OTB has been making a good name for themselves making specialized tactical boots. Starting off with water based boots for SEALS, they now offer many primo land variants. One such example I have here is the Bushmaster which is greatly based on the Abyss design.
Mister Thor Boot here has an interesting design intent which was made specifically with Special Forces in mind. The idea is to have a boot where operators can insert into the area of operations and be covert capable in which the boots appear civilian in nature. The attention to details and heavy duty materials used separate the Thor from typical hiking boots to make them tactical ready.
5.11 offers up another piece to their footware line with the big selling point on this guy is the high strength composite kick toe. The shape and material used for the kick toe are a great compromise of protection and flexibility for comfort. Traditionally boots like these would have steel toes resulting in pretty low comfort levels. The core of the XPRT design is that of a deluxe well constructed and padded boot. The "Shock Mitigation System™" includes a fairly plush insole insert. Due to the materials and padding thickness it may be a bit hot in hot climates, but generally makes for a good urban boot.
LAPoliceGear.com has been expanding their own product line recently including footwear with the addition of the Operator Boots. The design goal was to make a lightweight boot that has the durability operators expect, but at a great price. I'll have to agree LA Police Gear did just that. To be fair on this review, let me warn you that I got the smallest possible, size 7, but I'm about a 6.5 area. Thus I wear double socks or add in odor pads to get the fit I need.
In a time of Desert Boots, it was nice to check out this Urban style boot from 5.11 tactical. I'm still working them over, but wanted to give a thoughts so far heads up. Materials include: 100% waterproof USA leather and lined with a Sympatex® Waterproof and bloodborne pathogen- resistant membrane. The heel features non-metallic construction and Armortex®. First impressions are that it is well padded. It has a sports shoe feel all the way up to the ankle. I'm not sure what the shoelaces are made out of, but I like them a lot. They feel like usual laces, but have great non-slip qualities to them that make lacing tight easy.
