I'm in a similar situation with you regarding boots. I would like Imperial Boots, but may have to look at CrowProps as the alternative.
I've posted up an interest thread on Imperial Boots' "Hux Boot" - Vince at IB has emailed me back some information on doing a detachment run, where we (detachment) coordinate the minimum numbers. They don't offer the boot in their waves and no longer have a service of taking orders to gather the minimum number.