I am about to make the career change back to Law Enforcement within the next couple of months. I’ve been spoiling me feet on some Keens and Solomons, but realize I have to go back to black foot wear. This probably means I need a set of boots before I can go to a 6" shoe.
The last set of duty boots I had were 5.11s and they weren’t too bad. I have been loving their desert boot, which I need to get another pair shortly, but alas, not black.
What are some good recommendations these days. I’m having to lean towards correction work with my local SO, unless something else pans out before then. My goal is for a boot to be very comfortable while being on my feet for long periods of time. Side zip is a must.
I use these in black… http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/shoes/men/targhee-ii-mid---tac
They are the most comfortable boot I’ve worn. I own two more pair for personal use…
I changed the laces to black ones from REI.
There is some material that looks to be reflective, so I probably wouldn’t wear these if I worked nights. I work the day shift so it’s a non issue for me
I used to wear Keens and Salomons, but that was before I found Haix. I’d suggest you to have a look on their P6 or P7 models and read the reviews. I’ve had a pair of P6’s in moderate to heavy use for 5 (five!) years and they are still g2g. P6 is light but tough boot that is very comfortable, I think it has been designed for LEO and MIL use. I’ve used mine for everything from light walks to 20 mile hikes in a forest with a ruck, and I know a guy who wore Haix boots when he took part to a marathon (completed it and didn’t get any blisters). BTW, their factory seconds are a steal.
I spend about 12 hours 4-5 days a week in them on concrete and climbing in and out of trucks.
I love them. I’ve had them for about 3 months with no noticeable tread wear or wear on the boot itself.
Cannot vouch for their durability in rugged terrain but as for what I think a patrol officer would use them for, they are nice.
I’ve been looking forward to when these wear out to buy a new pair haha.
NOTE
Mine, also, are not side zip. I realize you stated must be. I don’t know your reasons behind this but after a couple weeks break in mine tightened and tied up nicely.
I have had 5.11’s in the past with good results. I used some of my clothing allowance and purchased Danner Arcadia’s. They are very expensive but have been the best boots I even had.
I second on p6 by haix ull love them we chased 2 people thru creeks , timber , and rocks ! Feet never got wet or never turned my ankle and when it was over no feet pain or fatigue
I tried a pair of the Under Armour boots. One of the 2 worst pairs of boots I’ve ever tried. They were very comfortable to start with but went to crap in about a month. They still look good, but make my feet hurt really bad and squeak when I walk.
I’ve had similar experiences before – it amazes me how much imported crap is sold as professional equipment, even by supposedly reputable vendors. It is much rarer experience to be amazed by the quality of the products. I’m not affiliated to Haix in any way but I’ve become fan for their products because of their quality. They might be a bit pricey, but instead of low quality crap it is very cool to own boots that made of the best materials, assembled with German precision and are individually stamped with serial numbers and certificates for the technical properties – and which keep my feet comfortable and protected all the time, year after year. Haix is the leading European manufacturer of shoes for professional use (MIL, LE, FD, EMS). I started with a pair of P6’s and currently have four pairs of their shoes for different purposes - and I couldn’t be happier. YMMV, naturally.
I broke a toe running a obstacle course in them, and took a mesquite thorn through the sole into my heel walking in a state park. They are comfy though, I still have a couple pairs in a box of old boots in my garage, thinking about taking them to work again.
I’m on my 3rd returned pair of UA Valsetz. I’d be done with under armour boots if it weren’t for their warranty. Comfort is a 10 where durability is a 2.
