MONCh Gear Box Product Review

Well known within the tactical community, i.e. military and law enforcement, 5.11 Tactical continues to produce high quality and durable products, case in point, the XPRT 3.0 waterproof 6in boot.

Boots, i.e. footwear, is the first piece of equipment that tactical users need at the beginning of an operation/shift and the last thing when coming home. Good footwear is made to be quickly forgotten, while bad footwear will provide head-, and especially, footaches. I had the opportunity to wear 5.11’s XPRT Tactical Boot for a while and would recommend them to any professional without any fear (test here). 5.11 now gave me the chance to do the same with its versatile XPRT 3.0 boot.

Made with full grain waterproof leather, XPRT 3.0 felt broken in right out of the box, an amazing feature that I absolutely loved. They only got better upon heavy wear, as the boots slowly moulded to the outlines of my feet, making me forget I was even wearing them.

The design is like a walking boot, a love it or hate it situation, of which I am the latter, but it is the performance that really counts with these boots. Looking a little clumpy, XPRT 3.0 combines the comfort of a sneaker with the durability of a safety shoe (without the steel cap), having a polished finish.

An sufficiently padded tongue and Kevlar integrated heel and side ankle area reduce stress to the foot without adding unwanted bulk, providing prolonged protection against abrasion. The shaft includes the 5.11 Shock Mitigation System for extra support, and the new OrthoLite Imperial footbed provides a springy step for higher energy return and reduced fatigue, ensuring wearability all day.

OrthoLite Imperial is O2 Partners, LLC‘s most dense, highest rebound foam, offering superior cushioning in a very thin application and delivering high-level breathability, moisture management, and antimicrobial function.

XPRT 3.0 is fully waterproof, ensured by a combination of full grain leather and the eVent BBP Waterproof Membrane Lining (these boots are also blood borne pathogen-proof). eVent, a waterproof/breathable laminate manufactured and marketed by the BHA Group Inc., a subsidiary of General Electric, is counted on by military, police, fire and myriad professionals around the globe. eVent protective technology provides a barrier of defence against the elements and critical protection against chemicals and hazardous substances. Having marched these boots straight into the ocean via marshland and swampy plains, they performed tremendously, keeping my feet dry!

5.11’s boots may not have a bouncing soul, but its soles ensure a good grip on both dry and wet surfaces via the VIBRAM Ananasi with PU midsole and uses the VIBRAM Megagrip formula. The new high performance Megagrip rubber compound features great grip on slippery when wet surfaces, rugged longevity and optimal ground adaptability. Especially when marching up and down muddy hills, this came in very handy. NB: I was wearing a 30kg backpack and still was able to grt an excellent grip.

XPRT 3.0 are tough yet comfortable waterproof boots, with a plenty of features that kept my feet protected from the elements. The leather is easily maintained with shoe wax and get a great polished look. Being super lightweight they are easy to pack.

A good test for any boot is of course standing, i.e. standing in the same boots for a long period of time. I have found with other tactical boots that ones feet, ankle and calves cramp. This is not the case with XPRT 3.0. It gives the protection is promises, is flexible and wearable enough to not go home raw and bleeding because my feet just went through a full day march (meaning these boots are heavy enough to take a beating) and are light enough for day-to-day wear. Being super-comfortable, the XPRT 3.0 fit, stayed in place, did not rub and still held everything in place and tight.

Even though eVent allows sweat to pass through while keeping the elements out, my feet did get very hot, and I was using the right socks! I guess this means that they do not breath very well. Nevertheless, they are an excellent choice for an all-round, hard wearing boot, with good support and traction that kept me steady on my feet all day.

Having heavily used these since the spring, I mostly forgot that I wore them, making them an excellent product!! MONCh Gear Box approved.