Smith & Wesson Footwear Men's Breach 2.0 Tactical Size Zip Boots, Black, 12 Review
The Smith & Wesson Footwear Men's Breach 2.0 Tactical Zip Boots are designed to deliver both strength and comfort for those who demand more from their footwear. These boots, which sport a sleek black design, incorporate advanced construction techniques to ensure they withstand the rigors of daily use while also providing a comfortable fit for extended wear.
Features
- Leather/nylon upper for added protection and comfort
- Durable YKK side zipper for easy on and off with hook and loop tab-stay closure
- PU Collar for easy cleaning
- Foam-padded collar and tongue for enhanced protection and breathability
- Gusseted tongue to keep dirt and debris out
- EVA midsole for lightweight comfort and cradled support
- Steel shank for superior support
- Board-lasted construction for torsional rigidity, reducing foot fatigue
- Slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole
- Available in both 6” and 9” heights
Pros
- Durable construction suitable for tactical use
- Comfortable fit for all-day wear
- Easy entry with side zip design
- Lightweight EVA midsole provides excellent support
- Affordable pricing compared to similar options
Cons
- May require some break-in time
- Limited height options may not suit all preferences
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Breach 2.0 | Similar Tactical Boot A | Similar Tactical Boot B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Leather/Nylon | Leather | Nylon |
| Side Zip | Yes | No | Yes |
| Slip-Resistant Outsole | Yes | Yes | No |
| Height Options | 6” & 9” | 8” | 6” |
Detailed Review
When it comes to tactical footwear, the Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 excels across multiple categories. The combination of leather and nylon in the upper keeps your feet protected while allowing for breathability, making them suitable for various environments. The YKK side zip is a notable feature, ensuring that you can easily slip these boots on or off without hassle, a crucial aspect for those on the go.
The foam-padded collar and tongue enhance overall comfort, especially during long shifts, which is a significant advantage for professionals in law enforcement or industrial trades. Even after hours of wear, many users note minimal foot fatigue thanks to the effective board-lasted construction and the supportive steel shank.
Furthermore, the slip-resistant rubber outsole is an essential safety feature, providing stability on various surfaces, which is fully appreciated by those needing reliable traction during work. For individuals concerned about maintenance, the PU collar makes cleaning a breeze, ensuring your boots remain presentable and functional.
Despite these advantages, it’s worth noting that some users report needing a brief break-in period before achieving optimal comfort. Additionally, while they offer height options, those looking for taller variations may find limited choices.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a boot that balances durability with comfort at a budget-friendly price, the Smith & Wesson Breach 2.0 Tactical Boot is certainly worthy of consideration. Not only do they perform well under pressure, but a portion of the proceeds also supports Operation First Response, which aids wounded warriors.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 9/10 | Highly durable materials suitable for tough conditions. |
| Comfort | 8/10 | Comfortable for long wear, though may require a break-in period. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Excellent slip resistance providing steady grip on various terrains. |
| Value for Money | 10/10 | Offers high-quality construction at an affordable price point. |
User Reviews
Love these boots!! ExMilitary, US Army (Ret) Bought my 3rd pair 2 months ago. My first pair, (4yrs old), worn, beat up but still wearable and no problems. They just looks beat up. Use these for dirty work. 2nd pair are my motorcycle pair. They take a beating too. Wear them everyday. (2 yrs old) Still look beat up but still decent. 3rd pair are my dress pair. (2 month old). These boots are the most comfortable shoes I own. Quality is top notch! Zipper has had NO problems on all 3 pair! Rugged! (I might have to retire the 1st pair after looking at these pictures. Hate to when the only thing wrong with them is they look like crap!) Probably buy my 4th pair soon. Highly recommended! You won’t go wrong buying these boots!
