As strange as it may sound, I’m going to kick off this review with an apology to 5.11 Tactical. I received my 5.11 Tactical Taclite boots in April of 2012. My plan was to put them to the test for a few months, then post a review. But due to an error on my part, the review was never posted. So, the turn-around time on this review is a whopping 804 days, which of course, it totally unacceptable. But on a positive note, 804 days gives me a damn good feel for what you can expect from these boots.
Originally, I wasn’t overly interested in reviewing a pair of boots. More precisely, I wasn’t interested in reviewing boots that were ordered online. Ordering any type of footwear online has always proven to be a terrible experience for me. First of all, I wear a wide width. It has been my experience that many manufacturers only offer wide width shoes & boots in the most unappealing styles. And if they do offer a wide width in a style that isn’t ridiculous looking, the fit is usually terrible.
I know… I’m sounding pretty negative so far. But I was just as negative when I talked with the sales rep at 5.11 Tactical. However, despite my negativity, he was confident that they could set me up with some tactical boots that would change my thoughts on online shoe/boot buying.
Appearance / Fit
As you can see from the above picture, the Taclite 6” Coyote Boots definitely pass the appearance test. These are some great looking boots, and I am happy to say that they fit perfectly! They don’t run big… they don’t run small… they fit exactly like a 10 ½ Wide boot should fit me. Seems simple enough, but that simply isn’t the case with many brands. From a comfort standpoint, the Taclite boots exceeded all expectations.
Durability
This is where the 804 day review shines!
Because the boots arrived in April, I was able to get away with wearing them daily for a few weeks before the summer heat set in. This was really just a break-in period where I gauged the overall comfort level. It was after those few weeks that I tried to show the boots some abuse.
Now this next part is a little embarrassing….
It’s true that I didn’t storm the beaches of Normandy, or patrol the mountains of Afghanistan while wearing these boots. But, I really did try to thoroughly test their durability. They are what I wear to the range, they’ve carried me through the woods, they’ve been wet, they’ve been in the snow, they’re even my go-to boots for yard work. But all that being said, after 804 days the Taclite boots just look a little dirty.
Summary
So there it is. These boots have pretty much laughed at everything I have thrown at them for 804 days. My guess is that they will still be laughing in another 804 days.
Do I recommend the 5.11 Tactical Taclite Boots? Absolutely!
5.11 Tactical Taclite 6” Coyote Boot Info:
OVERVIEW:
- Excels in hot and humid climates
- Integrated side vents
- Moisture wicking, anti-bacterial
- OrthoLite sockliner
- Perforated EVA foam padding at the ankle
- Oil-resistant, silent outsole
- Fast rope tread
- Zonal lacing system for a custom fit
- Lace station keeps laces neat and secure
- Stay-tied sausage laces
- 5.11 logo foot strike marker
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 1200D Cordura nylon
- Tan suede uppers
- Breathable air mesh panels
- Deep flex grooves for flexibility
- Compression molded CMEVA midsole
- Composite shank
- TPU external ankle stabilizer
- Multi-directional traction lugs
For more information on their full line of boots and tactical gear, visit 5.11 Tactical.