5.11 Xpert 3.0 Waterproof Boots

I like 5.11 boots and use quite a few different models, according to season and conditions, but I straight away felt that the Xpert 3.0 Waterproof 6-inch Boot was a bit special, and, so far, they have proved to be the kind of boot you forget you are wearing. I forget I am wearing them because my feet are dry, well-supported and comfortable, because the laces never need adjusting and because the soles grip on almost any surface (wet or dry), do not quickly clog, and ‘bite’ well going up or down slopes.

The eVent waterproof (and blood born pathogen proof) membrane liner has kept my feet dry despite the Welsh weather, and appears to breathe well, as I have yet to suffer from sweaty feet at the end of the day. The leather uppers have stood up well to bashing through brambles and briars and take a good shine with ordinary polish.

The lacing system comprises of five pairs of webbing loops, two pairs of eyelets and ‘string of sausages’ non-slip laces.

There’s a Kevlar heel with side ankle abrasion protection, a padded fabric and leather bellows tongue, a toe bumper integral with sole and a padded cuff. Webbing ‘pull-on’ loops on the cuff and tongue make things easy when putting them on.

In all, I have found the 5.11 Xpert 3.0 6-inch Waterproof Boots an excellent choice of footwear for all my bushcraft (and day-to-day) activities, and I expect to enjoy using them for many years to come. The only unexpected thing about the boots is that I needed to take a half size larger than I normally take in 5.11 boots.