Thanks for doing this one. I am a postman, I walk 3500 miles per year, and these are my go-to boots. I find they last longer functionally than any other waterproof boot I've tried, meaning they keep their form and waterproofness. They last longer than other high-quality full leather boots, tend to be lighter, and do not require treatment (a big advantage you missed in your video!). There is a learning curve to getting them on, as you mentioned, but it's really fine, not too bad. I love the tread, I love the ability to resole and the responsiveness of the company. I got a faulty pair and I was covered, no question. The weak point is those eyelets, the artificial tendon will wear eventually especially if you are pulling the laces through when wet. I have found I need to be ginger with them if I want my boot to last - these parts are not replaceable because of that design. The biggest thing I love about these boots is their support when I walk in them. I wear these when it is wet, when it is chilly, and when my legs are sore. They have a full shank (why didn't you mention this in the video?) that gives a beautiful support. This is one of the shoes that changed the way I walk and got me out of pain. Highly recommended by me. I consider these to be fully waterproof - I have worn then all day in pouring rain and through snow, and they out perform leather. The temperature range is about 20°F to 90, so great. I can go to 0° with toe warmers and I am somewhat of a wuss. I consider them the best mid-weather boot I have in my arsenal, and that's in Vermont so. But yeah bulletproof no. There are many grades and as you say layering techniques, this is not the bulletproof variety. Nor is it dog bite proof, sorry to say.
Yeah it seemed like when he tested the eyelets with the lace friction test they failed pretty early despite him saying they performed better than expected. How long do the eyelets last for you? I imagine that they wouldn't last more than a year lacing them everyday based on the test in the video.
@drewjitzu one of mine broke after nearly a year. I still wear them, laced em up around it and they are still more supportive than most boots. They are surprisingly strong, but I wear them in a lot of wet conditions so that would increase the friction. Think I just need to be a little more ginger on my next pair.
@@atadbitnefarious1387 You can get a 22 for like 80 bucks, and ammos like 6 cents a round. You can get a 9mm for 200 or less and the ammos less than 30c a round. Ie less than most of the boots he cuts here. And in America you can buy a gun same day most places. Source: gun nut
You convinced me to buy two pairs of Naglev's. I wore mine to work today - UPS guy, and I was intrigued. They fit closely, but had plenty of toe room and a lot of spring in the step. They are light but surprisingly supportive. I think overall it's good boot, they just need to twerk a few things : the top two eyelets would be better if they were speed hooks and if the bootie top was a bit stretchier it'd be perfect. But as it is it is a real good boot. I like the insole of vegtan and coconut fiber, an intriguing combination. Stylewise they remind me of wrestling boots.Thanks for this video Weston - you're a dangerous man. I've bought Nick's ND1, several pairs of Jim Green's and now Naglev from watching your channel. Hats off to you sir!
@@themodularmodular The Naglevs are a good walking shoe: lightweight and comfortable. If you get a par of JGs, get a good aftermarket foot bed as they are pretty hard underfoot. I've worn my Naglev's on my UPS route a couple of times last week and they felt great!
I like them, I haven’t owned a pair but from your review I think they are really good for what they are, interestingly different in a functional way, something all other tactical boot manufacturers aren’t. Awesome work rose anvil and I’m definitely considering a pair
Those are actually pretty sweet. Please do a high end hunting boot face off! Maybe something like : Kenetrek mountain extreme Crispi guide gtx Schnees bear tooth Danner thorofare
Dang these are some nice boots. I usually dislike the look of any non-classical boot, but besides being pretty solid quality and durable/repairable, these look really stylish in a unique way as well. It's like they took all the best aspects of the most fashionable Salomon hiking shoes and turned them into an even higher quality rainboot. This video might've actually convinced me to pick up a pair... I wonder if they would work decently in -10 Celsius average Nordic winter weather.
