I have to admit, before the OD:30 Combat Series boots landed on my doorstep I had never heard of the company. Turns out they're relatively new to the military and law enforcement footwear game but they take their craft seriously. If you're looking for anything but high-quality, military spec boots look elsewhere because that's all they make and they make them well.
The 9-inch lace-up Sage A3 boots fit true to size, and may require a good break-in time. (Photo: OD:30)
My examples were the Combat Series A3 military boots in Sage Green with the composite toe. These boots meet American Military Standards and right out of the box I could tell these were built to last. They aren't heavy but they're definitely sturdy and the fit and finish is impeccable. The uppers of these 9-inch lace-up boots are made of the best cattle-hide leather and super strong 1,200-denier nylon that not only provides outstanding stability and protection for the wearer but also allows the boots to breathe to keep your feet cool and dry. The lace eyelets and hooks are solid, powder-coated brass and the tongue is direct-attached to keep out water and debris. The collar is padded and the footbed insert is removable for cleaning or replacement if you wear it out.
The proprietary full-rubber soles of the A3 boots are direct-attached to the upper for durability. The shank is not overly stiff but still provides enough rigidity for maximum foot protection over uneven terrain. The A3s also have a composite toe cap that meets ASTM F2413-11 specs to help prevent your toes from getting smashed. That's always a good thing.
The fit of the A3 boots is true to size but the footbeds are wider than most. If you have a narrow foot these might be a little roomy for you. Mine are on the wide side so I found the A3s to be very comfortable. The lace pattern is well laid out and keeps the boots snug in all the right places with no pressure points. Because of their heavy-duty construction you can expect a good break-in time, but once you get through that I have no doubt these will last a lifetime. Take a look at www.od30footwear.com.
A.J. George is a sergeant with the Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department assigned to the Technical Operations Unit, Special Investigations Section. He has more than a decade of law enforcement experience in patrol, field training, and traffic enforcement.
