Thorogood 804-6447 Men's Gen-flex2 Tactical 6" Waterproof Boot Review
The Thorogood 804-6447 Men's Gen-flex2 Tactical 6" Waterproof, Comp Toe Side Zip Boot is designed to meet the demands of professionals who need reliable footwear. With its stylish black finish, these boots are not only functional but also versatile enough for various work environments.
Featuring composite safety toe caps, these boots provide equivalent protection to steel toes without the added weight or cold transmission. The electric hazard resistant construction ensures your safety when working around electrical hazards, with the ability to withstand up to 18,000 volts under specific conditions. Notably, the waterproof and breathable membrane keeps your feet dry during unexpected weather changes, making them ideal for outdoor tasks.
Features
- Composite Safety Toe for lightweight protection
- BBP X-Stream Waterproof lining
- GENflex2 dual-density rubber outsole with excellent traction
- Impact 300 gel heel insert for comfort
- Goodyear storm welt construction for durability
- Heavy-duty YKK zipper with Velcro® closure
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Robust waterproofing keeps feet dry
- Excellent traction on slippery surfaces
- Durable construction designed for heavy use
- Easy to put on and take off with side zip design
Cons
- Side zip may require occasional maintenance
- Fit may be snug for wider feet
- Higher price point compared to non-waterproof alternatives
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Thorogood 804-6447 | Thorogood 834-6446 (Non-Composite) | Other Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | No | Yes |
| Toe Protection | Composite Safety Toe | Steel Toe | Composite Toe |
| Electric Hazard Resistant | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier | Similar |
Detailed Review
When it comes to tactical boots, the Thorogood 804-6447 stands out with its thoughtful design and advanced materials. Starting with comfort, the Impact 300 gel heel insert does an impressive job at reducing fatigue, allowing you to stay on your feet longer without discomfort. The BBP X-Stream waterproof lining effectively prevents water from seeping in, which is a significant advantage for those in wet environments.
The GENflex2 outsole is another highlight, delivering superior grip and stability, no matter the surface condition. Whether you are navigating oil slicks or uneven terrain, these boots maintain their hold, ensuring your safety.
Moreover, the Goodyear storm welt construction promises longevity. You can count on these boots to endure daily challenges while still looking sharp. The addition of a heavy-duty YKK zipper with Velcro closure enhances usability by making it easy to slip on and off in a hurry.
That said, it's worth considering that the snug fit might not accommodate wider feet comfortably. Also, the side zip mechanism requires occasional maintenance to ensure smooth operation over time. Overall, if you’re seeking a reliable solution to rugged work conditions, the Thorogood 804-6447 is a solid investment.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning and supportive fit. |
| Durability | 5/5 | Built to withstand tough conditions. |
| Safety Features | 5/5 | Includes composite safety toe and electric hazard resistance. |
| Waterproofing | 4.5/5 | Highly effective waterproofing for wet environments. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Well-priced considering quality and durability. |
User Reviews
Had these for two months and they are working out well. Tis the season to wear boots and I used these several time a week. Break in time is minimal. For me, it was mostly getting used to the 6" zipper run. Prior to this, I have worn only 8" tactical boots and the zipper finish point is higher and more comfortable. Some might feel they need a shoe insert to craft a more cushioned feel. Overall, these boots are a good buy and will easily last the one season they were bought for and beyond.
I actually really like these boots. Use them everyday for work. Have had them for about 6 months now with only minimal wear and tear on them but nothing too bad. No splitting and still holding up with the waterproofing. Were a tad uncomfortable at first, but once broken in they feel great and I love the zipper on the side. My only gripe is that they don’t breathe enough and your feet will get a lil sweaty by the end of the day but I guess that’s the price you pay for dry feet in a downpour.
The soles are starting to split apart on the sides after a few weeks of wearing them.
For years I wore Rockport shoes and loved them. I got 4 or 5 years out of a pair... then the company started having the shoes made in China and last year in India. Those shoes are garbage now and I won't waste my money on them as they only hold up for a year, sometimes less. The ones made in India lasted 2 days and the entire sole of the shoe came off! Glued on with rubber cement!I made the decision to go with Thorogood shoes. I NEEDED something that would last more than 6 months. These did last more than 6 months... they lasted 7 months!When I first got these shoes the end of September 2018 they were great! I could walk through 4 or 5 inches of standing water and my feet stayed dry. Winter arrived and walking around in slush and snow outside during the first few snow storms, my feet stayed warm and dry.Next snow storm was very slushy. My feet go wet. A family member said I should probably treat them with Sno Seal. That worked okay but they were still not waterproof anymore. Feet still kept getting wet.A few months ago I caught my left heal on the edge of something and the sole separated from the shoe. Gobbed it up with "Shoe Goo" and after it cured the shoe was as good as new.Now, here we are just 7 months into ownership of these shoes and Monday I noticed the stitching has come completely apart on the right shoe where the bottom right eyelet leather piece is stitched to the shoe. Threads are completely broken on one side and starting to come undone on the inside. Looking at the left shoe the stitching is starting to come apart on that shoe as well.VERY unimpressed with how long these shoes lasted. I work in an electronics repair shop where they also do U-Haul rentals. This is not a harsh environment for footwear like a construction job or hiking through the woods all day would subject the shoes to.Call me a glutton for punishment or maybe just a fool but I ordered the Thorogood 834-6888 Men's Gen-flex2 Series 8" Tactical Side Zip Jump Boot. They are a little more money, a different design and I'm hoping they will hold up for the 4 to 5 years I see others are getting out of those.If I'm back here in 7 months writing another review about shoes that didn't perform, I'll be contacting the MFG about a refund, then.
Pictured and circled is the ankle of the inside of my left foot. The second to last upper lace hook dug into my ankle and caused that red mark in less than five minutes of wearing them- and my foot is still aching! And no, I did not lease them very tight at all.These boots are sturdy and well-made, with quality materials. And from what I can see, they look like they would hold up well over time… But as stated above and pictured clearly, my ankles on the other hand would not hold up well at all inside these boots!Furthermore, the toes are a little clunky and dig into the top of your foot as well.For the record, I would say that I have pretty average looking feet with medium to high arches.Go with the RockRooster. I purchased these at the same time to compare, and so far would recommend the RockRooster on all accounts.
Seem like a good quality boot. These are my first Thorogoods. The fold at the zipper digs into my ankle, so maybe that will go away with break in? I usually buy Hoffman boots, so these have a lot to live up to. So far so good
So far very comfortable. Slightly heavier than my 5.11's but maybe because of the composite toe. In this extreme heat we're having 85-97°f, actually feels quite more breathable (kept my feet cooler). Fits great as it's sized
I have had these boots for 4 months and the stitching has come apart at the side zipper on the right boot. I do not recommend these particular boots. I have owned Thorogood boots before and all the other types of boots have lasted more than a year and then some. I wear these boots 5 days a week but I do not abuse my shoes. Not a good buy. I wish I would've gone with what I knew and didn't try these boots.UPDATE: In trying to talk with the distributor at the suggestion of Thorogood, I have gotten nowhere. The distributor wants me to ship these boots back to them on my dime for inspection. These boots are supposedly work boots and cost over $100. They shouldn't be falling apart after 4 months use. Pictures should suffice in a situation like this. Because not only do they want me to ship the work boots back, I would have to replace them for another $100+ and HOPE I get the refund back from them.UPDATE 10/21/19: After going round and round with the distributor, they agreed to the pictures only to come back and say they STILL need the boots back to inspect. We have reached back out to Thorogood for assistance and to let them know the difficulty we are having with their distributor on what is supposed to be a reliable boot.