Aside from the sporty appearance, the other thing I noticed from the start was the quality of this tactical boot. Even if it didn’t have a leather structure, its construction still looked solid enough to fare well with different tactical duty needs. I didn’t think this boot offered much in terms of water resistance because of the fabric sections on its upper – until I went for a closer look and found the “waterproof” tag just below the collar. With the strong water resistance and athletic profile, I understood why the manufacturer also recommended this tactical boot for hiking purposes.

Material Quality and Care

This tactical boot doesn’t have leather sections. The fabric and TPU sections are waterproof, so they’re much easier to clean and care for compared to leather uppers. Stains and dirt were easy to remove from the boot’s upper and I didn’t worry that the materials would be damaged by moisture. The materials also contributed to the boot’s lightweight design. I was impressed with the TPU sections’ wear resistance, which proved to be very useful for shifts in demanding settings. My only misgiving was that the upper wasn’t as sturdy as leather components and may not last as long in challenging conditions that can be encountered while on duty.

Comfort & Fit

The boot’s interior had good cushioning even if it wasn’t foamy enough to be considered exceptionally comfortable. I liked how the padding can trap warmth for a comfier feel during cold days, although it’s not insulated. The removable insole had a curved design that supported the foot’s natural movement and improved overall comfort while walking. This insole’s quality was much better than the ones I encountered from other tactical boots, which only had basic insoles with insufficient padding. I discovered that the tongue and collar had generous padding, resulting in a snug fit that secured the ankle in place. If you don’t want a secure feel and fit around your ankle, this won’t be the right boot for you. An EVA midsole added an extra cushioned layer and kept the sole flexible, so it didn’t interfere with the foot’s mobility. The boot’s minimized weight also had a significant role in keeping the feet comfortable even after long periods of walking. The only major drawback that I discovered when it came to fit concerned the gusseted tongue, which made putting on and removing the boot quite challenging.

Break-In Period

Unlike leather boots, this tactical boot didn’t need a break-in period to soften the material enough for comfortable use. The combination of fabric and TPU sections not only made the upper more lightweight but also kept the structure flexible enough to follow the foot’s natural motion.

Design & Craftmanship

The boot’s high-quality construction was evident from the start. The sporty profile had a solid look that meant business when it came to delivering high-performance benefits on the job. I liked how the boot had a simple, sleek silhouette that I was able to maximize even off work, as it didn’t look out of place when paired with casual outfits – unlike most bulky work boots. This boot looked like a cross between a basketball shoe and a hiking boot. Meanwhile, with a thick structure, the outsole gave an impression of toughness and reliable support.

Weight

This boot is quite lightweight, and I appreciated the minimized weight even more because it didn’t weigh my foot down even after hours of walking. The only tactical boots with lighter structures that I’ve used so far are the Under Armour Valsetz RTS, and the Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot – which didn’t have the same level of quality as the Free Soldier Tactical Boot. The reduced weight profile is a result of the lightweight fabric and TPU materials used for the upper, which didn’t feel as weighty as leather.

Traction

The bold design of the outsole caught my attention from the start, and it didn’t disappoint when it came to performance as well. I noticed the deep grooves on the outsole and felt them getting a solid grip on wet and slippery terrains without any issue. This wasn’t surprising at all given the boot’s design for outdoor tactical duty use and hiking purposes. However, the traction level isn’t outstanding, so the boot isn’t recommended for navigating extremely tricky or unstable surfaces.

Summary: This boot’s outsole had a good grip on most surfaces, but doesn’t have the excellent traction level that’s needed to prevent slipping in severely unstable or slick ground conditions.

Safety Features

This is a soft-toe tactical boot that didn’t have safety toes fitted in. However, I did appreciate the anti-kick toe caps fitted into the tip of the boot. This component helped prolong the boot’s life by protecting against damage coming from contact with abrasive or sharp objects. It also shielded the toes against mild collisions, such as when stubbing the front of the boot on large rocks or walls. Meanwhile, the waterproof structure sealed out liquids in wet environments to keep the foot dry.

Water Resistance

This tactical boot was designed to stop liquids from getting in. The upper’s waterproof coating sealed out wet elements, making the boot suitable for wet outdoor conditions and other settings with extreme moisture. I discovered that the interior had a waterproof Lycra lining that guaranteed all-day foot dryness in wet environments. This lining was breathable too, so sweat and heat were quick to evaporate before they could overheat the foot.

Durability

Just by looking at this tactical boot, I knew that the well-constructed upper and outsole structures were designed to last a long time. The upper was not only waterproof, but it was also sturdy enough to resist the signs of premature damage. I noted the strong stitching details throughout the boot which helped maintain the components’ strong bond to one another. TPU sections on the upper increased the boot’s wear resistance, especially when used in challenging conditions. The toe section was protected by an anti-kick toe cap, and the heel was just as strongly reinforced against wear and tear to prolong the boot’s life and sporty good looks. The shoelaces looked thicker and more durable than the regular laces that I noticed were typically used in other tactical boots (even the more expensive ones). The insole looked much sturdier as well than basic insoles for most tactical boots. My only concern was that the plastic lace hooks needed to be treated more carefully because they looked like they would break with forceful handling.