5.11 Boots: Reviews and Buying Guide

5.11 tactical boots are for the toughest terrains; this explains why many military and paramilitary officers use them. Despite the tough build and rugged look, these boots are known for comfort and convenience. The unique shock mitigation system provides kinetic absorption, stability, and balance.

This 5.11 boots review curates some of the most popular and best-selling models in the brand’s arsenal. They come in different sizes and are adapted to suit different uses, from fun adventures to serious work and fashionable leisurewear or even a rugged boot for military operations.

Review of the Best-Selling 5.11 Boots

Need the power to keep going, regardless of terrain? Have a look at some of these strong, durable boots designed to aid comfort and protect the feet.

1. 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 6” Tactical Side-Zip Military Boot

This 6-inch tactical boot features a YKK side zipper and a double ortholite footbed that runs the entire length, helping with flexibility and ensuring a higher comfort level.

As if that’s not enough, the ATAC 2.0 also has a flex zone for the Achilles heel that offers an additional layer of comfort. The leg has more freedom and greater relaxation for the muscles. Even if you’re standing on tough and rough surfaces, your feet are comfortably secure. The shoe has a rugged suede toe space that protects your toes and prevents cramping and discomfort.

Like many other 5.11 boots, the ATAC 2.0 has the signature shock mitigation system that allows for stability and balance. The boot looks rugged, but it is lightweight, so nothing slows you down, especially in the line of duty.

In addition to being oil-resistant, the outsole is slip-resistant and retains a firm grip on any surface. The upper is water-resistant and insulated with 840D nylon, so your feet won’t get soaked in the rain or when walking through water.

The boot comes in a wide range of sizes, from 4 to 15, and fits both narrow or wide feet. Keep in mind that the boot runs small, so you may want to go for a size larger when ordering one.

The 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 is ideal for the most daring adventures and is very durable. There is no limit to where it can take you.

Pros

• Lightweight for added comfort
• Durable and rugged
• Waterproof and oil resistant
• Leather and suede upper, string rubber outsole

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2. 5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 2.0 Side Zip-Desert

Next on our 5.11 boots review is this 6-inch Tactical boot with side zip, designed with comfort, toughness, and durability in mind. Similar to the previous model, the Men’s ATAC Side Zip Desert boot features a super comfortable ortholite footbed and a cushion for the heel, which provides incredible comfort for the feet. It also has a shock mitigation system for added comfort and stability.

This design has a lightweight upper that makes it ideal for walking and running. It comes with many features similar to the previous boot, except for its dark coyote color, and is available in various sizes. While it is designed mainly for military operations, you can also use it for leisure and outdoor activities on harsh and unforgiving terrains.

The boot offers excellent breathability to keep the feet fresh all day, thanks to the airflow tongue that allows fresh air to circulate throughout the boot. It uses Strobel construction, and its outsoles are slip-resistant and oil-resistant. A combination of high-quality fabrics and lightweight materials increases functionality and durability, even when used consistently on the toughest terrains.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Features airflow tongue that increases air supply to the shoe
• Slip-resistant and oil-resistant soles
• Solid design

3. 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 8” Military Tactical Boot 12391

This military tactical boot uses full-grain leather, durable textiles, and is fitted with rubber soles. It has a mid-calf shaft height and is comfortable and flexible with the new full-length ortholite footbed and Achilles heel flex zone. The flex zone allows freedom and comfort in the heel.

Like other options in this 5.11 boots review, this model includes a shock mitigation system that establishes stability and balance. It also features a new airflow breather tongue construction that keeps your feet fresh, even if you wear the boots for a long time.

It also has an 840D nylon insulation that protects the feet against water and bad weather. This feature, together with the upper lighter weight and YKK side zipper, makes for a durable boot that is equally easy to wear.

Many users consider the side zipper a very innovative addition because it saves time when putting on the boots by eliminating the hassles of lacing them. The boots are tight-fitting and very well designed, making them easier to carry around.

Pros

• YKK side zipper for easy wearing and pulling off
• Durable and strong
• Impressive airflow system that keeps the feet fresh all-day
• Slide and oil resistant sole
• Beautiful design, tight-fitting
• Features a knife pocket for added safety

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4. 5.11 Men’s ATAC 2.0 8” Tactical Storm Military Boot 12392

The ATAC 2.0 Storm Military Boot supports a wide range of foot motions without compromising toughness and durability. This 8-inch boot has a dual durometer Ortholite footbed with an Achilles flex heel for enhanced flexibility and an Ortholite Achilles cuff for extra comfort.

It comes with a lightweight upper and has a shock mitigation system like other styles in this 5.11 boots review. This system provides stability, especially on challenging surfaces. In addition to this, the boot has a slip-resistant outsole that aids mobility, even on the most unforgiving terrains.

