you are looking for a combat boot for everyday use, the city, and year-round wear, choose the 511.
If you are looking for a boot that can withstand military service, forestry work, or ten years of outdoor work, choose the M77.
The rest is the reasoning behind that recommendation.
What the M77 is known for
The M77 was first supplied to the Norwegian Army more than 50 years ago. Developing the boot took ten years because the customer had strict requirements for durability, comfort, weight, and water resistance. Several NATO armies still use it today.
The upper is made of 2.8–3 mm full-grain leather. It is thicker than that of most civilian boots, which is why the M77 initially feels stiffer and why it lasts longer.
What the 511 is known for
The 511 is the store’s best-selling combat boot model, and it comes in around ten colors, from black to a rose pattern. It is lighter, lower-cut, and more refined than the M77.
The lining is made of lightweight textile, making it suitable for warmer weather as well. For winter, there is a separate 511 Winter model with a fur lining.
Comparison
Weight. The M77 is clearly heavier. You notice it on stairs and during long walks. The 511 is as light as an ordinary ankle boot.
Lining. The M77 has a lightweight Cambrelle lining beneath the tongue, while the 511 has a textile lining throughout the boot. Neither is a winter boot on its own, so in freezing weather you will need warm socks or the 511 Winter.
Breaking in. The M77 requires it. The first few weeks feel stiff, but then the thick leather molds to your foot. The 511 is ready to wear right away.
Appearance. The M77 looks exactly like what it is: a military boot. The 511 works with jeans and dresses without drawing attention.
Durability. Both will last for years if treated with grease. The M77 lasts longer and withstands harsher use.
The sizing is different, and this is important
The M77 has a roomy fit because it was designed to be worn with warm or even double socks. Sizes range from 35 to 51, and the chart starts at 23.5 centimeters.
The 511 is also larger and wider than average, but it uses a different scale. Its chart covers sizes 36–48 and starts at 23.6 centimeters.
So do not assume that the same number will work for both. Measure the length of your foot and compare it with the model-specific size chart for each boot, which you can find on the product pages.
Who should choose which
Choose the M77 if: you work outdoors, spend time in the forest, value a boot that will last a decade, or specifically like the military look.
Choose the 511 if: you want a combat boot for everyday use, spend most of your time walking in the city, want to choose a color, or are looking for a boot that works year-round.
What about a third option
If neither feels right, the store has two more models from the same factory. The 517 Aviator is a lower-cut ankle boot and the lightest of the three. The 791 Tarkovsky is a high-cut boot with a leather lining, making it the closest to the M77 without its weight.
If you are still undecided between the two, send a message to info@naiselle.fi. Tell us where you plan to wear the boots, and we will recommend a model and size.