You might not be Cinderella or even Prince Charming, but you deserve a pair of boots that meets your finicky standards. Good looks are only part of the criteria that need to be met. Your boots should provide proper fit, comfort, and durability, in addition to any other personal preferences.
New footwear styles for patrol include such features as side zippers, new waterproofing technologies, and improved shock absorption, not to mention good-looking designs. With a wide new selection of law enforcement boots to choose from, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for.
Corcoran-Matterhorn
The eight-inch leather Mach boot from Matterhorn is made for durability with full-grain glove cowhide, a 1200-denier Cordura tongue, and a composite shank. A padded collar and removable Dryz moisture- and odor-control shock-absorbing cushioned inserts enhance comfort, while a non-metallic lacing system and Scrambler dual-density outsoles make your job easier.
www.coveshoe.com
Rocky Shoes & Boots
Built to be tough, reliable, and comfortable, the Alpha Force 8” Zipper boot from Rocky is part of the company’s new generation of duty boots. The upper is made of full-grain leather and lightweight 1200-denier nylon. Inside, moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry, interior cushioning mimics that of an athletic shoe, and a removable insole provides added support. The boot’s side zipper makes suiting up easier while the non-marking RigiTrac outsole provides oil- and slip resistance.
www.rockyboots.com
Bates
M-9 Nine-inch Gore-Tex-insulated waterproof boots from Bates have leather and nylon uppers and are lined with Gore-Tex and 200-gram Thinsulate insulation. A lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole helps keep feet comfortable while a Vibram Mutant outsole provides traction. Non-metallic hooks and eyelets won’t slow you down in high-security environments that require metal detection. The boots are designed to be lightweight and flexible so that you’ll be comfortable no matter the situation.
www.batesfootwear.com
Hi-Tec Sports (Magnum)
Phantom V-Lite 8” Circular Zip boots from the Magnum division of Hi-Tec Sports are designed to be ultra-lightweight yet stand up to hard use. A tri-density sock liner utilizes viscoelastic memory foam, a breathable material that conforms to your foot to relieve pressure and provide custom support. The collar of the boot is made of the same material. The upper is a combination of full-grain leather and nylon. A dual-density lasting board replaces the traditional steel shank to pass through metal detectors and X-rays without issue. The circular zipper makes taking the boots off and on much faster and easier.
www.magnumboots.com
Original SWAT
Drawing its inspiration from athletic shoes, the Air 9” Waterproof boot from Original SWAT has no lugs on its sole and uses an air pocket and a compression-molded EVA midsole to enhance comfort. A waterproof membrane is built into the liner of the boot to keep water out but allow the wearer’s feet to breathe. A removable molded orthotic footbed allows for a custom fit. The boot’s upper, made of leather and 1100-denier nylon, is polishable.
www.originalswat.com
5.11
Marking 5.11 Tactical’s first foray into the footwear arena, 5.11 HRT waterproof, breathable boots utilize Sympatex and Drilex antibacterial linings to protect against blood and bodily fluids as well as bacteria. Armortex Kevlar side panels provide stability and support. The boot’s outsole is made of a carbon-based slip- and oil-resistant rubber that features a rope grip at the arch. HRT boots, one of the company’s two footwear offerings, are available in black and desert sand. 5.11 socks are also available.
www.511tactical.com
Danner
Danner’s Striker Side-Zip eight-inch boots feature waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex protection and are built to be lightweight yet sturdy. The company’s Terra Force platform combines an insole plate, midsole, internal and external shanks, and a slip-resistant outsole to create a stable system to hold the boot together and maintain shock absorption and overall comfort. The boots’ polishable leather is struck through so they’ll stay black even when scuffed.
www.danner.com
Lowa
German manufacturer Lowa has introduced its tactical boots to the law enforcement market in the United States and has found the Duke GTX Mid to be very popular. Modeled after a hiking boot, the Duke’s design provides shock absorption and stability suited as well to concrete and other patrol terrain as to mountain trails. A full-grain upper with Cordura repels water, while a waterproof Gore-Tex inner lining provides climate-controlled comfort inside the boot. Vibram outsoles with heavy tread are designed to absorb shock and provide good traction. The Duke GTX Mid is also available in women’s sizes.
www.lowaboots.com
Thorogood/Weinbrenner
The Commando Deuce line of boots from the Thorogood division of Weinbrenner is a re-engineered version of the company’s Commando line. The eight-inch full-grain leather side-zip Commando Deuce features a plastic shank and other non-metallic components. A small strap covers the zipper pull to keep it in place, making the heavy-duty, side-entry zipper even more efficient. Dual-density rubber oil- and slip-resistant outsoles deliver traction and extended wear. Two EVA inserts combined with a dual-zone polyurethane insert provide shock absorption and cushioning while promoting airflow with special vents.
www.weinbrennerusa.com
