Summary
When you’re on duty, the last thing you need is boots that’ll weigh your feet down – but that won’t be a problem when you’re using the Oakley Light Assault Leather Boot. This is definitely the lightest of all the tactical and work boots I’ve tried, making this an outstanding choice when you’re after comfortable boots that won’t drag on your foot and cause discomfort, especially with prolonged use. I liked the way the full-grain Nappa leather gave the boot a premium texture that, combined with the streamlined silhouette, created a minimalist style that blended in nicely with uniforms and other workwear. The leather can be polished to a high shine, so I didn’t have any trouble with keeping the boot well-maintained. Even if the leather didn’t feel as thick as what’s used in other work or tactical boots, it still felt strong enough to resist premature deterioration even with frequent use in challenging conditions. The high-quality leather is meant to keep up with demanding settings that I was regularly exposed to while on duty, so I didn’t worry a lot that the boot would easily break apart with extensive use.
One of the things that contributed to the boot’s lightweight design is the boot’s bulk, unlike other boots fitted with metallic components in this area. I appreciated the cushioning offered by the EVA insole as it protected my foot from the pain of being pressed into hard surfaces for prolonged periods. I’m impressed with the metallic speed lacing system because it shortened my prep time, enabling me to get to the day’s tasks more quickly since I didn’t need to spend a lot of time with tying and untying the laces. The slip-resistant rubber outsole offers decent traction that helped stabilize my footing over a variety of surface conditions. This article will give you a more intimate look at this boot’s noteworthy features, allowing you to determine which qualities have the greatest influence on functional and aesthetic benefits and which aspects may need to be improved for better footwear performance.
To sustain efficient mobility on and off the field, this boot has a streamlined silhouette that won’t limit your performance in any way.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
Even without the high-tech cushioning and shock absorption that other boots have, the Oakley Light Assault Leather Boot still manages to deliver a comfortable experience that I got to enjoy while on duty and even afterward. The EVA insole conformed to my foot’s shape, so the boot almost had a personalized feel inside. This molded insole offered good arch support, keeping my foot in its properly aligned position for a comfortable feeling while I was walking or standing, while also delivering increased support from the bottom. The softly cushioned insole also helped increase the stable feeling, preventing my foot from sliding involuntarily with every step while also protecting my skin against painful chafing at the same time.
I appreciated how this molded insert delivered the much-needed padding underneath but didn’t add a lot of bulk, with the low-profile structure taking up only minimal space.
This prevented the interior from becoming too tight so my foot was able to shift a bit to ease some of the exhaustion coming from hours of continuous walking.
I liked the way the leather upper had enough flex to accommodate my foot’s movements, allowing me to walk normally without the off-putting feeling that can be felt with stiff leather boots restricting comfortable walking.
As I previously mentioned, this boot didn’t come with cutting-edge technology when it comes to cushioning, so it didn’t have a foamy or air-cushioned feel – but this absence doesn’t necessarily make the boot uncomfortable. The lack of outstanding cushioning was most noticeable when I stayed on my feet for extended periods, with the boot feeling kind of flat the longer I walked or stood in place. I assumed that the sole would feel a lot cushier because of how thick the structure was and was a bit disappointed when I felt the structure’s flatness. However, I did welcome the sole’s flexibility because it enabled me to walk without discomfort, creating a pliable base that adjusted to my steps without getting in the way of my agile movements. There was also enough padding on the collar to enhance my ankle’s stability, keeping it held firmly in place, so it didn’t twist easily when I needed to walk quickly to deal with certain tasks more efficiently. The cushioned collar surrounded my calf with welcoming softness, so I was able to avoid the uncomfortable chafing that would’ve occurred if I used a non-padded boot. The tongue was also padded on the top portion, so this component didn’t bite painfully into my skin the way a rigid tongue would’ve.
Weight
The rubber outsole had a solid feel that added a lot of stability to the boot even if it didn’t have the excessively bulky feel. Its slip-resistant structure helped me keep my balance over a variety of surface conditions, protecting me from slipping accidentally on slick or rough surfaces so I was able to walk and move more efficiently without sacrificing my safety. However, I believe this boot’s traction level still isn’t at par with the ones offered by other work or hiking boots and may not be able to protect you from losing your steady footing when navigating extremely slippery or unstable ground conditions.
Traction
This boot’s weight is the most crucial aspect that contributed to its comfortable profile. This is the most lightweight product that I’ve tried among all the work and tactical boots I previously used, making this a definite stand out from a considerable list of top-notch footwear choices. I was fully prepared to deal with a weightier boot because the thick sole looked like it added a lot of bulk, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover how lightweight the boot actually turned out to be This exceptionally lightweight boot was the ideal companion for long hours of walking and standing while on duty, making the day’s tasks much easier to manage since my footwear didn’t drag uncomfortably on my foot with excessive weight. The reduced weight profile made up for the lack of high-tech cushioning throughout the boot, elevating its comfort level so that it easily promoted pain-free use all day long.