I own both the shoe and the boot version and wore them at around 0 celsius with light wool socks and was comfortable. The only consideration for lower temperature I can think of would be the thickness of your sock relative to the sizing. Given the snug fit mentioned in the video you may want to check how often would you wear in low temp vs mild.
I just picked up a pair of these at a Huckberry warehouse sale this past weekend for $50, not really knowing exactly what I was getting until I got home and looked them up. I just happened to try them on and was extremely impressed at how supportive, comfortable, and lightweight they were, so I grabbed them. Now I'm blown away at the deal I just got and am confident that I will never need to buy another pair of hiking boots given how much I will use them. Thanks for the super review!
I came into this completely incredulous - but I'm honestly really impressed, what an incredibly well thought out design! And, considering that they're legitimately 'built to last' and are 'rebuildable' by design(can be resoled, inner sock liner can be replaced, obviously a highly durable outer material), with that Kevlar upper, I really don't hate the price - I don't think there's anything else in this segment that can actually have a long lifespan like these, I don't know if there's anything else out there quite like them. Add in all the design features - leather insole, near-zero drop, lightweight without skimping on build quality, the laces loops that are actually structural, 1 piece Kevlar upper(and the Kevlar isn't even just a gimmick!!!) - and, not only is this worth the price if you actually live an active lifestyle, but I also just can't really think of anything else very comparable in the segment. It's just a different level of lightweight hiking boot. They aren't the most attractive option(I mean, this is one of the ugliest categories of footwear, just some of the most obnoxious/terrible aesthetics), and they aren't the cheapest option - but, if you regularly beat the shit outta lightweight hiking boots, these really look hard to beat. I normally would never consider something this price for THIS niche of a product, but being essentially 'rebuildable' changes that a lot when it's a product that inherently sees a lot of abuse. Discovering stuff like this is part of what makes this channel so awesome - great breakdown!
They have sales twice a year, one was in October, the other in the spring I think. You can get the boots for 240, a good deal. I am a huge fan of these boots.
Cool, I bought a pair of these for hikes and the range, so far they've held up really well. Really like that they replace the sole when it goes out. I used Italian made combat boots most of the years in the Infantry and I genuinely think they make the best shoes-especially leather.
please please get into cutting soccer cleats. there is an endless amount of boots past and present made of knits, leathers, and synthetics that would absolutely be a content gold mine that nobody else has yet to do to my knowledge
Hey friend, love the channel. A way to make the abrasion test a bit more scientific is to have the same pressure on the material and time how long it takes the rasp bit to go through. Maybe hang a weight off the drill press handle? Keep up the good work though-big fan.
Excellent video and very interesting boots. If you’re after more ideas for your tactical boot series, I’d love to see a breakdown and review of branded boots someone in the military might wear, like AKU’s or Altberg boots. Keep up the great content!
I soooo wanted to order a pair and of course they don’t come in my size. I love this channel if only because I can see all the amazing boots I will never fit into lol. Love the idea and design:)
From the beginning it reminded me of my Nike ACG shoes due to some unique characteristics such as the loops and the two layer construction with the inner being like a sock (although mine are waterproof on the outer layer, so they remain very breathable like a running shoe while having some additional protection). I am glad to see this two layer idea gettin more ground because it not only looks cool and fits like a sock but also provides many design options.
My motorcycle pants have kevlar in them and I can tell you frompersonal experience, that kevlar is pretty friction resistant. I low sided at 50+ mph, while all of the denim in the slide area was gone, the kevlar just looked a little worn and I had no road rash.
@RoseAnvil Just subscribed to this channel after seeing this video which is extremely rare for me. I really appreciate the thoroughness and your use of quantitative strength tests, The tech you use to review products is really impressive, so thank you.
I've had mine for a year now. I've been on many hikes and have been keeping a close eye on the wear and tear. Still no wear and tear. My only small issue is they don't have much cushion as I'd prefer. And adding even a thin insole just takes up too much real estate inside. It's a worthy price to pay for a decent boot that covers almost all the bases a boot could possibly cover.
