Summary
It’s easy to mistake the Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot for athletic footwear -specifically a basketball shoe – because of its almost sporty silhouette. I’m used to seeing and using tactical boots in 8-inch heights, so I assumed that this 6-inch boot wasn’t made for tactical duty purposes and instead was intended for sports. In this case, I’m more than glad to be proven somewhat wrong because this is one of the most comfortable boots (tactical or otherwise) that I’ve tried. I wasn’t entirely mistaken with the boot’s athletic vibe, though, because it turned out to be comfy and versatile enough to be used not only for tactical or law enforcement duties but also for workouts and even with casual outfits. The mid-height profile enhances the boot’s adaptable look while working to offer increased ankle support, which made it easier to move around without fearing that I’d accidentally twist my ankle with quick foot movements.
This height also gives the boot the sporty look as it’s more commonly seen in athletic footwear as well as in work boots, providing me with the opportunity to fully maximize this product in different settings. I liked the way the footbed conformed to my foot’s shape to deliver ample cushioning while also offering a customized feel, providing all-day comfort that stopped foot pain from fully setting in. The impact-absorbing foam prevented foot fatigue from developing in my foot and leg muscles even when with long hours of use. The cushioning was enhanced further from the bottom with the help of the foam midsole, giving my steps an added bounce that helped me to stay on my feet without pain for longer. I appreciated the presence of the TPU toe cap because it guarded the tip of the boot against considerable damage, especially when used in tough settings with abrasion hazards around. I would’ve preferred the sole to have stronger traction, though, to keep up with tricky surface conditions. I’m also concerned that the top plastic lace hooks don’t have the strength required to resist premature damage with extensive boot use. In this article, we’ll explore the boot’s features in detail to establish which ones have the most significant impact on the functional and aesthetic benefits and which ones can be improved on for enhanced function, especially with long-term use.
When you’re looking for a comfy tactical boot that can also be used for other activities, this boot has a versatile profile that you can maximize in different settings.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I wasn’t entirely wrong with my initial assumption that the Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot was a sports shoe, in the sense that it turned out to be almost as comfortable as some athletic footwear options. The boot’s Contoura Support footbed is created to conform to the foot’s curves, delivering a customized level of comfort while supporting the natural foot alignment to prevent pain from setting in.
I liked how this molded footbed gave the much-needed support but didn’t force my foot to be locked into an abnormal position, enabling me to walk normally but in a much more comfortable way.
I appreciated the way the foam absorbed most of the force resulting from continuously walking on hard floors and other unyielding surfaces for prolonged periods, protecting my foot and leg muscles so they didn’t easily become fatigued when I needed to stay on my feet for work and other purposes. I especially enjoyed the foamy feel of the boot’s interior, as it saved my foot from feeling the extreme hardness of the surfaces I needed to walk on, while also protecting my skin from painful friction. The lightweight profile shouldn’t be overlooked, as it’s one of the aspects that significantly contributed to the boot’s outstanding comfort. I got to use the boot for long hours at a time and I’m happy to say that it didn’t cause the dragging sensation that I used to suffer from when using heavy or bulky work boots. This superbly comfortable boot is ideal not only for tactical or law enforcement duty but also for use while working out, running errands, and even for simply lounging around, with the lightweight body making activities much easier to manage.
Another quality that I loved still involved the footbed, and this was the antimicrobial treatment that inhibited bacterial growth, promoting a fresh boot interior that didn’t easily develop bad smells even when I used the boot for a long time.
The collar had the right amount of padding to surround my ankle with a comfortable texture, protecting my skin against painful chafing with continuous walking and moving around.
I’m impressed with the way the padded collar worked with the mid-height to deliver enhanced stability, holding my ankle firmly in place so it wouldn’t easily move inside the boot, preventing accidental ankle twisting, especially with quick steps over challenging ground conditions.
I discovered another layer of cushioning underfoot in the form of the exclusive Micro G foam midsole that helped maintain a stable feeling while walking on different surfaces. I felt this component’s responsiveness as it gave a slight bounce to my steps, prolonging my comfort so I was able to walk and stand for longer without experiencing a great deal of pain. Since the boot’s upper is made with synthetic materials and fabric, it doesn’t have the rigidity that’s associated with boots that are made with thick leather. This resulted in the boot having a flexible structure, allowing me to walk normally without stiff boot parts getting in the way of my mobility and comfort.
Weight
This boot’s extremely lightweight profile gives it an almost sneaker-like feel. I thought it’d weigh more considering the sole’s thickness, so I was pleasantly surprised when I wore the boot and started enjoying its lightness. I think the absence of deep grooves and aggressive treads on the outsole along with the lightweight (non-leather) materials on the upper helped with keeping the boot’s weight to a reduced level. As expected, this boot is considerably lighter than the 8-inch leather waterproof Micro G Valsetz that I previously tried.
