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.
Duty Boots: 2009
The 5.11 XPRT (Extreme Performance for Rapid Tactics) Black Boot comes with a Sympatex waterproof-breathable membrane and protects against bloodborne pathogens. The boots feature 5.11's trademark Shock Mitigation System for reduced impact, composite Kick-Toe technology, and Talon Stabilizer ankle support.
Part of Timberland PRO's Valor series for public safety, the Bluehawk Tactalite boot is lightweight yet durable. Features include a Gore-Tex XCR membrane and a Vibram trail runner sole. All Timberland Pro Valor series products contain Timberland's exclusive PreciseFit system that uses footbed inserts to ensure optimal fit.
The Airpower P7 High from Haix is a nine-inch all-leather multi-purpose tactical/patrol boot featuring the Haix Arch Support System, Haix Climate System, breathable leather, and a waterproof Gore-Tex-lining. The Airpower P7 High laces quickly and has an aggressive tread design.
The Danner APB is offered in both an all-leather version and a blend of full-grain leather and 1,000-denier nylon. The Vibram 1276 Sierra outsole, also worn by Danner military customers, provides acceleration, traction, and comfort.
Magnum's Elite Force 8.0 WPI features ion-mask waterproofing technology. A special process works at a molecular level, binding invisibly to the boot surface to repel most liquids. Originally developed for military clothing to repel chemical agents, ion-mask is now available in footwear only through Magnum.
Original S.W.A.T.'s Classic 9-Inch Side Zip boot is made to be light and comfortable like an athletic shoe with the durability and support of a boot. Its triple-stitched upper of full-grain leather and 1,000-denier nylon has a polishable full-grain leather toe. A YKK zipper with Velcro closure makes for easy on and off, while a stitched self-cleaning Multi-Tred carbon rubber outsole provides traction and durability.
Delta leather and nylon boots feature Bates' Individual Comfort System Technology. The midsole has a removable disk that the wearer can rotate among four zones to control firmness, cushion, and stability.
The BlackHawk Waterproof ZW5 Side Zip boot is designed for extreme comfort in extreme conditions. Waterproof and durable, the five-inch boot features a side-zipper that allows for quick entry into the boot with a lace-up sure fit.
Thorogood's Night Recon performance tactical series features the company's S.T.E.P. (Surface Traction Enhances Performance) Technology. This consists of a lightweight EVA midsole, slip-resistant outsole, a molded PVC unit to promote foot stabilization, and a cushioned footbed. Moisture-wicking Aerospacer lining circulates air to keep feet dry.
OTB Footwear's Ferdelance is a combat-ready boot that features a high-traction, non-squeak Vibram outsole and midsole unit to provide excellent traction and cushion. Cordura ventilation ports throughout the boot provide breathability and reinforced rubber toes and heels help when scaling walls.
Lowa's Urban Police boot in its Task Force collection is a 10-inch lightweight boot constructed of smooth black full-grain leather with an inside zipper for easy on and off. It has a Vibram Tsavo torsionally stiff and replaceable outsole with a PU midsole and a quick drying textile liner.
The Ultimate from Ridge is a lightweight waterproof boot with a YKK side zipper. A removable anti-microbial, Poron padded, tru-fit anatomically correct insole offers comfort as well as a health safeguard. For additional comfort the Ridge Ultimate has a PU midsole with an air and gel shock absorbing heel.