When it comes to high-performance tactical uniform footwear Gen-flex made by Thorogood meets and exceeds the expectations of comfort and personal safety. Not only do they look shiny and polished but they are comfortable, supporting and not too expensive.
Priced at around $120 they are a good halfway price between the really cheap boots and the extortionately priced ones. They come with a bunch of useful features to maximise comfort, support and stability. For ease of use, they also have a side zip, meaning that you don’t have to constantly completely tie and untie the laces up.
The leather is very tough and able to withstand a lot of abuse, meaning that these boots will be with you for a long time. They come with a removable insole to offer extra cushioning and support preventing your feet from becoming fatigued or blistered
Key features
These tactical boots come with numerous features that make them excellently adapted for any uniformed job that requires some physical activity.
The imposing oil-tanned black leather not only looks professional but is very durable and will stay together, even after regular use. This is down to the Goodyear storm welt construction which makes the outer shoe lining abrasion resistant.
The Dri-Lex Aero-Spacer lining removes moisture from your feet, keeping them cool and dry. To provide maximum stability, the non-marking GEN-EX dual density rubber undersole is slip resistant and highly gripping.
To improve further stability, there is a composite shank and the heavy duty zipper and Velcro brand closure which securely fasten your feet into the tactical boots, providing optimum stability.
There was no expense spared on the comfort factor for these boots either. The removable polyurethane footbed includes an EVA cushion flex for supporting the arches of your feet and also increasing the overall comfort. The compression moulded EVA midsole contains a 300g gel heel insert so that your heel receives a strong cushioning effect, making every step soft and painless.
In addition, the EVA midsole is shock absorbing to protect the feet from shock damage, either through falling, jumper or other shock-inducing methods. To ensure that the boots mould best to your feet, there is adjustable lacing. The soft toe cap does not really add additional weight to the boot but it does provide another layer of protection for your foot, shielding it against outside hazards.
Size and Fitting
The boots mould well to your feet through the adjustable lacing and the breathable lining. The inside of the shoe is fitted with lots of padding to provide high levels of comfort for the wearer.
Each boot weighs approximately 30 oz which is heavier than other tactical boots, but it makes up for this with the number of features each boot contains. The shaft measures approximately 8.5 inches from the arch while the heel is approximately 1.5 inches in height, with the platform being 1 inch roughly. These boots are ankle high and so, as a result, provide good support around your ankle, reducing the risk of sprains because of their secure hold upon your ankle.
Cost / Quality
For the price they are, you receive a very decent pair of footwear which will last and contain numerous different features to keep your feet comfortable and protected from hazards in the outside world. The comfort and longevity of these boots are actually far greater than many more expensive models and so this alone makes them well worth your consideration.
Sector they are suited for
Security
These heavy duty and hardcore boots are comfortable enough to be worn for hours on an end and supportive enough to allow for safe physical exercise.
Other Uniformed Professions
Heavy duty and hardcore boots that fell uniformed personnel well.
Everyday
They are comfortable and protect you well from the hazards of the outside world although it should be noted that they are not completely waterproofed.
Insider Tips
Tips 1
On the contrary to many other tactical work boots, these shoes can actually be a little wide for those with narrow feet so you should make sure to choose carefully when choosing your size. It can be a good idea to wear double thick socks if you find your feet are sliding in them, to prevent rubbing.
Tips 2
There is no breathable membrane in these boots so your feet do have the tendency to become quite overheated while wearing them. This can also lead to them needing to be cleaned more frequently because of the inability to allow moisture from the feet out.
Tips 3
It’s important to note that because these boots are so heavy and large, they do take a little while to break in and may be quite stiff to wear at first. However, after they have been broken in, they become very comfortable and these boots are highly recommended as boots to be worn for many hours because of all the additional features put into them to increase the comfort.
Tips 4
The customer service of the company is not brilliant as sometimes they fail to respond to the queries sent by customers.
Tips 5
Because these boots are much heavier than other boots of the same style, they are less good for fast and light movement as they are much heavier and more clunky on the feet.
WHAT IS A GOOD WAY TO CARE FOR THESE BOOTS?
It is a good idea to regularly wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth to remove and inbuilt dirt they may be damaging the surface. At the same time, it’s a good idea to check the boots for potential signs of wear and to catch and tears or rips before they become too large and send them off for fixing.
DO THESE BOOTS HAVE A COMPOSITE TOE?
No, the toes are just made of leather, although the leather is very strong and will withstand a lot of pressure. That being said, they do not qualify with ASTM standards of boots so if you do work in a dangerous environment, it is essential to check the required safety requirements prior to placing an order.
WHEN THE SOLES WEAR OUT, CAN THEY BE REPLACED?
Yes, the soles can be easily replaced when they have worn out.
WHAT KIND OF ZIPPER DO THEY USE?
A heavy duty black zipper.
HOW FIRM IS THE ANKLE SUPPORT?
The ankle support is pretty firm and keeps a secure hold on your ankles, reducing the risk of sprains
In conclusion, for the price these boots are, you receive an excellent deal. They are sturdy, reliable, supportive and comfortable whilst being nowhere near the most expensive items on the market. In addition, these boots are well enough made to fare you well for at least a year of very intensive use. Perhaps the only drawback with the boots is the fact that they are so heavy, limits the light and free feeling you may get from lighter models. But with the additional weight, you get lots of brilliant features that increase the stability and comfort, all in all producing a pair of boots that is definitely worth purchasing.
