First Impression

The boot came in a plastic bag and not in a box, which I guess was to be expected with the product’s affordability. It had a sporty profile with decorative lines and details that, in my opinion, reinforced the low-price category as it didn’t look as sleek as higher-priced footwear. I appreciated the integration of safety components, though, as they made this boot more than ready for challenging conditions. I did notice that the upper felt a bit thin, if not flimsy when I touched it. Other sections, such as the lace loops and outsole, felt equally lacking in durability. It’s worth noting that other components (including the shoelaces and metallic lace hooks) looked durable.

Material Quality and Care

Much of the upper was built using mesh, creating a lightweight profile with plenty of air for lasting breathability. Sections of TPU and leather gave the upper the rigidity it needed to maintain its structure. The upper was treated to increase water resistance, but it still absorbed liquids when I tested specifically for this quality. The upper felt quite thin when I touched it, so it didn’t seem as long-lasting as thicker components in other work boots (with my experience reviewing close to hundreds of work boots). I noticed that the fabric lace loops looked just as flimsy.

On the other hand, the reinforcement around the toe box looked particularly sturdy to protect the steel toe underneath. I also appreciated the thick shoelaces and metallic lace hooks on top that seemed ready to perform their duties for the long run. Even the insole looked decent quality and up to the task of cradling the foot with long-lasting softness.

Comfort & Fit

This boot had a normal fit and was true to its size. I went up half a size because I preferred more space in the toe area, as I don’t like it when my toes are cramped in tight toe boxes for long periods. The upper mesh sections greatly impacted comfort as they welcomed plenty of air, keeping the air flowing freely inside the boot. They also kept the upper soft, so it flexed with my foot’s natural motion and didn’t interfere with mobility and comfort. I liked how the insole provided decent cushioning while also wicking away moisture, preventing sweat from accumulating by encouraging it to evaporate quickly. The insole had good arch support, with a curved design that molded to my foot’s natural shape and a foamy feel. It made walking more comfortable because it wasn’t flat like other boots’ insoles and had shock-absorbing qualities to stop foot fatigue. Its design also wicked away moisture, so I didn’t suffer from sweaty feet while I used the boot all day, even in hot surroundings. I was impressed because the boot maintained a lightweight profile despite having a steel toe cap, resulting in the footwear becoming fairly comfortable and suitable for long hours of walking.

Break-In Period

The mesh sections made the upper fairly flexible. The TPU and leather parts didn’t feel too rigid, so the boot flexed easily with each step out of the box. I was glad to note that this eliminated the need to break in the boot first to soften the stiff parts before it could become comfy enough to walk in.

Design & Craftmanship

I think the boot’s design was quite decent but nothing extraordinary. I liked the sporty profile but I feel the decorative lines on the upper somehow reinforced the budget (or cheap?) look – a classic design would’ve looked sleeker. The athletic build made the boot versatile, so I had no problems pairing it with casual work attire, jeans, and other outfits outside work. The combination of colors stood out, which can be a huge plus if you’re looking for footwear that adds a pop of color to your attire. The reflective strips on the upper enhanced the boot’s visibility in the dark, improving safety while working in dark environments. The upper was made with TPU, leather, and mesh, which were supposed to be quite sturdy, but the structure still felt flimsy. I did appreciate the mesh material’s breathability and flexibility that enhanced foot comfort. It also kept the boot’s weight down even with a steel toe cap in place.

Weight

This was quite a lightweight boot – which was a nice surprise given the presence of a steel toe cap for protection. I expected the boot to be quite heavy, as this was typically the case with steel-toe boots. The reduced weight was mainly because of the thin structure of the upper and the outsole, which was also quite thin. The lightweight design didn’t weigh the foot down and made walking easier to manage over long periods.

Traction

The rubber outsole had strong traction and kept me steady while navigating rocky and challenging terrains. I discovered that it had SRC slip resistance is the highest safety rating that can be given to outsoles. This enhanced slip resistance indicated that the outsole has been tested on extremely slippery surfaces – specifically, smooth steel with glycerol on the surface, and ceramic tile covered with a diluted soap solution. I tested its slip and oil resistance on wet and oily surfaces, where it maintained its secure grip and prevented slipping. I was impressed when I learned that the sole was integrated with a Kevlar and steel plate design for puncture resistance. This design guaranteed that sharp objects – glass shards and nails – didn’t have a chance of piercing the sole, which could result in serious foot injuries.

Safety Features

With a steel toe cap in place, this boot kept the toes safe from impact and compression threats that may be encountered in hazardous conditions. The sole was outfitted with an anti-puncture plate made of Kevlar and steel, which stopped sharp items from penetrating the bottom of the boot and kept the foot safe from severe piercing injuries. I discovered that the steel toe protection and penetration-resistant midsole met the performance requirements for ASTM F2413-18 for safety toe footwear. In this case, the work boot met the standard specification for impact and compression resistance (both for the toe area) and puncture resistance from the bottom of the footwear. Also noteworthy is the insole’s impressive design that featured electrostatic dissipative wires, preventing static electricity from passing through the body. Reflective strips were placed on the upper to make it easier to see in low-light conditions for improved safety on the job.

Water Resistance

This is a waterproof boot based on the manufacturer’s description. However, my water resistance testing showed that the upper absorbed some water. The outsole was fine and didn’t absorb liquids, as is the upper until about 1 inch above the outsole where a black reinforcement material resembling leather was placed. The top part, which was quite thin and had large mesh sections, absorbed wet elements. This boot would do well in mild weather and under light rain, but it’s not at par with the completely waterproof work boots I’ve tested so far, which are made with higher-quality materials and are typically more expensive.

Durability

The boot had three sets of metallic lace hooks on top that looked quite sturdy, just like the thick laces that could last a long time. The protective material on top of the steel toe felt solid and didn’t easily break apart with heavy boot use. The removable insole also looked strong enough to hold up well through different activities. However, the upper felt quite thin, while the polyester lace loops felt just as flimsy. These components made me conclude that the boot wouldn’t last long in extremely hazardous work environments.