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.
The tread is mostly made up of medium sized divisions which seems to work well for varied terrains. On the con side, one thing I did notice was the stitching down the middle of the heel can be a felt hard point. Perhaps more padding or not stitching down the middle would have been better. As a counterpoint this likely makes the area more durable. Most of my sport shoes give out in this back of the heel area. The inner heel half is made of a more texturized material like the sole to resist scuffing. I wish there was a pull strap on the back to assist with putting boots on. Currently available in black. More to come as I keep wearing...