Summary
At first glance, it may be hard to tell whether the PUMA Safety Conquest CTX Comp Toe Boot can be considered a sports sneaker or a tactical boot. While the brand is synonymous with athletic footwear (and it will be easy to assume that this one is not an exception), upon closer inspection, you’ll be able to see the components that you can more easily associate with tactical boots or even work boots that are suited for demanding work environments. The silhouette brings together the toughness that can be expected to keep up with a variety of job sites, with features that deliver increased comfort and agility to make physically challenging activities much easier to manage even for extended periods. This boot can keep up with different work scenarios without breaking apart easily while keeping the foot protected and comfortable for long hours at a time.
The PUMA Safety Conquest CTX Waterproof Comp Toe Boot is constructed with a fiberglass toe cap that protects the foot from severe injuries in case something blunt or heavy accidentally falls on it from a high area. The waterproof CTX membrane ensures continuous foot dryness that can be maintained effortlessly regardless of how wet and tough the surrounding area becomes over the course of a busy workday. The BreathActive lining works to sustain the breathable boot interior by allowing nonstop airflow to move into the boot so that heat and moisture build-up can be prevented even with long hours of boot-wearing in hot or humid locations. The boot is equipped with a side zipper that allows you to put on and take off the footwear in the quickest way possible so that you can go straight to your work area or on field duty without spending too much time completing the preparations for the day. The slip-resistant rubber outsole is heat-resistant up to 572° Fahrenheit, keeping your foot protected from being harmed when your work takes you to hot surfaces that may otherwise damage other boot options that don’t come with this sturdy outsole structure. I have some concerns, though, that the sand color I chose for the boot may easily get dirty, especially when used outdoors or in areas where debris can be encountered. We’ll take a deeper look into the features that make up the boot to see which ones provide the most benefits and if there are components that need a bit of tweaking for overall improved performance.
For providing lightweight comfort and nonstop protection, this boot comes with a toughness that you can count on in different situations.
Ideal For
- Environments that require waterproof work boots
- Work settings that have impact and compression threats
- Those who want work boots with a tactical boot with a sneaker feel
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The PUMA Safety Conquest CTX Waterproof Comp Toe Boot has a soft textile inner lining that keeps the foot surrounded by a welcoming sensation, making it easier to walk around for long hours without dealing with bothersome chafing. The dual-density footbed offers a great amount of comfort and support that cradles your foot throughout the day, easing pressure points and preventing them from turning into blisters that can disrupt your concentration on the most challenging tasks. This footbed is shaped to follow the natural shape of the foot to deliver superb comfort and prevent pain from setting in.
This boot easily kept up with my activities throughout the day, so I was able to work nonstop for extended periods without experiencing extreme discomfort, even when there were no chances to rest in between my numerous tasks.
The generously padded collar hugged my calf without feeling too restricting and worked to prevent irritation on this part, which can be the result of friction from repetitive walking and moving around. The collar also contributed to a snug feeling that made the boot feel more stable around the ankle and calf area so that I able to move confidently without fearing I could easily twist my ankle with a simple misstep. The padded tongue covered the top of my foot with superior cushioning, so I was able to work without a stiff material digging painfully into my instep. These boots felt like a pair of sports sneakers, so using them felt almost effortless, making my workload easier since I didn’t need to deal with uncomfortable footwear.
Weight
This boot has a medium weight level, making it quite comfortable to use even for long hours. It doesn’t cause a dragging sensation on the feet, which can be a major issue when using heavy work boots that will feel like bulky blocks when worn for extended periods. It weighed as much as I expected it to weigh when I first saw them, so I wasn’t shocked by howit felt even when I needed to wear it for the entire day.
