First Impression

Initially, I thought the Under Armour Valsetz Charged Boot looked like the sturdier, more refined sibling of the first boot in the Valsetz line (which I have also worn, reviewed and tested). The addition of abrasion-resistant overlays gave this tall boot a bolder silhouette, so I was happy with how it maintained a lightweight, breathable structure. I appreciated how high-wear areas were reinforced with PU overlays to enhance durability. Meanwhile, the thick outsole ensured my steady footing in slippery conditions. Inside, shock-absorbent materials cushioned my foot for even better comfort without adding much weight. This boot was offered at a good value, especially with the combination of exclusive materials for comfort and performance. It’s not waterproof, though, so water could seep in, in very wet weather conditions. I also have some reservations about the fabric lace loops of the boot.

Material Quality and Care

The synthetic upper kept the boot’s weight down and allowed the air to pass freely. This quality was much appreciated in hot conditions, with the boot preventing foot sweating and overheating. I liked the way PU overlays were placed in strategic areas (including along the zipper line), protecting them from getting scratched or damaged prematurely. Meanwhile, the side-zip style made it easier for me to customize the boot’s fit. The midsole featured Under Armour’s exclusive Charged cushioning for dependable shock absorption, while the footbed showcased anti-fatigue properties. When it comes to stability, the thick outsole stood out, and I was even more impressed with its flexibility and grip.

Comfort & Fit

This boot fit comfortably and was true to its size. It’s ideal if you prefer a secure, tactical-style fit, with ample support on the ankle area that doesn’t feel constrictive. I tried it in a size 10 with medium-thick sport socks, and I first had to unzip it and loosen the laces. If you prefer a tightly laced boot, you first need to set the laces relatively loose before putting the boot on, zipping it up, and finally tightening the laces. To take off the boot, you will need to loosen the laces before unzipping the footwear.

Even with the secure fit, the Valsetz Charged Boot still had room in the toe box, giving my toes the welcome wiggle room to stop aching. High-quality cushioning on the footbed and midsole gave the boot a foamy, almost sneaker vibe. The lightweight design worked with a breathable upper to keep my foot cool and comfortable throughout long shifts.

Break-In Period

I happily discovered that this boot needed almost no break-in period, thanks to the flexible upper, sole, and overall lightweight construction. I didn’t need to spend a lot of time breaking in the boot, which was ready to use out of the box.

Design

What stood out to me was the boot’s bold yet refined silhouette. It showcased a modern, sporty tactical style, but I especially liked how the reinforced areas gave the boot a bolder, more robust look compared to the first design in the Valsetz line, the Valsetz RTS (which I have also tested and reviewed). Adding to the boldness was the outsole wrapping over the toe, creating a molded bumper for extra impact and abrasion resistance. I liked this boot’s low-key branding, with the UA logo and the word “Valsetz” on the side, and the Charged branding all set in understated ways.

The PU overlays protected high-wear areas from abrasion, especially when I had to work outdoors and in other challenging surroundings. On the other hand, synthetic materials used in the upper enabled my foot to move more freely and kept the interior cool, but thankfully, they did not add a lot of weight. I discovered that there was a grey rear pull tab (made of tough webbing and zigzag stitching) that added a nice contrast to the upper.

The side zipper was a welcome addition that made it easier for me to adjust the boot’s fit and enhanced convenience. A black suede strap at the top covered the zipper pull, preventing chafing and creating a seamless silhouette. I liked how this tall boot supported my ankle without restricting movement, with enough padding in the interior to absorb impact and fight fatigue. The lacing featured 5 fabric lace loops, 1 metal lace loop set, and 1 set of metal eyelets, but I do have reservations about the fabric loops’ durability.

Weight

Made with lightweight materials, this boot kept me walking and moving around comfortably even during long shifts. Even the thick outsole didn’t add a lot of bulk to the sporty design, even for an 8-inch-tall boot. We weighed the boots on our scale (as per the image below), and each boot weighs approximately 708 grams / 1 lb 8.9 oz.

Traction

The outsole was one of the first things that caught my attention. When measured from the outside, the sole at the heel is approximately 1.9 inches thick, which stands out at the upper end of the spectrum in terms of work boot thickness. I was impressed with the exclusive Under Armour Charged cushioning in the midsole, which felt comfortably cushioned on concrete without the mushy, collapsed effect. Landing on my heel felt softer, and I also experienced a stable push-off. I tested the slip-resistant Vibram outsole on wet and slippery outdoor surfaces and discovered that while traction was pretty good, but not exceptional.

Safety Features

This boot did not have a safety toe, making it unsuitable for work conditions with impact or compression threats. The tall structure protects the foot and ankle against abrasion, while a slip-resistant outsole offers enhanced stability in wet and slippery conditions.

Water Resistance

The breathable mesh upper easily absorbed water, so my foot inevitably got wet when the boot got exposed to moisture. I also discovered that the sole’s design was able to handle brief contact with wetness only in light, shallow puddles.

Durability

Made with high-quality materials, I expect this boot to last a long time. The build quality is solid, with overlays on high-abrasion areas further strengthening the footwear. Meanwhile, the thick Vibram outsole looked like it could last through countless hours of use. Even the side zipper looked sturdy enough to last through multiple fit adjustments and heavy use. If there was a weak point, it would have to be the fabric lace loops that don’t look like they would hold up as well as metallic eyelets.