Summary
My experience while using the Skechers Work Wascana Benen Waterproof Tactical Boot may not have been extraordinary but I also didn’t have major complaints with the footwear. This is a decent tactical boot that lived up to its promise of providing a comfortable experience – which is a huge bonus when you need to stay on your feet and keep moving efficiently and/or rapidly for long hours at a time, such as for military or tactical duty purposes. The boot was constructed well and had a solid feel for a welcome sense of stability that helped maintain my steady footing without adding too much to the footwear’s overall weight. The relaxed fit was also a plus, as it contributed to the comfort level in a variety of settings.
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Waterproof Tactical Boot features the HydroGuard system that guarantees water and other liquids won’t penetrate the interior. The same waterproof membrane works to maintain breathability to ensure that the foot will be kept comfortable and dry throughout the toughest of duties. The boot is fitted with a memory foam insole to deliver long-lasting comfort and support to keep you going through the most intense and physically demanding activities. The rugged rubber outsole provides strong traction to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground as you navigate different floor conditions and terrains in the course of a hectic day. Electrical hazard protection adds a second layer of safety when exposed to electrical currents in dry conditions. I feel that the outsole could have been made better, as the material didn’t seem solid enough to last for long, although it did offer good traction that stopped me from easily slipping on tricky surfaces. We’ll take a closer look at the components that make up the boot’s structure below, checking out which features offer the most benefits and which ones can be improved upon for better wearability and performance.
For reliable support that can keep you going throughout the entire shift, this tactical boot is designed to provide your requirements without breaking the bank.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Waterproof Tactical Boot comes with a memory foam insole that surrounds the foot with welcome cushioning to keep pain at bay, especially during those days when working for extended hours on your feet is necessary. The memory foam material also worked to deliver long-lasting support to ease pressure points on the foot throughout the day, preventing painful blisters and foot fatigue from fully developing even with the long hours of boot-wearing. A soft fabric material lining the interior surrounded my foot with a welcome texture and helped protect my foot from painful chafing.
I liked the way the padded tongue and collar worked to provide just the right amount of padding to protect my foot from discomfort without feeling too cumbersome.
This padding on the collar and tongue also contributed to a more secure fit but didn’t result in a bulky feeling that may be felt with other tactical or work boots.
The boot has a flexible midsole that easily works with my foot’s movements, allowing me to move naturally and quickly as the situation requires without anything stiff underfoot hindering my efficiency.
This midsole was also responsible for absorbing most of the shock of my continuous movements and worked hard to keep my foot supported for hours to prevent discomfort without compromising my steady footing in the process. The soft toe design also worked to my advantage because I didn’t need to deal with a rigid material in the toe box biting painfully into my foot – but this lack of toe protection will be a disadvantage for those who work in areas that have impact and compression threats.
Weight
The weight of this boot was pretty much as I expected it to be. It was neither lightweight nor too heavy considering the way it was constructed. I believe the boot was prevented from having an extremely heavy structure because the rubber outsole was a bit lightweight. It didn’t feel solid enough, although it looked pretty sturdy at first glance. Walking around in this boot didn’t pose any problems, though, as it didn’t cause a dragging sensation on the foot, which can be a huge problem with tactical boots that are particularly heavy or bulky.
Traction
The rubber outsole of this boot offered a medium level of traction. This helped me go over different ground conditions indoors and outdoors without suffering from frequent slipping. The outsole also helped stabilize my footing as I moved quickly, but I felt that it could have benefited from a stronger or more solid-feeling structure, especially if it meant the boot would have longer-lasting durability.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is true-to-size, so I was able to enjoy a comfortable experience by going for my usual footwear size, and I didn’t need to deal with the hassle and guesswork that comes with choosing a boot that’s a size smaller or larger. The boot had a relaxed fit that stayed comfortable throughout the day, allowing me to move freely without suffering from foot aches that can result from extremely tight footwear. The extra room within the boot made it possible for my foot and toes to shift naturally, which was a welcome benefit during those times when I was working for long hours and I felt that foot cramps were starting to develop as a result of the tiredness. The classic lace-up design made for convenient adjustments whenever I felt there was a need to alter the way the boot fitted, so it was effortless for me to get the most secure and comfortable fit.