@Rose Anvil in the vid you mentioned that it cut fairly easy for Kevlar, Kevlar body armor isn’t exactly as knife resistant as most people think, it can stop handgun rounds and shrapnel, but a sturdy knife strike will puncture it. When people think of “stab vests” there’s usually some other type of liner in with the Kevlar layers. I don’t know if I’m just preaching to the choir, it’s just a note I had from the vid, great work on educating consumers on quality footwear though.
I have a pair of these boots and love them. I was hoping you'd do a follow up. As you commented these are notoriously hard to pull on your feet you can't read a review that doesn't mention it but it does get easier with time. I was hoping with your comment you were going to measure the amount of force it took to rip the pull on tabs because I'm always worried when putting on the boots I'm going to rip them. Anyway, cool run down of something I actually own, gives me even more confidence in them. Thanks!
I bought the low top version as well. Both still going strong. And FYI if you wait for holiday sales you can buy these for $180. I'll be getting the khaki ones when they're back in stock. You should do a follow up with their new trail runner. One of the most interesting shoes I've ever seen. The kevlar wraps around the sole with the traction sticking through it.
Nice Episode! It really stand out from the average one for its originality. I'd suggest to test othe hiking shoes like Salomon, SCARPA, Merrell and so on.
I bought a pair of these about a year ago. I absolutely love them. I own a lot of cool stuff but these boots are near the top of the list. They're not 'merican service boots but a very high tech sportswear boot. Super comfortable. They look really really cool! Euro-product-design modern. Look best with black or grey KUHL hiking pants. Putting them on is like giving birth backwards - it's a workout getting them on. First run was up Bell's Canyon (Sandy Utah) and they worked great with zero break-in.
Yo Wes can you do a review on Adidas Terrex boots and hiking shoes? I bought some earlier this year and plan on bringing them out for the winter. I havent been able to find any REAL reviews on them. Love your stuff man been here for a while now and always end up binging a few vids at a time
Proper mountaineering boots in the 1990s had a harder shell (often Pebax) and an insulated bootie inner. The bootie inner sometimes could be worn indoors in a mountain hut or tent on its own as some were removable. I believe ski boots have also used a similar system. So these are not a new idea really. They became less popular but there are still similar (and usually lighter) versions of those boots today.
So we actually don't use Kevlar in most of our body armor nowadays, at least as far as military and law enforcement issued stuff. Ultra-high weight molecular polyethylene is the material we use because it's more resistant to ballistic threats than kevlar is, is water proof, and lighter. The soft armor trauma pads issued to me for my vest is made of UHWMPE, as is pretty much every modern ballistic helmet such as the ACH that's issued Army-wide and high-cut ones that Special Operations guys wear. In Europe they use a similar material called Dyneema. Kevlar is relatively outdated by today's standards.
uhmwpe is used as a backer because there are different types of ballistic threats. some rounds perform better at defeating ceramic, some better at defeating uhmwpe. using the uhmwpe as a trauma pad backer to ceramic effectively creates a hybrid armor more capable of resisting all types of rounds
@@joshs2795 that's not necessarily true about some rounds "performing better" at defeating ceramic or poly. Rifle rounds will zip straight through soft armor pads and backers, whether they're kevlar or UHWMPE, doesn't matter. Pistol rounds will never penetrate hard armor plates because they physically can't. Soft armor is designed for pistol rounds and frag protection, not rifle threats. Even the early Interceptor Vests issued during the first days of GWOT and Flak vests issued from Vietnam through Desert Storm were never advertised as bulletproof against rifles. The point of wearing a trauma pad is to do exactly what it's name says, reduce trauma. Basically act as a padding against the kinetic force of a round hitting the hard armor plates or reduce backface deformation. Our plates (Ceradyne ESAPIs) are NIJ level 4 and already designed to stop most threats we'd face including 7.62x54R and 30-06 Armor Piercing, the backer just softens the impact when it hits the plate so we don't get massive blunt force trauma. UHWMPE backers are rated against pistol and frag, but that's not why we wear them. There are some level 4 plates known as "level 4 standalone" and that means they don't need a trauma pad or backer because the plate distributes the energy in such a way to reduce the force inflicted on the wearer.
