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Original SWAT Classic Side Zip Boots

Original SWAT Classic Side Zip Boots

Everyone in the tactical world has heard the term, “boots on the ground” in reference to the soldier or officer in the field working in the line of fire, and the thing we all share in common is that we need to look after our feet! If your feet hurt, it distracts from your mission regardless. In the sea of false promises of comfort and superior durability in the world of “tactical” footwear, one company I have found to hold true to their world is the Original S.W.A.T. boot company. Founded in 1999, the company constructed their products around direct input from some of the world’s best military, law enforcement, and emergency services.

For the past eight months, I have been testing the Classic 9 inch side zip boot from the Original S.W.A.T. Company. Through summer heat of gun ranges to the cold of mid winter these boots have hiked, hunted and been abused through water, sand, rock and concrete. With the rough out leather upper and the cushioned sole, right out of the box, I was impressed with the construction of the boot. What drew me to choosing Original S.W.A.T. was their mission statement expressing their main goal to focus on the needs of those who wear tactical boots for a living and not just as a fashion statement. This company is made for shooters by shooters, not a training shoe company.

SPECIFICATIONS

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• Classic outsole: slip and oil resistant, non-marking rubber, exceeds the ASTM F489-96 test for slip resistance
• Stitched heel and toe for durability and increased service life
• Custom-molded phylon EVA midsole for lightweight comfort and cradled support
• Texon stability platform for lateral support and torsional rigidity
• Steel shank for superior support
• Full grain leather / 1000 denier nylon upper for improved durability and comfort
• Custom-molded thermoplastic heel counter and toe box for instant comfort and lateral support
• Foam padded collar and tongue for protection and increased breathability
• Moisture-wicking lining with AEGIS antimicrobial protection
• Durable brass alloy, rust proof hardware
• PU collar for easy cleaning
• Removable custom fit EVA insole
• YKK® side-zipper for easy on and off fit with Velcro® closure
• Gusseted tongue to keep dirt and debris out

Over the years I have run the gambit with various big name boot manufacturers who produce hunting, hiking and tactical boots. During the time spent evaluating the Classic 9 inch side zip boot, I been able to endure longer hours on the range and even concrete surfaces without my lower back, knees and feet hurting from substandard support from my boots. The Original S.W.A.T. boot offers a firm ankle support without biting into the side of my foot when kneeling. The heavy duty zipper offers easy access to quickly get your boots off and on in a rush while keeping them tight when zipped.

The tough boot soles worked very well on uneven sharp rocks, sand and thick underbrush in the forest. The cushioned mid sole offered plenty of support for the arches of my feet and prevented lower back strain after even a day on a killer gravel range. Although my sample boots were not waterproof, they were put through a lot of wet climates without getting water soaked. As with any icy environment, the soles were slightly slick during snowy situations, but with thick socks, my feet remained warm and dry without causing me to fall or lose considerable traction in the snow. The only drawback of an aggressive tread on a boot like the Classic model comes more when you venture into the urban jungle for dinner. After a day of training on the range, I wore them out to dinner at a local “hole in the wall” restaurant. The combination of hard wood floors and spilt beer over a day of serving people, the floors were like ice while trying to navigate to our seat. With aggressive tread pattern, it leaves less surface contact for the sole of the boot to grip the flat, wet floor. A prime example of how the best warriors don’t always translate to the civilian world well. These boots are so comfortable that I would not hesitate to order a second pair with nonslip soles as well.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Classic boot was how cool my feet remained during the long days on the range in the summer heat. The lightweight construction and breathable material protected the boots from becoming sweaty and smelly. 
When you look at the Original S.W.A.T. line up of boots, you can tell they are a company that looks directly at user input. The boots are offered in the traditional black leather as well as tan with the addition of coyote and brown colours along with the specialised designs offered. If you are in the market for a good pair of boots for duty, the range or just to enjoy the outdoors, this is one company to definitely check out, and at £74.99 they’re not going to break the bank!
. For more information on these boots and more, check out www.gladstoneboots.com

  • Original SWAT Classic Side Zip Boots - image {image:count}

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  • Original SWAT Classic Side Zip Boots - image {image:count}

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