Waterproofing
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Waterproof Tactical Boot is equipped with the HydroGuard waterproof system that ensures your foot will always be protected from getting soaked with water and other liquid materials. This waterproof membrane doesn’t allow liquids to penetrate the boot’s interior for long-lasting foot dryness and comfort even when you’re walking over puddles or waterlogged ground conditions. When I had this boot on, I was confident liquids wouldn’t be able to negatively affect my foot’s comfort and dryness.
Breathability
The same membrane that prevents water from entering the boot works doubly hard to maintain a breathable environment within. The HydroGuard system with its polyurethane membrane encourages small molecules of water vapor, such as those coming from excess moisture and perspiration, to dissipate outwards before they can accumulate inside the boot. As the moisture escapes, the interior of the boot can more easily sustain comfortable dryness. The boot is also fitted with Cordura mesh panels on the sides to ensure that maximum ventilation can be achieved within the boot for long hours at a time even in hot environments.
Quality and Durability
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Waterproof Tactical Boot is crafted with a leather upper that can be polished as needed so you can easily bring back and maintain the handsome, smooth texture for a long time without too much effort and time involved on this task. The metal eyelets are strongly constructed and won’t easily break apart even with repetitive lace adjustments to help you achieve the perfect fit all day long. This boot is incorporated with reinforced Cordura side panels to protect these areas from being damaged with regular use, especially when exposed to abrasive materials.
These panels also work to keep the air circulating freely within the boot so it’ll be easier for your foot to maintain a comfortable dryness no matter how long the boot is worn. The sides and the heel are strengthened with leather overlays along with double-stitched seams to further increase the durability of the boot, allowing you to reap the benefits of the strong construction for a long time.
The padded collar and tongue offer welcome cushioning to prevent pain from developing throughout the day without getting in the way of your natural movements. The relaxed fit of the boot features more room at the forefoot and toe box that makes staying on your feet for the entire day a lot more comfortable to manage. The mid-calf design provides increased coverage against the elements and safety hazards in outdoor and indoor settings, and at the same time delivers maximum ankle support to maintain your steady and safe footing over a variety of surface conditions. The boot’s rubber outsole is created with rugged lugs that deliver a firm grip on the ground to keep you stable on your feet and prevent accidental slipping on wet, muddy, and slippery surfaces. I would have liked for this sole to have a stronger and more solid construction so the boot could last a long time in the face of demanding activities. The midsole offers reliable shock absorption and flexibility that won’t hamper your movements and comes in a lightweight structure that doesn’t add a considerable amount of weight to the boot.
However, the lack of safety toe features diminishes the protection that this boot can provide, especially for extreme work environments that may have compression and impact dangers.
Other Versions
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Tactical Boot has a counterpart that comes with toe protection – the Skechers Work Men’s Wascana Linnean Tactical Boot. Just like the Benen, the Linnean also features HydoGuard waterproofing to deliver maximum protection against liquid penetration, along with a relaxed fit for a more spacious and comfortable experience. These boots are available in black.
The Challengers
Skechers Work Wascana Linnean Tactical Boot
The Skechers Work Wascana Linnean Tactical Boot is a good alternative if you want more foot protection in harsh environments. This boot comes with the same HydroGuard waterproof membrane that stops liquids from entering for all-day foot dryness. The same waterproof membrane allows excess sweat and moisture to escape freely before they can build up and cause extreme discomfort. The relaxed fit allows for more foot movement and toe wiggling to stop painful cramps from getting in the way of your efficient movements. This boot also features a shock-absorbing midsole along with a rugged rubber outsole to prevent slipping in different ground conditions. The Linnean has composite toe caps in place to protect the foot from being crushed when something heavy falls from an elevated location onto the boot, making it a better choice when working in settings where there may be impact and compression hazards.