These boots are nice. Light weight, comfortable, breathable, and solidly constructed. They look pretty cool, too. I love the side zipper, it's way better than undoing laces after a long day of work, and then wrestling my boots off, loosening laces again, wrestling more... With these it's just a velcro tab and a zzzip and they slide right off with no undue effort. I was able to wear them at work all day, straight out of the box - they are flexible enough to where they don't need an extensive "breaking-in" period like some other boots. and then there's the "cool factor" because they're Smith & Wesson branded. everybody says "wow I didn't know they made boots"I bought these to replace a worn-out set of Magnum boots, and I like these way more. they're lighter, more flexible, and they look cooler I think. also the tread is more "rubbery" and it's softer to walk on, and grips a slick surface better than the harder soles on the Magnums. No steel toe on these, but it's a welcome change, just for the weight difference. the toe is "reinforced" with plastic, but it definitely won't protect like a steel toe.. something to keep in mind if you need that extra protection you might wanna look into a different model with a steel toe. I've only had them a day, so I can't testify to their longevity, only time will tell. but so far I think they're great! No blisters or rawness, my feet felt great after 10 hours working on my feet in them. (update: good so far, after 2 months)I ordered 10.5 size, my normal size, and they fit with no problem. no need to go up or down compared to other boots. I've got pretty flat feet, so I don't like any kind of arch in the sole, and these don't bother my non-arch at all. compared to red wing boots, the arch in those was agony after a few hours walking in them... also the price isn't bad, $70 compared to $100 for the Magnums, or $200 for the red wings, this seems like a good value for (IMO) better boots. Also they don't set off the metal detector, which is convenient, as I go through one on the way in and out of work, I don't have to stop to be "wanded" anymore.Edit/update: 4/14/17 (2 months later) - I've been wearing them to work every day, and they are holding up quite well. No problems with the zippers, or stitching, or anything. The leather is pretty durable, and hasn't scuffed up or gotten gouged easily like my last pair of boots (Magnum Response), they still look pretty nice. The break-in period was short and painless, which is more than I can say for a lot of other boots. I didn't get blisters from them or anything, They're still comfortable, my feet don't hurt after working being on my feet on concrete all day, including a significant amount of walking, The soles are holding up well, and have a good amount of grip. The side zipper is a god-send, it makes it so nice to take them off after a long day without having to futz around with laces, and I can throw them on really fast if I'm late getting out the door. To be honest, I think I've only untied/tied the laces twice since I got them! I'd definitely recommend these boots to anyone who has to be on their feet all day for work or whatever. 10/10 so far!
Honestly the best boots I've ever put on my feet hands down. Comfortable, pliable, great fit, durable, and very water resistant. I plan on buying enough pairs to last the rest of my life. I wouldn't even think about purchasing another pair of boots from anywhere else. Big bonus on the smith&wesson brand
Boots arrived quickly and are exactly as described. They fit true to size. They are very firm and need time to form to my feet but they seem to be very well made. The side zipper is easy and convenient. Satisfied so far!
You feel the difference in weight right away. Very comfortable boot for shore duty. Ive used them everyday since they arrived. The toe box on the left boot is a lil loose but other than that... great buy. Im very happy with the price and comfort level.
Current review is that the boots arrived in great condition. They function very well at present. As months go on, I intend to update this review to note any problems. At only a couple weeks, the boots seem to be very comfortable and durable. I strongly recommend purchasing boot socks with them, since they're very chafing in anything thinner/rougher. (Only rating 4 stars for now since boots feel and work great, but over time if they last, I will upgrade to 5 stars or lower them, depending on whether or not they last.)UPDATE - 1 month later: Boots are very durable, comfortable and tough. They have proven water resistant, but I don't think I'd recommend straight up submerging the boots in water.The side zipper makes for ease of taking boots on and off after they've been laced. I've only had to tighten laces a few times since purchase and I've worn them almost daily.One extreme quality of the boots is that I've been able to run in them almost daily with no issues. Usually boots are difficult to run or sprint in, but once these are broken in, they work really well. In my work, I occasionally have to break into full sprinting, and as a test I jogged laps around a building to see how well they hold up. The only thing that would be better is a pair of strict running shoes.The only flaw I've encountered. (And not really a flaw) Make sure you use a decent set of boot socks. Something both thick yet soft. These boots definitely were not made to be comfortable in any old sock. This goes especially for if you intend to run in them.UPDATE - 4 months after purchase: Boots have held up wonderfully. Running remains very easy. The one and only issue remains to be that these boots practically require a decent set of thick boot socks for proper function. Otherwise you'll be scuffing your feet up really bad. I had to buy a couple fresh boot sock packs just for these boots.