The Free Soldier 5-inch Waterproof Combat Military Boot initially looked quite sturdy. Its solid build caught my attention, and I wasn’t surprised when it turned out to be heavier than other tactical boots I’ve tried. I wasn’t disappointed because this heft also meant a sturdier structure. The combination of suede and mesh gave an almost athletic hiking boot vibe, although the style also reminded me of old-school tactical boots. I expected a lot from the aggressive-looking rubber outsole, and again, it didn’t disappoint as it had a very good grip on different surfaces.

Material Quality and Care

Thanks to the suede material, the boot had a smooth feel that didn’t do anything to compromise function. This is a waterproof boot, but I discovered that the suede upper absorbed some water, especially with exposure to excessive wetness. I noticed that the boot became heavier when the suede upper absorbed liquids. Absorbing liquids can also compromise the upper and weaken over time. To keep the suede looking and performing well for a long period, I recommend not using the boot in severely wet settings, such as in constantly rainy weather conditions.

Comfort & Fit

This boot had a regular to loose fit that helped with mobility and comfort. It had room in the toe box to let the toes wiggle freely. It also didn’t feel too tight in the ankle area so that I could slide my foot in comfortably. Unlike the other Free Soldier tactical boot I tried, which had a gusseted tongue, this 5-inch boot had a normal tongue that enabled the opening to widen when I needed to pull the boot on and off. A removable insole created a soft base that warded away discomfort. The insole was thick enough to cushion the foot against unwelcome impact, so it didn’t need to be replaced for quite a while. Meanwhile, an EVA midsole offered an extra layer of padding, absorbing the shock from long hours of walking to stop fatigue. The midsole’s structure also included strong arch support. I also appreciated the generous cushioning built into the collar as it stabilized my ankle and, at the same time, reduced the risk of chafing. The mesh section on the upper preserved a cool, fresh feeling as more air was allowed to enter and circulate inside the boot. This boot felt bulkier than other tactical boots, but the extra weight didn’t result in an uncomfortable feeling in any way.

Break-In Period

The boot’s upper was made with soft suede and mesh sections. This combination created a soft, flexible structure that didn’t require a break-in period, making the boot more than ready for comfortable use.

Design & Craftmanship

The boot stood out with a robust build that promised reliable performance. While it reminded me of the classic tactical boot design, the combination of suede and mesh also resulted in an almost sporty vibe that looks similar to a hiking boot. The slightly athletic look made the boot more than ready to be used off-duty since it didn’t look too formal and out of place when I paired it with casual attire. I liked how the smoothness of the suede injected a stylish touch to the boot, which was accented with shiny metallic hardware. The outsole’s aggressive structure gave the boot a bold look while surpassing my expectations when it came to performance.

Weight

As soon as I wore the boot, I noticed it was significantly heavier than the average tactical boot. This was a bit surprising because I expected the non-leather upper to result in a lightweight body. Most of the bulk came from the thick, heavy-duty outsole that redeemed itself with ample traction. Even with the bulky feel, this boot still felt comfortable enough to be used for long hours of walking or staying upright in place.

Traction

One of the first things I noticed about the boot was its bold outsole design. It had a defined heel that contributed to stability as it dug deeply into muddy and unstable terrains. The aggressive lugs had a grippy feel that prevented slipping and an unstable feeling as I navigated challenging ground conditions. The outsole’s resistance enhanced slip resistance and made the structure more resistant to damage when exposed to oil-based substances. It was also abrasion-resistant and didn’t automatically get scratched or scuffed when encountering rough surfaces, prolonging the component’s life and high-quality appearance. Thanks to the thick outsole design, I also felt a bit taller while using this boot.

Safety Features

This tactical boot didn’t have safety toe caps built. It’s not ideal for working in conditions where heavy or large objects can fall or roll on the feet, which can get seriously injured as a result. I noted that it also didn’t have an anti-kick toe cap that would’ve protected against mild impact. The boot didn’t have other safety features, but a waterproof design protected the foot against uncomfortable wetness. On the other hand, the high-traction outsole minimized the threat of slipping on tricky surfaces.

Water Resistance

I thought the waterproof structure was compromised because of the suede upper, which absorbed a bit of liquid when the boot was used in extremely wet conditions. The good thing there was a waterproof inner lining that formed a shield from below the ankle portion all the way to the toes. This layer helped sustain the boot’s waterproofness and helped the foot stay comfortable and dry. Given the suede that absorbed a bit of wetness, I would say that this tactical boot would do well for slightly wet settings, such as outdoors when it’s drizzling or encountering the occasional rain. However, for extremely wet settings with exposure to excessive wetness (such as regular/frequent use in heavy rain), I would recommend getting more premium tactical boot options with advanced technology for water resistance – such as a GORE-TEX lining or Merrell’s proprietary waterproofing system.

Durability

This tactical boot was designed for high-performance use over a long period of time. I appreciated the solid construction featuring high-quality materials on the upper that looked and functioned more than the level I expected from such an affordable tactical boot. The toe section felt strong and didn’t fold when I pressed on it, even if it didn’t have safety toes or anti-kick toe caps. The thick rubber outsole was just as sturdy, with an abrasion-resistant structure that wasn’t scuffed and scratched easily, even in challenging settings. Meanwhile, the metallic lace hooks looked longer-lasting than the plastic ones fitted into other tactical boots I’ve tried. I didn’t need to be extra careful when handling these components for fear that I’d break them. The thick nylon laces looked sturdy and looked strong enough to withstand heavy use for a long time.