Traction
This boot is equipped with a rubber outsole that provides high traction on a variety of surfaces. With the sole’s strong grip on the ground, I was able to walk confidently on wet and slippery indoor floors and outdoor terrains without fearing I would suddenly slip or fall in the process. This outsole is also resistant to heat and won’t be damaged even when exposed to hot surfaces up to 572° Fahrenheit, so the boots can safely be used in hot settings, such as hot pavements that would normally melt the soles off other work boots.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is not true-to-size. When I went for my usual size 10, the boots actually felt one size larger, with a relaxed fit that may be more comfortable for those who prefer the extra spaciousness inside.
I believe you can go down a size and still be able to enjoy a comfortable and slightly relaxed fit, which would still allow the toes to wiggle slightly so you can easily prevent foot cramps from setting in. The zipper on the side helped with putting on and taking off the boot in a convenient way since the laces didn’t need to be adjusted every single time. The laces could be maximized with fit adjustments whenever the boot started to feel a bit loose or too tight, so it quite easy for me to achieve the perfect fit without too much fuss. The padded collar and tongue contributed a snug feeling on the instep and calf area that resulted in increased comfort and stability while walking on different ground conditions.
Waterproofing
This boot is crafted with a waterproof CTX membrane that doesn’t permit water and other fluids to enter so you can be sure of enjoying absolute foot dryness for the entire day, even when your surrounding area gets extremely wet.
Breathability
The boot is fitted with a breathable membrane that allows air to pass unhindered to the interior, which easily maintains a well-ventilated structure that resists overheating. Even when I wore the boots for long hours, the inside managed to stay comfortably cool, so I was able to avoid a hot and sweaty foot feeling while working.
Quality and Durability
The PUMA Safety Conquest CTX Waterproof Comp Toe Boot is created with a fiberglass toe cap that keeps a light structure while providing superior protection against tools and other items that can suddenly fall or roll onto the boot. The toe protection helps keep the foot safe from grave injuries should there be exposure to such compression and impact hazards. A scuff cap is fitted on top of the toe area to strengthen the zone and protect it from abrasion threats that may be lurking in and around the work area. The tumbled leather upper offers long-lasting durability that can withstand a variety of job site requirements without material degradation.
The leather is soft enough to adapt to the foot’s movements without digging in painfully, so it was much easier to move naturally throughout the day.
The EverCushion BA+ footbed keeps the foot generously cushioned to promote a more relaxed sensation that can continue for the better part of the day, even when staying on your feet cannot be avoided. This footbed also works to prevent unwanted movement within the boot so that the foot can feel secure without uncomfortable slipping with every step. The footbed’s dual-density cushion is designed to retain its shape even through heavy boot usage so you can be sure that you can enjoy the benefits of this component for a long time. The fabric inner lining keeps sweat wicked away and disperses it before it can accumulate within the boot and cause serious discomfort due to extreme heat. The midsole features ample cushioning as well and works as a shock absorber so that the impact doesn’t have a significantly negative effect on the foot and calf area. This boot offers secondary protection against live electrical currents that you may be exposed to in dry conditions. The rubber outsole can resist high temperatures reaching up to 572°F, preventing material breakdown and keeping your foot protected from harm when your work requires you to be exposed to hot floors or ground conditions.
I liked the thick and durable laces that look strong enough to be able to keep up with demanding jobs, along with the metallic lace hooks and eyelets that I feel won’t be damaged easily – unlike other boots that only have plastic counterparts of these components in place.
Other Versions
The PUMA Safety Conquest CTX Waterproof Comp Toe Boot is offered in the following colors: stone, brown, and black. There are no other versions of this composite toe side-zip work boot.
The Challengers
Caterpillar Excavator LT 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot
The Caterpillar Excavator LT 6-Inch Waterproof Work Boot is built to deliver superior protection in a variety of worksites and — just like the PUMA Safety Conquest – feels more like a sneaker rather than a work boot. The interior is fitted with a specially contoured last that works to offer more space in the toe box for added toe mobility while surrounding the foot with ample cushioning for enhanced comfort all day long. The durable footbed delivers increased rebound for high energy return and ensures that the foot is cradled with enough padding to stop pain from setting in. The boot is equipped with ankle pods that are ergonomically crafted to keep the ankle stabilized throughout the most challenging physical activities in and out of the work area. It has a slip-resistant rubber outsole fitted with squeegee treads that disperse liquid while mimicking the natural step cycle for nonstop comfort and stability over various surfaces. The waterproof full-grain leather maintains its strength in the face of challenging settings while ensuring continued foot dryness at the same time.
NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boot
The NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boot is a noteworthy challenger that boasts of superior features while offering great value for money. The side zipper makes putting on and taking off the boot much easier to manage so that prep time can be quicker, allowing you to go straight to the day’s tasks without spending a long time on lace adjustments. A flexible EVA midsole absorbs impact to stop foot fatigue while at the same time allowing you to move naturally. The outsole is flexible as well so you can move without interference and still be able to reap the benefits of the strong traction that will protect you from slipping accidents, especially when you’re walking on wet or slippery floors. The abrasion-resistant leather is designed to retain its impressive strength and aesthetics even when the boot is used frequently in tough situations.
Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Side-Zip Tactical Boot
The Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Side-Zip Tactical Boot is another work boot built for long-lasting functionality with the comfortable feel that you can expect from using an athletic shoe. It’s crafted with a durable and lightweight synthetic leather upper that adapts to the foot’s movements for superior mobility without the extra weight and bulk that other work boots are known for. The midsole is designed with a lightweight structure as well and works to absorb most of the impact resulting from continuous walking for the entire day so the foot can be spared from excruciating foot fatigue. An exclusive ankle support system follows the curves of the ankle and keeps it supported to promote all-day stability and protection from unwanted budging that can lead to injuries. The side zipper offers the convenience of putting on and removing the boot without the need to tinker with the laces every single time so you can spend more time on the tasks that matter the most. A TPU cap strengthens the toe area and protects it from abrasion without getting in the way of your mobility.
Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot
The Wolverine Tarmac Work Boot offers superior protection against the elements and is a suitable choice for working in low-light conditions. The boot is made with waterproof construction and waterproof leather that will keep your foot dry in wet conditions for superior protection all day long. The cushioned footbed conforms to the curves of your foot for personalized comfort that also works to ease pressure points so that painful blister formation can be prevented. The nylon shank fights foot fatigue by absorbing most of the impact coming from nonstop movements while keeping the structure lightweight, so it doesn’t add much to the boot’s total weight. A reflective wrap is placed onto the sides and back of the midsole to make the boot highly visible in dark settings for increased safety while tackling challenging tasks.
Skechers Wascana Benen Tactical Boot
The Skechers Wascana Benen Tactical Boot comes with a rugged appeal that hides a surprisingly comfortable interior. The insole is fully lined with memory foam that molds to the foot’s contours for customized comfort that also works to relieve pressure spots throughout the day. This boot comes in a relaxed that gives the toes the room that they need to be able to shift so that foot cramps can be prevented, especially with long hours of continuous boot-wearing. The flexible midsole provides much-needed cushioning and support to maintain your stability while fighting foot fatigue, and maintains a lightweight profile that will keep you going without anything to weigh you down. The upper is equipped with Cordura mesh sections that allow air to move into the boot unhindered, preventing heat accumulation by maintaining a well-ventilated interior where moisture is also easily dispersed. The waterproof membrane stops water and other liquids from seeping into the boot to guarantee foot dryness even when the surrounding area becomes exposed to these moisture sources.
Conclusion & Verdict
The PUMA Safety Conquest CTX Waterproof Comp Toe Boot looks and feels like the hybrid by-product of a tactical boot and sneaker, with the best attributes of each option combined into one remarkable product. The composite toe protection and waterproof construction deliver increased safety when working in challenging environments, while the side zipper promotes enhanced convenience that you can use to shorten your prep time. For those who want to keep their boots looking clean, I suggest that you go for the brown or black version, since the sand-colored ones that I got tended to become dirty quickly, especially when used in tough surroundings.