@@DJ-fd4qk we'll agree to disagree. I've researched this extensively-and yes, it makes a difference for rifle rounds between armor types, such as m855/ss109 vs m193
@@joshs2795 I literally wear one for my job lol. I would know the capabilities of something if my life depended on it. We don’t wear standalone soft armor because of the fact it is not rated to stop rifle cartridges. It doesn’t matter if “x round performed better than y round” 5.56 is going through UHWMPE trauma pads and backers. That’s what our plates are for and they will stop all of the military’s current 5.56 cartridges. It’s called a trauma pad for a reason
@@joshs2795 to take that a step further, my CoC allows the use of privately owned plate carriers that don’t have trauma pads or BALCS/MBAV cut soft armor panels because they’re just extra weight and everything they stop, our plates will stop, and then some.
Can we get a deck boot series? Coming from a fishing background we all argue over who makes the best deck boot. For example Xtra-tuff, HUK, Grundins, sperry ect I think I’d be really interesting to see if they’re all basically the same or if the higher priced options are actually worth the money.
I know it's not exactly your typical shoe/boot but you should really check out some wildling shoes, they're really uniquely built (barefoot style shoes) and made with as many natural materials as possible, in my experience they have held up really well and I'd be interested to see what they look like on the inside.
I think they'd be good if you were out camping or four wheeling or something. They'd be comfy when you're driving/shifting and you could hop out the truck and push yourself out the mud without getting your feet wet.
THANKS TO YOU ROSE ANVIL , GREAT REVIEWS HOPE NEVER CHANGE , THANKS TO YOU I HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT SHOES AND IS A GREAT THING ALL OF THIS YOU DO BECAUSE NOT LONG AGO WE THE CONSUMERS THAT BUY SHOES WE WERE IN THE DARK ! GOD BLESS ☝️🙏❤️
Coco fiber and husks/block is very anti fungal, at least in preventing development tho not in destroying already developed fungus, from what I understand. I use it for a substrate for my snakes, as it does great in high humidity. Also great for plants that like a lot of water. Can help avoid root rot etc.
Love your videos but I have one question; why cut the boot with a knife and then with a band saw? Why not just use the bandsaw to start with? Am I missing something? Thanks.
I've been curious about these boots. Thanks for the typically thorough review. Don't think I'll be trading in my current hikers, but when they're done, I'll be getting a pair of these.
These look like theyd be excellent for disc golf. Another boot on the list that i want but dont need or have the extra money for. The insoles almost remind me of the one from the Razorbacks.
Not what I expected to hear but you're totally right! I was just thinking of them as hiking boots but I agree they seem like they would do well for disk golf.
That’s crazy - I had checked those out myself a while ago, thinking they could be good for disc golf. Bit spendy, though. Cool to see them in greater detail, and to know others thought they were a good fit for DG as well.
The manufacturer says these are resoleable - I don't see that (in a reasonable fashion). Obviously it's possible to grind the bottom flat and glue on a new sole, but that would change the character of the shoes a lot.
I have these boots and have worn them through some technical hiking terrain. They're super comfortable, however are AWFUL on wet rocks or scree, and I decided to eventually move on from them after a few seasons of hiking. I still use them for soft/muddy trails, but anything which may encounter some slick rocks or scree...sadly I can't recommend them.
Great video, perhaps the value is in the repairability, paying half as much for a boot then wear out the sole quickly, the whole lot goes in the bin, so waste of resources. Great concept.
