When it comes to finding a decent pair of boots, whether for the range, working or outdoor recreation, selecting the right one for you can be rather trying. Trust me, I know. Even though women have the reputation of loving to shoe shop, I am not one of those women. For me, it’s more of a chore. But that could be because I am very picky.
I’ve been around my fair share of military/tactical boots, as I attended a military college and wore them during training. The ones we were issued were absolutely terrible and tore up your feet like no other—to no shock. Therefore, one can fathom that a quality pair of boots is a good investment for a multitude of reasons, whether you are in the military or not, especially with the current state of living.
These days our range of activities has drastically changed, but that isn’t the case when it comes to the outdoors. Though we all may be quarantined right now, we are still allowed to be outside, getting exercise and enjoying the nice weather as long as we maintain our social distance from others who may be outside too. Enter Garmont Tactical’s T8 NFS boots.
Made of suede leather, nylon mesh and polyester, the T8 NFS boots came as a pleasant surprise. When finding the right fit, I was informed that the boots run a size down from your athletic shoe size, which seemed to be fairly accurate. I received a size smaller than I normally wear in other styles of shoes and they were notably appropriate, especially in the toe.
When they arrived, I immediately put them on to make sure the sizing was correct. My first initial thought when I walked in them was that I felt like I was walking on a cloud—literally. The boots themselves are extremely lightweight—more so than any military boot I’ve tried—and the sole is pleasantly comfortable.
Laces are secured in closed metal hooks, so slipping the boots on and off requires you to loosen the laces extensively. To aid in putting them on, there is a large loop on the back of the boot I used in order to pull my foot into them.
In addition, when lacing the boots, pay attention not to tighten them too tight at the bottom toward the ankle, as the fifth metal eyelet from the top might push into your foot/ankle bone. My only complaint is that I prefer when the hooks are open to ease in taking the boots off and on, but that is a personal preference.
I decided to take them for a walk around the block, as well as a little off-the-beaten path adventure too. These boots performed well in both settings. Being so lightweight, they give you speed if needed. Additionally, they have good traction and breathability. You can easily walk in these for miles.
They do however need to be broken in, from my experience. Wearing them in will hopefully stretch out the space near your ankle and get your feet accustomed to the boots themselves as I did end up getting a blister on my heel, but only on one foot which I thought somewhat peculiar. Maybe I have two different sized feet? As with any shoe, the more you wear them the more you get accustomed.
Overall, if you’re looking for a tactical lightweight boot for the range, work or outdoor activities, the Garmont Tactical T8 NFS boots are definitely worth your consideration. Use them now to get outside so you don’t go stir crazy as well as break them in, so once this virus passes you’ll be styling the next time you head to the range—your buddies will want a pair too.
Available in regular or wide, MSRP is $154.99. Learn more at garmonttactical.com.