One of the unique features of the Storm Military Boot is the waterproof BBP membrane. When you have to walk through water or respond to emergencies in the rain, your feet will remain dry and comfortable.

This boot has your safety in mind, no matter the mission you plan to use it for. For this reason, the manufacturer includes a knife pocket in the design. It also comes with a YKK zipper so you can get on the go in no time.

Pros

• Waterproof membrane prevents the feet from getting wet
• Lightweight upper aids mobility
• Durable and rugged
• Beautiful design
• Comes with a knife pocket for added security

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5. 5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 1.0 Waterproof Military Storm Boots

To excel in difficult environments, you need the ATAC 1.0 Waterproof Military Storm Boot. This style is the definition of what 5.11 boots represent – durability, toughness, and superior comfort. It can survive the most daring tactical operations. With optimal delivery of protection and comfort, this boot supports safety professionals and people who want something cool for leisure and rugged outdoor activities.

Its YKK side zipper allows easy wear and removal, so you don’t need to worry about tying laces. The boot uses a combination of high-quality, pure leather and other fabric. Its synthetic sole offers great traction and control on various surfaces.

With a lightweight design that’s a sharp contrast to its size, the boot provides comfort and convenience to the user. It has a SlipStream waterproof feature, bloodborne pathogen-resistant membrane, and a dual durometer. All of these help to prevent water from penetrating the shoe and provide enough inlets for airflow.

No matter how long your feet stay in these boots, the Ortholite footbed keeps them comfortable. For added comfort, the shock mitigation system helps to provide stability that goes all the way to the heels. With the Achilles heel flex zone, the heels are secured against pressure and pain, allowing you to do much more for longer periods.

Pros

• Synthetic sole that provides great grip
• Waterproof leather and fabric
• Ortholite footbed for added comfort
• Achilles heel flex zone
• Knife pocket
• Side zipper for easy wearing
• Oil-resistant outsole

6. 5.11 Tactical Men’s Speed 3.0 Urban Side Zip Boot 12336

This 5.11 boot is lightweight and durable. With superb polishable leather, you can appear smarter and smarter by the day. It derives its tough quality from the nylon material, which is also water-resistant. For those engaging on difficult missions in wet conditions, this is the boot to choose.

With a locking YKK side zipper, the Speed 3.0 is designed beautifully and enhanced with features that would aid all kinds of emergency responses. Whether on outdoor activities or military operations, this boot guarantees protection and durability every time.

Thanks to the slipstream waterproof membrane of the upper, your feet will remain dry and comfortable even in the rain.

Specifically built for harsh environments, the Speed 3.0 Tactical Men’s Boot delivers comfort and convenience to the wearer.  It is designed with oil and slip-resistant materials, making it convenient for the most dangerous climbs and wet surfaces.

The boot also features an odor-control technology that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. There is a 14mm heel-to-toe drop that helps increase mobility.

Pros

• Enhances freshness by preventing microbial growth
• Designed to improve a wide range of foot motion
• Slip-resistant, oil-resistant, and water-resistant
• Polishable leather for enhanced beauty
• Side zipper for easy wearing

7. 5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 2.0 8” Shield Boot 12416

This ATAC Shield Boot provides improved performance and comfort. It is the perfect description of the quality and toughness that the 5.11 boots offer. Plus, it’s made for the wild, so you shouldn’t have any problem wearing the boots for a day of fun in the great outdoors.

It adds a slipstream waterproof membrane coupled with a bloodborne pathogen membrane to its upper, making the boot more durable and offering greater safety on wet, hilly, oily, and mountainous surfaces. While it conquers terrains with strength, the feet remain cushioned in comfort. It also has a puncture-resistant midsole board to insulate the feet against harm.

It may be built for rugged environments, but it is also beautifully made to make the feet very comfy. The high-quality leather material is polishable, and the side zipper makes wearing easier. A full-length Ortholite footbed is guaranteed to offer your soles a comforting massage as long as you wear this pair of boots.

As with other options in this 5.11 boots review, this one also comes with an Achilles heel flex zone that provides extra comfort and improved maneuverability.

The men’s ATAC 2.0 Shield Boots are your perfect recreational and operational boots with enhanced features to make your movement fun-filled and comfortable.

Pros

• Added features for greater durability
• Slip-resistant outsoles
• Puncture-resistant midsole
• Great design

8. 5.11 Tactical Men’s ATAC 2.0 8” Shield Boot 12416

This 5.11 boot style features a full-length dual durometer Ortholite footbed, which is perfect for the soles of the feet. The Achilles heel flex zone helps the heels to adjust accordingly with enough space to flex freely.

For durability and comfort, it also has a shock mitigation system like most other 5.11 boots. This design stabilizes not only the feet but also the legs and hips to support the body. It also has a lightweight upper supported by reinforced outsoles.

