The new 5.11 EVO 6-inch Waterproof Boots with Side Zip are designed to be light weight for comfort, yet to provide support and stability for all-round performance.
The boot’s uppers are made from tough 1200D nylon and waterproof full-grain leather with an ‘eVent’ waterproof breathable membrane lining, for a fully waterproof performance without excessive condensation build-up. There are eight sets of non-metallic eyelets to take the ‘string of sausages’ type laces with twin position eyelets below the flex notch in the lacing stand. The padded, full-bellows type tongue and cuff have suede detailing and there is a pull loop at the top of the back strap.
The boots have a stiffened toe puff and heel for protection and stability and a straight, but angled, YKK toothed plastic side zip up the inside of the boot leg from cuff to instep, to assist with putting on and taking off these mid-volume ‘Tac Fit’ boots. The zip has a full, waterproof, gusset to avoid water ingress, and the puller has a suede velcroclosed cover when closed.
Aggressive Sole
The oil and slip-resistant sole unit is strongly bonded to the uppers and has a wide and ‘aggressive’ lug pattern with ‘climbing lugs’. The sole has a 14mm heel to toe drop ‘rocker’ design for a natural stance and rolling foot action, while a ‘D30 Dynamic Cushioning System’cushion in the heel offers shock absorbing. A full-length EVA midsole and nylon shank combined with Ortholite insoles provide cushioning and torsional stability, with a good front-to-back flex for support and comfort.
The boots can be polished for a smart look, and I have found the EVO Waterproof Boots live up to expectation. The soles give excellent grip on a wide variety of surfaces and do not clog with mud and debris too easily, while the eVent lining kept my feet dry, even when I was in and out of water for long periods.
I found the fit of the boots quite snug and had to take a size larger than normal to get a good fit, but then found the boots comfortable for extended wear. The boots needed no wearing-in, being comfortable from day one. I did not use the zip much; to use the zip as the main in and out loosening of the boots I had to leave the laces quite loose.
These boots have a smart-appearance, a high level of comfort and performance over a range of terrains and activities, and are truly waterproof. The 5.11 EVO 6-inch Waterproof Boot with Side Zip comes in sizes 4-15 (half sizes 7.5-11.5) in black only, weigh approximately 1.55kg size 10 UK, and cost around £130.00.