Skechers Work Markan Bovill Tactical Boot
The Skechers Work Markan Bovill Tactical Boot is another noteworthy choice from the same brand. This boot comes with a removable insole with memory foam for superior cushioning that will keep your foot surrounded by a comfortable cradle throughout the day to prevent pain from developing. The collar and sides are fitted with Cordura mesh panels for increased breathability that will stop extreme heat from accumulating within the boot. These panels work to reinforce specific areas and keep them safe from easily breaking down when exposed to abrasive materials in the course of a challenging workday. The boot comes with electrical hazard protection for added safety when there is exposure to live currents in dry conditions. A side zipper provides easier access and convenience, allowing you to take the boot on and off more quickly so you can deal with the day’s demands without delay. This boot has a lightweight construction that can make movements more effortless without anything bulky or heavy getting in the way of your overall productivity.
Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Side-Zip Tactical Boot
The Under Armour Valsetz RTS 1.5 Side-Zip Tactical Boot is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight boot that will allow you to move as freely as possible. The leather and textile upper adapts to your foot’s movements so you can deal with the most demanding activities without stiff materials that can cause discomfort. The boot’s perimeter is covered with a welded PU film that forms an abrasion-resistant barrier to help protect the boot from premature damage, especially in tough outdoor environments. The EVA midsole is designed to provide maximum comfort and support while sustaining a lightweight structure that doesn’t contribute a lot to the boot’s total weight. A TPU shank helps maintain your steady footing on a variety of ground conditions. This boot has the proprietary UA ClutchFit system that delivers reliable ankle support to maintain safety and comfort no matter how challenging the day’s activities turn out to be.
Original SWAT Alpha Fury 8-Inch Side-Zip Tactical Boot
The Original SWAT Alpha Fury 8-Inch Side-Zip Tactical Boot offers a higher level of coverage and protection from the elements. The higher shaft height protects more of the calf area from abrasions in the surrounding area while providing increased ankle support to maintain your steady footing, especially when moving over challenging terrains. A thermoplastic heel counter keeps the heel in a secure setting to prevent uncomfortable movement that can also compromise your stability, especially when there’s a need to move quickly. The heavy-duty rubber outsole is created with aggressive treads that bite firmly into the ground to prevent slipping accidents even in wet or muddy surface conditions. This boot is made with non-metallic materials so it’s a great product for professions that require footwear that’s constantly exposed to (and won’t set off) metal detectors, such as prison guards or TSA agents. It comes with a lightweight profile that permits quick lateral movements without compromising your agility and comfort in the process.
Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot
The Irish Setter VAPRTREK 8-Inch Waterproof Leather Boot is a hunting boot that works just as well for tactical duty needs. The full-grain leather and abrasion-resistant material of the upper ensure long-lasting strength that can keep up with tough environments. The boot comes with the trademarked UltraDry membrane that prevents liquids from entering so you can be sure that your foot can stay dry and comfortable for the entire day. The memory foam insole cradles the shape of your foot for a customized sensation that also works to ease pressure spots for long hours at a time. An exclusive odor control technology works overtime to kill bacteria that can cause unwelcome odors so you can enjoy a fresh foot feeling and smell no matter how challenging the day becomes. This boot is lightweight and will keep you moving comfortably throughout the most difficult tasks without compromising your agility in the process.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Skechers Work Wascana Benen Waterproof Tactical Boot is ideal for those who are looking for a decent pair of waterproof tactical boots without the shockingly high price tag. They’re comfortable enough to be worn for the entire day without feeling extreme pain and come with a medium weight level that won’t drag on your feet. The rugged outsole offers good traction to help you sustain your stability over various surfaces but lacks a solid construction that can help maintain the boot’s long-term strength and functionality.