Traction
I noticed that the rubber outsole of this boot had small spikes underneath rather than the more pronounced treads that I’m used to seeing on work and tactical footwear. The outsole offered good traction that saved me from easily slipping on different surfaces. I would’ve liked the boot to have a grippier sole, though, so it can perform better and deliver a safer walking experience on extremely uneven or slick ground conditions.
Fit and Sizing
This tactical boot runs large. . I chose a size 9 over my usual size 10 which gave enough security to keep my foot held in a stable yet comfortable position inside. I like how it’s very easy to put on and remove, unlike other tactical boots that require the laces to be loosened considerably before the foot can slide in comfortably.
Waterproofing
There are no waterproof components in this boot, so I won’t recommend it for use outdoors in bad weather conditions or for indoor areas with extremely wet surroundings.
Breathability
The fabric panels work to bring in more air, making it possible for the interior to maintain a breathable environment with good air circulation. I didn’t feel like the boot was overheating even with long hours of nonstop use, as the breathable upper also encouraged moisture and warmth to dissipate before they can cause discomfort.
Quality and Durability
What makes the Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot stand out are the features that work together to deliver outstanding comfort, but this boot doesn’t slack off in any way when it comes to quality and performance. I appreciated the combination of synthetic leather and textile on the upper, as it created a protective yet flexible structure, easily accommodating my steps without limiting my movements the way a stiff leather boot does. The fabric on the upper allowed more air to enter to help maintain proper ventilation inside, so I was able to enjoy using the boot for a long time without suffering from an overly warm feeling, especially with extended use in humid or hot settings. The upper features a protective toe cap made with a flexible TPU material that helped increase the boot’s resistance against abrasion, giving me the assurance that I’d be able to use this boot in tough environments without worrying too much about structural damage when it’s exposed to abrasion threats.
I liked this toe protection because it didn’t feel rigid and restrictive, allowing normal foot agility without negatively affecting comfort the way inflexible toe enhancements tend to.
The mid-height profile helped secure my ankle in place, so it was much easier for me to walk quickly on varying surface conditions without twisting my ankle in the process. This height also gave the boot a sporty look, making it versatile enough to be paired not only with uniforms but also with casual outfit choices. The lace-up design made it easier to adjust the boot to achieve a comfy and secure fit, with good quality laces that would’ve been better if they had a thicker profile.
I loved the lightweight construction that didn’t pull on my foot with excessive heft, enabling me to comfortably walk and move around for hours as I continued to enjoy the boot’s almost sneaker-like lightness.
I discovered that the anti-fatigue footbed was probably the most important component that made this boot as comfy as it was. It absorbed the force that’s produced by long periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces, dispersing the impact to protect the foot against fatigue. Meanwhile, the midsole was responsible for providing a touch of bounciness underfoot, providing a more comfortable walking experience that helped preserve my energy for longer. The slip-resistant rubber outsole had a good grip on most ground conditions, but I believe it could’ve had a higher traction level if it had deep lugs instead of the short spikes that were built into it.
I’m a bit concerned that the plastic lace hooks on the top part of the boot aren’t as robust as metallic hooks, resulting in reduced durability in the long run.
Other Versions
The Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot is offered in the following colors: black, concrete (gray), khaki gray, and coyote (brown). It’s available in 8-inch height versions in either waterproof leather or breathable rough-out leather materials.
The Challengers
Bates GX-8 Side-Zip Gore-Tex Boot
The Bates GX-8 Side-Zip Gore-Tex Boot has a premium boot design that perfectly blends in with different uniforms and attire for tactical, security, and law enforcement purposes while delivering outstanding functionality at the same time. The 8-inch height offers extended coverage to keep the foot and calf protected against safety hazards in the surrounding area. The waterproof full-grain leather is enhanced with a GORE-TEX lining, ensuring that liquids and excess moisture won’t be able to penetrate even in settings that are surrounded by wet elements. This waterproof membrane works double-duty to release accumulated sweat, preventing an overheated feeling from developing, especially with extended periods of boot-wearing. The nylon panels on the upper act as reinforcement that increase the boot’s resistance to abrasion, providing another layer of protection against premature structural damage in tough settings. The EVA midsole offered nonstop cushioning and support while maintaining a flexible base, supporting the foot all day long without getting in the way of natural agility. The slip-resistant rubber outsole had a strong grip on various surfaces to prevent accidental slipping. The YKK side zipper is supposed to make the boot placement and removal more convenient, but this advantage was diminished because of the way the boot was built, locking in the foot as soon as it enters so the boot was still a bit difficult to put on and remove.