Fit and Sizing
I tried this boot in my usual size 10 and was happy to note that it’s true to size, so there was no need for me to choose a smaller or larger option. I discovered that it had a regular to a snug fit, so it’s definitely not the best option for those who have wide feet, since it can cause uncomfortable pinching. I also had some difficulty pulling this boot on when I used it out of the box, but this issue was eventually resolved after the break-in period. When the leather construction softened a bit, the boot became much easier to put on and I didn’t need to exert a lot of effort and time on the task anymore.
Waterproofing
The premium leather upper offers a bit of resistance to liquids, preventing them from quickly penetrating the boot when it’s exposed to small quantities of water, mud, and other sources of moisture. However, since this boot isn’t built with waterproof materials, it’s not recommended for jobs or activities that need to be done in extremely wet environments with risks of the boot being submerged in water and other wet elements.
Breathability
The all-leather upper doesn’t allow a lot of air to come into this boot, greatly reducing its ability to maintain a cool and fresh interior for a long time. The fabric part of the tongue, though, lets in a bit of air to prevent an overwhelmingly warm feeling from setting in. However, the lack of breathable materials makes this boot unsuitable for use in hot or humid settings, where there’s a big chance of the footwear overheating, especially with hours of nonstop use.
Quality and Durability
I liked how this boot combined the streamlined aesthetic synonymous with the brand with the superb functionality that’s needed to take on the challenges of tactical and law enforcement duty.
The Nappa leather gives the boot a classy matte finish for a streamlined silhouette that perfectly blends in with uniforms and other workwear. The leather can be polished to a high shine, so it was quite easy for me to get the boot ready for more formal events without worrying that it wouldn’t look sharp enough to suit more reserved settings. The leather may not be as thick as the material used in heavy-duty work or tactical boots, but this minimal bulk only served to increase this boot’s comfort level by helping maintain a lightweight profile. I appreciated how the leather material retained enough pliability to accommodate my foot’s normal movements, adjusting to my steps so I was able to walk without stiff materials limiting my comfort from all around. The braided nylon laces are built to be strong enough to withstand heavy use, enabling me to use them as often as desired without worrying that they’d easily break apart, especially when handled roughly when I was in a hurry to put the boot on. These are also very long, so I didn’t have a hard time lacing them up and keeping them knotted in place. The speed lacing system shortened my prep time, allowing me to achieve a secure and comfy fit without needing to fiddle with the entire lace system with every wear. The metallic loops are designed to keep the laces in place, providing lasting strength that won’t easily give way to deterioration even with multiple and frequent lace adjustments. My foot was cradled by the EVA insole that molded to my foot’s unique shape, delivering an almost customized feel for continuous comfort that I got to enjoy on and off the field. This insole cushioned my foot against the impact resulting from extended boot use, so I was able to continue doing my tasks without suffering from intense pain. The EVA midsole provided an extra layer of cushioning from the bottom, enhancing the support at the same time so I was able to walk more stably over different ground conditions.
What I loved most about this boot is its exceptional lightness, making this the most lightweight boot I’ve come across among the numerous tactical and work boots I got to try in the past.
Since it doesn’t have a heavy profile, it was a pleasure to use for extended periods, enabling me to walk and move around without the pain that can come from dragging around bulky footwear for hours. The slip-resistant outsole helped maintain my stable footing, so I easily went over varying ground conditions without easily slipping – but I don’t think this boot’s traction is strong enough to prevent you from losing your balance on extremely unstable or slick surfaces.
It’s worth mentioning that this boot feels a bit too flat and can be quite difficult to put on when it hasn’t been broken in yet. It’s also not waterproof, so it won’t provide reliable foot protection against wetness when it’s used in exceptionally wet surroundings.
Other Versions
The Oakley Light Assault Leather Boot is offered in the following colors: black, coyote, and desert. It’s also available in an 8-inch-shaft version.
The Challengers
Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather
The Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Leather Waterproof Tactical Boot is made with waterproof full-grain leather that guarantees all-day foot protection against wetness, sealing out wet elements so they won’t have a chance to seep in from the surrounding area. The Contoura Support footbed follows the foot’s unique contours, offering continuous support to help maintain proper alignment while also delivering ample cushioning to ward off the pain that can come from walking or standing for hours. The shock-absorbing foam dissipates the impact that’s produced by staying upright for extended periods to prevent foot fatigue from fully setting in. The footbed has anti-odor properties, fighting bacterial growth so you can continue to use the boot for your entire shift without being bothered by smelly feet issues. The midsole is designed with the exclusive Micro G foam, offering superior responsiveness to give a nice bounce to every step, helping extend your energetic, pain-free walking for longer. The lace hooks on top are made of plastic though, so they may not be as sturdy as metal components.
