- Joined
- Feb 5, 2005
- Messages
- 857
A little less than a month ago, I purchased a pair of Blackhawk Warriorwear Desert Ops boots (manufacturer's info). I've only worn them for approximately 10-15 miles of wear, but as summer comes to Colorado, I look forward to giving them a good workout outdoors.
I've owned many military and hiking boots over the years, and at present I own and wear the Altama mil-spec all-leather boot, the Wellco infantry combat boot, and two different Belleville desert boots (temperate and hot weather). The Blackhawks compare favorably to all of them.
Although these boots are more "sneakery" than other desert boots, to my eye, they are not as radical looking as, say, the Converse, 5.11, or Oakley desert boots (I'm speaking only of appearance, not fit or quality -- I don't know anything about the other brands I mention). They feature what Blackhawk calls "rubberized reinforcement" at toe and heel, like a running show, and an interesting Vibram sole in a style I've never encountered before. The tongue is padded but not too "fat," which I always dislike in boots.
I like boots with ankle support, but they typically become very warm (i.e., Red Wing-style work boots with thick leather shafts). Although these Blackhawks are not as 'cool' as the Belleville hot weather boots with Cordura shafts, or jungle boots with canvas shafts, they offer much more ankle support than the other military-style boots I own. In my own limited experience, only specialized hiking boots in the $150+ range offer more ankle support yet still offer the kind of traction I get from this boot.
The insole is very pillowy, like a sneaker, but the outsole is quite firm (I expected it to be more rubbery, like a running shoe). The fit is definitely more like a sneaker than a combat boot, however. I wear a "W" or "EE" width in combat and work boots and usually have a little space to allow for my foot to swell as I walk around. These boots are labeled wide width but are definitely more narrow than my combat boots; still, like a sneaker, the padding and other design features seem to keep them comfortable. I haven't worn them for longer than about 3 miles at one stretch, but they seem to remain comfortable despite the relatively narrow fit. Time will tell.
My only complaint was the stock laces, which were fat and seemed both slippery and not very sturdy. I replaced them with Danner brand laces intended for 'normal' desert boots.
Final note: These boots were originally sold only in a color scheme Blackhawk called "coyote tan" but which looks more like a two-tone color scheme to me. They are now also available in "desert tan," which is the color of my boots. I mention this because when I ordered my pair from Brigade Quartermaster, their site showed photos of the coyote tan model. However, the order was fulfilled by Blackhawk, and the boots they drop-shipped to me were desert tan. I actually prefer the desert tan, but anyone ordering a pair should confirm with their vendor the color they are buying if the Web site or catalog is unclear.
I've owned many military and hiking boots over the years, and at present I own and wear the Altama mil-spec all-leather boot, the Wellco infantry combat boot, and two different Belleville desert boots (temperate and hot weather). The Blackhawks compare favorably to all of them.
Although these boots are more "sneakery" than other desert boots, to my eye, they are not as radical looking as, say, the Converse, 5.11, or Oakley desert boots (I'm speaking only of appearance, not fit or quality -- I don't know anything about the other brands I mention). They feature what Blackhawk calls "rubberized reinforcement" at toe and heel, like a running show, and an interesting Vibram sole in a style I've never encountered before. The tongue is padded but not too "fat," which I always dislike in boots.
I like boots with ankle support, but they typically become very warm (i.e., Red Wing-style work boots with thick leather shafts). Although these Blackhawks are not as 'cool' as the Belleville hot weather boots with Cordura shafts, or jungle boots with canvas shafts, they offer much more ankle support than the other military-style boots I own. In my own limited experience, only specialized hiking boots in the $150+ range offer more ankle support yet still offer the kind of traction I get from this boot.
The insole is very pillowy, like a sneaker, but the outsole is quite firm (I expected it to be more rubbery, like a running shoe). The fit is definitely more like a sneaker than a combat boot, however. I wear a "W" or "EE" width in combat and work boots and usually have a little space to allow for my foot to swell as I walk around. These boots are labeled wide width but are definitely more narrow than my combat boots; still, like a sneaker, the padding and other design features seem to keep them comfortable. I haven't worn them for longer than about 3 miles at one stretch, but they seem to remain comfortable despite the relatively narrow fit. Time will tell.
My only complaint was the stock laces, which were fat and seemed both slippery and not very sturdy. I replaced them with Danner brand laces intended for 'normal' desert boots.
Final note: These boots were originally sold only in a color scheme Blackhawk called "coyote tan" but which looks more like a two-tone color scheme to me. They are now also available in "desert tan," which is the color of my boots. I mention this because when I ordered my pair from Brigade Quartermaster, their site showed photos of the coyote tan model. However, the order was fulfilled by Blackhawk, and the boots they drop-shipped to me were desert tan. I actually prefer the desert tan, but anyone ordering a pair should confirm with their vendor the color they are buying if the Web site or catalog is unclear.