Puma Safety Conquest Comp Toe Boot
The Puma Safety Conquest Comp Toe Boot has a waterproof lining that blocks mud, water, and other wet elements, keeping the foot safe from getting completely soaked when you’re working in extremely wet surroundings. This breathable lining welcomes more air while also encouraging sweat and excess warmth to disperse, making it easier for the boot’s interior to maintain a cool feel for longer. The nonmetallic toe cap offers nonstop foot protection against serious injuries that may result when heavy or blunt objects, such as machinery or tools, are accidentally rolled or dropped on top of the boot from elevated areas in the workplace. The midsole has a stabilizing that provides reliable support, ensuring a more stable walking experience even over tricky surface conditions. The electrical hazard protection works as a non-primary layer of safety against electrocution if there’s unintentional contact with open circuits in dry conditions. The YKK side zipper aids in convenient boot-wearing, allowing you to put on and take off the footwear quickly since you won’t need to untie and redo the entire lacing system with every wear. An extended scuff cap protects the tip of the boot against abrasion hazards for lasting strength, while the heat-resistant outsole offers strong traction to prevent slipping. However, it may be a challenge to get rid of unsightly stains and other marks on the light-colored upper because the material attracts dirt, especially when the boot is used in harsh settings.
Magnum Viper Pro Boot
The Magnum Viper Pro Boot is constructed with waterproof leather, ensuring that the foot will remain dry and comfortable within the boot even with prolonged exposure to mud, water, and other wet elements on and off the job. The upper is fitted with deep cushioning just outside the ankle area, delivering enhanced protection to keep the ankle comfortable and pain-free, especially in environments where there are risks of encountering impact or abrasion hazards. The extended height offers superior coverage to keep debris and liquids out, ensuring that the foot will stay protected and dry in different settings. The exclusive M.P.A.C.T. response footbed works as a dependable shock absorber, preventing foot fatigue development by spreading the impact throughout the boot so you can walk pain-free for longer. This footbed has enough cushioning to cradle the foot and protect it from directly feeling the hardness of the surfaces you’re walking on, enabling you to continue with your activities without suffering from intense pain. The outsole has a strong grip on various ground conditions, allowing you to maintain your stable footing even when you need to walk at a rapid pace. It’s worth noting that the boot’s sole feels a bit inflexible, though, so there might be a bit of discomfort as the sole doesn’t easily bend along with the foot’s movements.
Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot
The Original SWAT Alpha Fury Boot is built with nonmetallic components, making it a suitable choice for use in airports, courts, and other settings where there are metal detectors that can otherwise be set off by boots with metal parts. The polyester and microfiber PU materials used for the upper create a flexible structure that easily adjusts according to the foot’s movements, resulting in a comfortable walking experience that isn’t hindered in any way by stiff boot parts. The polyester mesh allows plenty of air to get in, creating a well-ventilated environment inside the boot as pent-up warmth and moisture are allowed to quickly disperse before they can turn into overheating. The exclusive UFit rapid lacing system cuts the prep time, enabling you to modify the fit to achieve foot comfort and security without spending a lot of time on the task. The EVA midsole acts as the boot’s shock absorber to prevent foot fatigue, with a lightweight profile that doesn’t add a lot to the total boot weight. The gusseted tongue stops unwanted elements such as liquids and debris from getting in, keeping the foot protected and comfortable all day long. The molded heel counter keeps the toe box reinforced and secures the heel in place but has a negative effect on comfort, as it makes the boot quite difficult to pull on.
Skechers Work Markan Bovill Boot
The Skechers Work Markan Bovill Boot has a lightweight structure, resulting in an almost athletic feel that offers long-lasting foot comfort in various settings. The smooth leather upper pairs well with different uniforms and workwear, at the same time exhibiting enough flexibility to accommodate the foot’s movements. This allows a wider range of motion, as there aren’t stiff materials getting in the way of the foot’s natural agility. The mesh panels on the upper help maintain proper ventilation inside the boot, ensuring that the air can circulate while helping warmth and moisture dispersion so overheating can be prevented. The memory foam insole conforms to the foot’s curves for a personalized level of comfort, while the flexible midsole’s shock-absorbing capacity helps stop foot fatigue development. The side zipper aids in convenient boot-wearing, but, in reality, the boot’s still a bit difficult to pull on because of the way it’s built, as it prevents the foot from sliding in easily.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Under Armour Micro G Valsetz Mid Tactical Boot is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable tactical boot. I liked the athletic silhouette, making the boot versatile enough to be maximized for working out, some sports activities, and even for pairing with casual outfits in laidback settings. This boot’s components are designed to deliver superb comfort without compromising reliable functionality. I do have an issue with the plastic lace hooks, as they don’t look strong enough to resist damage, especially with heavy boot use in difficult environments.