This boot is trusted by leading emergency responders because it is lighter and more comfortable than many others. The airflow tongue system enhances its comfort greatly.

For added protection, the boot has a slip and oil-resistant outsole fitted with 840D nylon upper. Apart from keeping your feet ready for any mission, it also keeps the feet warm and comfortable at all times.

The boots are available in different sizes and widths and should be on your shopping list if you require the perfect outdoor boot.

Pros

• Airflow tongue construction for increased air circulation
• Full-length dual durometer Ortholite footbed for added comfort
• Achilles flex heel zone for enhanced flexibility and comfort
• Shock mitigation system for balance and stability
• Strobel construction for durability
• Lightweight upper for ease of movement
• Ortholite Achilles cuff for comfort
• Slip-resistant and oil-resistant outsole

Cleaning the 5.11 Tactical Boots

Cleaning the 5.11 boots will not be too much of a problem if you have used any tactical boots before because the cleaning approach is pretty similar to others. You should be good to go as long as you are familiar with cleaning leather, fabric, and suede boots.

Typically, you will need a horsehair brush and leather cleaner to clean your leather tactical boot. Alternatively, you could hire a professional cleaner who would not mind cleaning these special boots for a token.

But whatever you do, do not put your 5.11 boots in a washing machine, ever! Doing so will compromise the integrity of the boots and make them break down rather quickly.

How to Break into Your Tactical Boot

It is possible to experience some discomfort if you don’t break into your tactical boots. While wearing them also allows you to break into them, it might hurt to wear a new tactical boot. There are other faster methods for breaking into these booths, including these two methods:

The Wet Method

This method is fast compared to wearing. However, this approach is not suitable for boots that use a high gloss shine. It is best for leather shoes, as leather shrinks when wet. Here’s how to go about it:

• Soak your boots inside the washtub or bathtub.
• Ensure it is soaked with no dry spots.
• After a minute, remove your boot from the water.
• Put on your socks and wear your new boots. You need the socks as leather shrinks during the drying process. With the socks, you can configure the leather to leave a little clearance for you.
• Wear the boot for 24 hours.
• At the end of the day, remove the insole and lay them dry separately.

The Dry Method

If your 5.11 boot cannot be soaked, the dry method will help break into it. Use this approach for military boots, work boots, and others.

Here are the steps to break into your 5.11 boot using the dry method:

• Be gentle and start slowly. You should wear the boots for an hour when wearing them for the first time. With time increase the duration until you can comfortably wear it all day.
• There might be blisters and severe discomfort, which makes it essential to wear nylon socks. It will serve as a cushion to lessen such discomfort.
• Use essential oil or moleskin on the part of your feet having blisters.
• When you get comfortable with the boot, walk, train, and run inside to make the process faster.

FAQ for 5.11 Tactical Boots

This section of the 5.11 boots review discusses a few questions common among users.

Are 5.11 boots durable?

5.11 tactical boots are specialized boots made for military, paramilitary, and law enforcement uses. You can also use them for most rugged outdoor activities. These shoes have stood the test of time, even when subjected to hours of rigorous use. Their sheer strength and ability to withstand rugged conditions indicate that they are highly durable.

Are the boots waterproof?

Many 5.11 boots are waterproof, so they will do pretty well in wet conditions. They have an excellent ability to handle water without losing their integrity. In other words, users will not feel wet when walking around damp areas.

Although, the case is different if you jump inside water since moisture could seep into your boots. For people who work around water-logged areas, there are 5.11 boots specifically designed to resist water.

Make sure to go through the product specifications before deciding on a waterproof boot. It can guide you towards the perfect choice that will fit your operational needs.

Specifically, 5.11 Men’s speed 3.0 has impressive drainage technology, which helps it drain water pretty fast. Also, many of these boots feature impressive ventilation systems that ensure optimum airflow.

If you work in a wet area, it is essential to tighten the bootlace to prevent water from getting into the boot.

Will a 5.11 hurt my feet?

Wearing an uncomfortable boot is a nightmare that you can avoid. Here are some reasons your boots might hurt:

The boot is not your size

If the boot is too tight, your legs will hurt. However, there are a few hacks around this. For example, you can try to release the laces.

If that does not work, it is possible to expand the boot using a stretcher. Above all, make sure to get the right size when buying, and if possible, exchange it for a bigger size.

The boots are new

Tactical boots come with an extra-strong structure. As a result, expect some adverse reaction from your feet when wearing them for the first couple of days, which should typically correct itself with time, ideally, after wearing it for a few days.

For people in this condition, consider using a thicker pair of socks with the boot. In extreme cases, you can consider tactical boot break-in methods mentioned earlier.

You have a faulty boot

While this is pretty rare, it is not impossible. In cases like this, get in touch with the manufacturer and request a replacement. Most tactical boots have some refund policy and return protection period.

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