There is a big problem with Kevlar--it is very sensitive/susceptible to UV damage. Not so much an issue with bullet proof vests and the like since the kevlar is not exposed to UV being inside other fabrics. UHMWPE fiber (Dyneema, Spectra, etc) is much better for such an application. Not only does it have much better UV resistance and durability, it also absorbs almost no moisture into the material itself, unlike kevlar which is similar to nylon in it's moisture regain. Sheep wool fibers are not usually hollow. Alpaca, Angora rabbit fur, caribou, and some other fibers are partially to more fully hollow.
Common misconception of body armor and Kevlar in general is that it's not "bullet proof" it's bullet resistant. the benefit for kevlar in a shoe would be shrapnel and ricochet protection more than stopping a bullet to your feet.
One test I would like to see performed is how strong the shoe laces are instead of cutting them. I've had some break in a month and others last years. Ever notice how natural materials typically perform better than synthetic? Issues for this boot would be, not offered in different widths and a combat boot HAS to be able to allow for someone to blouse their pants. So it's not a true combat boot.
This supposes that it could stop actual body penetration by a projectile, but not the destructive penetrating force of collision (velocity x mass) and expanding shockwave.
Is the sound off for anyone else? I've played this video a few times and it seems the narration is off time, from the video. Otherwise, great video as always!
@@F0XD1E The low tops were about $220, not sure I’d pay $300 for the full boot. It’s definitely a big step up quality wise, but for most people it’s not necessary.
These are similar to a pair of my salewa wildfire boots. I’ve looked at these as well for years. My favorite style but my issue is I have very very high arches. Sometimes these shoes are way to tight on the top.
hey weston is there such a thing as wagyu leather? is it perfect and flawless and softer than anything i'll ever touch? sorry i know it's kinda off-topic i just had a thought
I would guess it might have unique properties/textures compared to other leathers, but I would also think that trying to grow a cow to maximize deliciousness isn't necessarily going to maximize leather quality.
Cheers for letting us know l recently got som Garmont tactical and had purchase grief after seeing these but l have a foot issue that makes it hard to get a boot on so you put that to rest.
People have a HUGE misconception about kevlar. It's actually easy to cut and penetrate with pointy objects. Handgun ammo is quite blunt so it's easy to stop, but lighter pointier speciality bullets zip right through
@@F0XD1E Yup. I left this comment when I was tired and didn't realize I would need to make it a 100 paragraphs long for it to cover the basics. Oh well 😂 It sounded good then.
I saw mountain bike shoe that never seemed to be possible to actually buy, It was called OWN FR-01, but they used the pull out liner thing, so one shoe for both summer, and winter, so had breathable outer, but waterproof insulated sleeve. Interesting concept. But never went anywhere, social media are all dead., despite website being up for a while, their website was useless, no retailers, no way to buy it. Nut some people somehow managed to get their hands on it. But now the website down. But toe box looked like I could hurt my toes with them. But interesting concept.
The white layer is counted.. the black layer is some kind of squishy material, then the plate and finally the white part. And just like the black part it's a squishy material but a different density . In running shoes of the 80s u used to see all kinds of different layers. Different colors,different densities and thicknesses. So count the white part
I have had a hard time finding shoes that fit well. these give the end of my foot the room it needs and fits the rest of my foot like they were custom made for me! actually, they are the most technical shoes I have ever owned. the soul is tough and stiff enough to stand on rock edges and roots with real stability, no bruising from rugged ground.
Get a high quality wallet, belt or MORE in the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
Thanks for doing this one. I am a postman, I walk 3500 miles per year, and these are my go-to boots. I find they last longer functionally than any other waterproof boot I've tried, meaning they keep their form and waterproofness. They last longer than other high-quality full leather boots, tend to be lighter, and do not require treatment (a big advantage you missed in your video!). There is a learning curve to getting them on, as you mentioned, but it's really fine, not too bad. I love the tread, I love the ability to resole and the responsiveness of the company. I got a faulty pair and I was covered, no question.
