My department requires a black boot of 6" or higher that can take a shine. I have fallen in love with the brown Speed Freeks at the local store, so I ordered a pair of the black duty Speed Freeks just now from UA (Mil Discount and free 1 day shipping!). Does anybody have these for duty wear? Do they actually take and hold a shine? How are they holding up after extended use?
If they arent aceptable for my department, I will have to return them and exchange them for the heavier UA Tactical Zip Boots, or possibly the Nike SF Boot.
I had some. The are light and held a shine, but they were too narrow for me and I don’t have wide feet, or at least I think I don’t. I wore them for a week and then sold them to another Officer and he wears them everyday and they look good. I got them about a year ago.
I have had a pair six months now and love them. I was wearing Nike SFB boots before which started wearing out in about six months. The speed freaks can hold a polish, though I don’t polish mine. My uniform is on point and I work hard and my boots are clean not shiny. I’ve never had command say anything to me ever about my uniform or boots though. The ua’s are good boots, light for being a gortex lined boot, I definitely recommend them. Also I had a 13 in the nukes but got 14 in the ua’s and they fit like my Solomon’s.
I’ve seen a few guys around agent wearing them (wearing them out more appropriately) fairly quickly. Even faster than 5.11s. The seems start coming apart and he materials around major flex points just break down.
I’m not sure many of these new light style boots are up to par yet. Damned just announced a new model (tachyon) that might be a step up. Of course it’s not shineable.
Gents, the boots came in today, overnighted for free by UA. They are indeed polishable, and are actually a very good looking and feeling duty boot. Of course, time will tell how they hold up, but I have high hopes.
Ive got two pairs now, brown and black. The brown almost turns purple/pink in the snow reflection…strange. Either way, Ive been wearing them nearly all day every day and they feel amazing.
When in uniform the only time I wear my Danner Acadia’s is when Class A’s a required or for court. They are a sturdy boot but there have been vast impovements in the boot work since the Acadias hit the market.
I wear the Oakley SI Assault (the all leather ones) for working interdiction when I need to be in a uniform. My desert SI Assault are kind of my range boot when I have to wear our team uniform.
If at all possible I try to wear Salomon for whatever I can.
I’ll be curious to hear your feedback on the durability as I’ve heard good and bad re: UA. Keep us posted.
I have a pair of UA Valsetz I wear for work. They are absolutley amazing and extremely lightweight. All the fluff about how brand X boot feels like a running shoe is garbage when compared to the Valsetz. Seriously the weight isn’t far off of the Brooks Ghost 5s I wear for running.
The UA Speed Freak is closer to a traditional lightweight boot, weight being on par with the 5.11 ATAC and the like. If I was going to be out in the weather for a long period of time I’d rather have the Speed Freak, but the weight can’t compare to the Valsetz.
I have a pari of the Speed Freaks in Multicam that I use for warm weather hunting and love them. I’ve had them for over a year now, almost 2years, and they have been very comfortable and held up very well.
I believe the danners I have are the Striker version. I have had them for like 4 years and wear them four days a week. They are only beginning to show wear on the soles. I keep my boots polished to a mirror shine as much as possible. I will buy them again for sure.
I wasn’t insinuating that you should buy anything. I was merely stating that if you are ever in a position to grab another set of danners I would do it. They are great boots. I’m sure the ones you picked up are great as well.