Bates GX-8 Side-Zip Gore-Tex Boot
The Bates GX-8 Side-Zip Gore-Tex Boot is built to last through the toughest activities on the field, with the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane blocking liquids from entering so you’ll be able to enjoy lasting foot comfort and dryness while you’re surrounded by wet elements. This waterproof lining disperses heat to maintain a breathable interior, preventing overheating so you can continue to work in humid or hot settings for hours without feeling like your foot is virtually being baked inside the boot with the temperature build-up. The side zipper negates the need to tinker with the whole lacing system with every wear. The padded insole surrounds the foot with ample softness to stop pain from developing when you’ve been walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods. The EVA midsole adds another cushioning layer underfoot for continuous comfort while helping sustain your stable footing over different surfaces. The cement construction ensures that you’ll get to enjoy a flexible base that accommodates your foot’s movements without compromising your comfort, at the same time enhancing the boot’s overall strength for long-term use. However, even with the side zipper in place, this boot was still a bit tricky to put on because its design instantly locks the foot in place.
Magnum Stealth Force Comp Toe Boot
The Magnum Stealth Force Comp Toe Boot is fitted with a composite toe cap that blocks compression and impact threats, so they won’t cause serious injuries if they accidentally drop onto the footwear from elevated areas. It’s also built with a composite plate that stops nails, glass shards, and other sharp objects from piercing the boot from the bottom, preventing serious foot injuries if you unknowingly step on these puncture hazards. The Cambrelle lining works to draw sweat away from the skin, allowing it to disperse quickly to promote a fresh and dry boot interior for longer even with continuous boot use in humid or hot settings. The memory foam insole conforms to the foot’s curves to ease pressure zones, stopping blisters from forming while also offering remarkable foot comfort that lasts all day. The nonmetallic hardware delivers remarkable functionality without accidentally triggering metal scanners, making this boot a suitable choice for work areas where these detectors are permanent fixtures. The slip-resistant outsole offers strong traction to support your stable footing over a variety of ground conditions. However, this boot isn’t waterproof, so it won’t deliver lasting protection and comfort in exceptionally wet environments.
Skechers Work Wascana Benen Boot’s
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Boot’s rugged profile easily keeps up with the tough settings and tasks that you can expect to encounter while on duty. The waterproof design stops liquids from coming in, maintaining a dry boot interior for lasting foot comfort while you continue to work in settings exposed to extreme moisture. The memory foam insole molds to the foot’s contours, delivering a personalized feeling to keep your foot supported all day long in the most comfortable way while relieving pressure spots at the same time to prevent blister development. The polishable leather upper can easily be spruced up when needed, enabling you to maximize the boot’s look not only in challenging outdoor conditions but also in more reserved settings without worrying that the boot will seem out of place in either environment. The electrical hazard protection offers a non-primary degree of safety against electrocution in case of accidental exposure to electrically charged materials in dry conditions. It’s worth noting, though, that the outsole doesn’t seem as strong or as supportive as the thicker rubber outsoles fitted into other work or tactical boots.
Nortiv Side-Zip Military Boot
The Nortiv Side-Zip Military Boot is constructed with abrasion-resistant sections, offering enhanced protection against scuffs and scratches to maintain the boot’s aesthetics and structural integrity for long-term benefits. The upper also features mesh sections that permit air to flow freely into the boot, helping with moisture and heat dispersion to ensure that the interior stays cool and fresh for longer. The cushioned collar hugs the ankle calf for increased comfort and stability while also holding the ankle in place so it can be protected from accidental twisting, especially with quick sideways movements on rough or slick terrains. The insole works to soak up the force produced by staying upright or walking for long hours at a time, spreading the impact throughout the boot to stop foot fatigue from building up. The side zipper makes the boot on and off process much easier to manage since there’s no need to deal with the complete lacing system with every boot use. The rubber outsole offers superior durability by resisting abrasions, at the same time delivering great traction and flexibility, enabling you to move more efficiently over tricky surfaces without compromising your safety and comfort in the process. The light-colored upper is a magnet for dirt and stains, though, so it may be challenging to maintain the boot’s clean aesthetic.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Oakley Light Assault Leather Boot is a remarkable product for those searching for a premium leather tactical boot that’s delivers enhanced comfort. I truly enjoyed using this boot, as it offered all-day comfort without the excessive bulk, being the most lightweight choice that I’ve tried among the numerous tactical and work boots I’ve sampled so far. The sturdy laces and metallic speed lacing system are welcome enhancements that elevated the boot’s functionality and durability for long-term benefits. This boot isn’t waterproof, though, so it’s not recommended for extremely wet conditions. It also feels a bit too flat and needs to be broken in first because it’s a bit difficult to put on out of the box.
