Propper Men's Duty 8" Military and Tactical Boot Review
The Propper Men's Duty 8" Military and Tactical Boot in black is designed to keep your feet comfortable and protected in even the most challenging environments. Constructed with a professional-grade leather upper, this boot showcases durability while ensuring high traction through its robust outsole. Whether you are on duty or off, these boots provide the support and comfort you need.
Features
- Quality Construction: Made from polishable action leather and 900D nylon mesh combined through double row stitching for an attractive and low-profile design.
- All-Day Comfort: Features soft, padded mesh lining and tongue for breathability, along with removable EVA foam insoles and shock-absorbing rubber outsoles.
- Boots for Work: A stitched-down tongue gusset prevents dirt and debris from entering, complemented by a YKK brand side zipper for easy wear.
- Upgraded Lacing: Speed lacing eyelets paired with paracord strings allow for quick adjustments and secure fit.
- Premium at a Great Price: Combining quality and value, Propper has over 50 years of experience in creating durable garments.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long hours of wear.
- High-quality materials ensure longevity.
- Water-resistant features help keep your feet dry.
- Convenient side zipper for easy on/off.
- Stylish enough for casual wear as well.
Cons
- May take some time to break in.
- Lack of aggressive tread for very muddy conditions.
- Limited color options available.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Propper Men's Duty Boot | Danner Reckoning 8" Boot | Bates Men's Ultra-Lites 8" Boot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Leather/Nylon | Full-Grain Leather | Leather/Nylon |
| Sole Material | Rubber | Vibram | Rubber |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Lightweight |
| Side Zipper | Yes | No | Yes |
Detailed Review
When it comes to tactical footwear, the Propper Men's Duty 8" Military and Tactical Boot excels in providing both functionality and style. The combination of action leather and nylon makes these boots not only durable but also relatively lightweight compared to other boots in the market.
The all-day comfort offered is noteworthy. With breathable padding inside, your feet will remain cool even during extended wear, which is crucial for anyone spending long hours on their feet. The EVA foam insole provides excellent cushioning, absorbing shocks effectively which means less fatigue after a full day. Furthermore, the athletic performance rubber outsole ensures that you maintain grip and stability across various surfaces, making these boots ideal for both work and recreational activities.
From a convenience standpoint, the side zipper feature stands out. It allows you to quickly slip on and off the boots without having to unlace each time, something that can be quite beneficial in a fast-paced environment. The added tongue gusset prevents dirt, mud, and other debris from infiltrating the boot, ensuring your comfort remains uncompromised.
However, it's worth noting that while these boots offer an excellent initial fit, they may require a short break-in period. Users have reported a slight stiffness initially, which generally resolves after a few wears. This could be a consideration if you need immediate comfort out of the box.
Overall, the Propper Men's Duty 8" Military and Tactical Boot delivers on its promises. It's not just a functional choice but also stylish enough for everyday wear, making it a versatile addition to your footwear collection.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Provides excellent cushioning and support for prolonged use. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | Constructed with high-quality materials ensuring a long lifespan. |
| Traction | 4.3/5 | Offers good grip on various surfaces. |
| Value for Money | 4.6/5 | Quality and performance at a competitive price. |
User Reviews
A tad bit tight in the toes at purchase but a week later, super comfy
So I used these boots for a few months, doing armed security, in typical scenarios: carrying weapons, armor, a full duty belt, and walking around a large property. The boots were comfortable. The tactical style design looked good. And the grip on the soles was crazy, it was really good and gave you a great sure footing on any terrain. The boot formed itself to your foot and the side zip feature was very convenient. So with all this, why is my review still down one star? The boots are not authentic leather, which doesn't have to be wildly expensive. I ended up going with a cheap chinese brand and the leather was good.The problem here is that they use "action leather" which is cheap leather that they strengthen by adding plastic to it. While that does cause the leather to not break, it also means that you can't really shine it. If you wanna give your boots an old fashioned U.S. Army shine then action leather is just not gonna do it. When I put a coat of Kiwi Parade Gloss on the boots, and two on the toe, the boots barely shined at all and the shine wouldn't even stay on for a month. If you wanna relive the glory days of you and "the boys" walking around in jungle boots shiny enough to signal small aircraft then these are just not the ones for you. However, I think a lot of people could benefit from these boots. If you do airsoft, hiking, or you're part of an agency where you guys wear black boots but don't like to shine them then these may be the boots for you. They had a lot of potential and capability but ultimately Propper cheaped-out on the leather and that's unfortunate. I've worn the Propper BDU's/ACU's many times and have always been happy with the Propper brand quality.
I've been a First Responder for over 30 yrs....I've tried almost every boot maker and these Propper Tacticals are well made and comfortable..The only negative detail are the laces...I miss those rugged laces that tac boots had...bring those and Bang best Boot out there...
Great boot for the money!
Great price. Great product. Quick shipping.
I've owned a lot of black leather 8" "tactical" boots. I'm an old Vet before the suede days and I currently serve with CAP and have for years. I like Propper gear. I own their ABU's and fleeces. I own some of their accessories as well.These boots do not deserve to have the Propper name on them! If these are leather than the cow was a plastic mannequin. There is no way these are leather. Even the backing on the "leather" tab isnt suede, its a cheap fabric. There is also no way these would polish up as stated!They're honestly no better than the boots that cost half as much in a big box store. I tried one on just to see how they fit. Size is the same as a shoe, no need to size down. Comfort? No clue. Wore them for 1 minute. I did have heel lift unless I cranked the cheap laces. I dont see those lasting either.Immediately boxed them for return. Propper should be ashamed to have their name on this boot.
Its a good duty boot for the money. Highly recommend a insole in these. Quality if the boot does seem very close the the 5.11 ive been wearing for years.
They fit perfect! my husband loves them!