Let's get one thing straight right from the beginning. There are NOT high quality boots. They are cheaply made, but that's ok because at $60 they're cheaply priced. I knew what I paid for these, and that set the bar for my expectations: I'm not judging these boots to the same standard that I use for my $200 work boots that I buy locally.
Ok, now for my first impressions (I will update this review in a couple months):
Construction is 99% glued, not stitched - expected for an inexpensive boot.
I normally wear a 12 wide, and that's what I ordered. These fit really nicely right out of the box. I mean, *really* nicely. They fit like boots that have been worn in for a week first time I put them on. That's a really big plus for me because on most boots (regardless of price) they just aren't wide enough and squeeze the balls of my feet until the leather stretches.
The support is pretty good, though I replaced the foam rubber insole with a better one right away. This isn't because of any problem with the originals, I do that with every shoe I buy.
Arount the ankles they are comfortable and supportive as you'd expect from an 8" boot and don't show any manufacturing defects that could dig into the skin or anything, so again, high marks there for a boot at this price point.
The lowers have a reasonable tread, and after one light shift at work, I didn't have any problems with traction or slipping. They are not the cheap 'dense foam rubber' that some boot bottoms are made with, they feel like 'real' rubber, if that makes any sense. Again, pretty good for a $60 pair of boots.
The side zipper has functioned well so far, but it feels kinda light duty. Gut feel, I think this will be the first thing to go, but there are no problems with them right now, so we'll see.
Under the zipper is a web of light pleather material, I assume to help with water resistance. I though it would dig in and be uncomfortable once I tightened the laces, it it has actually been fine. So once again, very good for an inexpensive boot.
So overall, I give these boots very high marks. I'm really happy with the fit and function after a day and a half. Five stars.
I will edit this review if these boots fail or have any significant issues within six months, I think that's a fair life expectancy for them. If thay last longer than that I'de consider it icing on the cake, and I'd probably buy them again if they do.
Edit one year later:
Ok, so bottom line is that these boots need replacing. But for me that's not bad. I destroy all my work boots in about a year or so. But here's the important part... THEY AREN'T FALLING APART. Don't laugh... I've had some very expensive (comparatively) boots come out of a year's use in much worse shape. The leather usually seperates from the bottom near my little toe but these boots are still holding tight!.
The side zipper that I though would go first is still going strong and the pleather flap behind the zipper is still fine. The tread has held up...hmmmmm... moderately well, there's still good tread left, but it has worn to be sure.
They don't look so hot anymore, they're streatched and pulled, have some wrinkles in the leather, but compared to most boots after 1 year on my feet, these are doing great.
100% I will be buying these again; but maybe I can get another month or two out of them...
NORTIV 8 Men's Military Tactical Work Boots Hiking Motorcycle Combat Boots
4.4
| 16,073 ratingsPrice: 43.19
Last update: 08-18-2024