The weak point is those eyelets, the artificial tendon will wear eventually especially if you are pulling the laces through when wet. I have found I need to be ginger with them if I want my boot to last - these parts are not replaceable because of that design.
The biggest thing I love about these boots is their support when I walk in them. I wear these when it is wet, when it is chilly, and when my legs are sore. They have a full shank (why didn't you mention this in the video?) that gives a beautiful support. This is one of the shoes that changed the way I walk and got me out of pain. Highly recommended by me. I consider these to be fully waterproof - I have worn then all day in pouring rain and through snow, and they out perform leather. The temperature range is about 20°F to 90, so great. I can go to 0° with toe warmers and I am somewhat of a wuss.
I consider them the best mid-weather boot I have in my arsenal, and that's in Vermont so.
But yeah bulletproof no. There are many grades and as you say layering techniques, this is not the bulletproof variety. Nor is it dog bite proof, sorry to say.
He did mention there being a composite shank after cutting the shoes in half.
It is a full shank
Yeah it seemed like when he tested the eyelets with the lace friction test they failed pretty early despite him saying they performed better than expected. How long do the eyelets last for you? I imagine that they wouldn't last more than a year lacing them everyday based on the test in the video.
I can imagine a plastic insert in the eyelets to protect them if friction is the reason they fail
@drewjitzu one of mine broke after nearly a year. I still wear them, laced em up around it and they are still more supportive than most boots. They are surprisingly strong, but I wear them in a lot of wet conditions so that would increase the friction. Think I just need to be a little more ginger on my next pair.
Weston: we are investing in better testing equipment
The next episode: has a gun and starts shooting shoes
@J R AT ALL
@J R everyone has em in US
Still super expensive in these current times. Inflation and post Covid jacked the process way up.
Lol
@@atadbitnefarious1387 You can get a 22 for like 80 bucks, and ammos like 6 cents a round. You can get a 9mm for 200 or less and the ammos less than 30c a round. Ie less than most of the boots he cuts here. And in America you can buy a gun same day most places. Source: gun nut
You convinced me to buy two pairs of Naglev's. I wore mine to work today - UPS guy, and I was intrigued. They fit closely, but had plenty of toe room and a lot of spring in the step. They are light but surprisingly supportive. I think overall it's good boot, they just need to twerk a few things : the top two eyelets would be better if they were speed hooks and if the bootie top was a bit stretchier it'd be perfect. But as it is it is a real good boot. I like the insole of vegtan and coconut fiber, an intriguing combination. Stylewise they remind me of wrestling boots.Thanks
for this video Weston - you're a dangerous man. I've bought Nick's ND1, several pairs of Jim Green's and now Naglev from watching your channel. Hats off to you sir!
Hey Barry, USPS guy here.. what do you reckon these for long walk? I too have interest in the Jim Green from this channel, are those comfortable too?
@@themodularmodular The Naglevs are a good walking shoe: lightweight and comfortable. If you get a par of JGs, get a good aftermarket foot bed as they are pretty hard underfoot. I've worn my Naglev's on my UPS route a couple of times last week and they felt great!
@@barryrahn5957 sounds good, too bad the price is kinda steep. Thanks!
Perfect footwear for the modern big US city lifestyle. Puncture testing is particularly important in Portland.
Like stepping on needles and stuff?
@@astral_plane_crash basically lmao.
@@JourneysADRIFT pretty much the same where I live lmao. Needles and glass.
I like them, I haven’t owned a pair but from your review I think they are really good for what they are, interestingly different in a functional way, something all other tactical boot manufacturers aren’t. Awesome work rose anvil and I’m definitely considering a pair
Those are actually pretty sweet.
Please do a high end hunting boot face off!
Maybe something like :
Kenetrek mountain extreme
Crispi guide gtx
Schnees bear tooth
Danner thorofare
Dang these are some nice boots. I usually dislike the look of any non-classical boot, but besides being pretty solid quality and durable/repairable, these look really stylish in a unique way as well. It's like they took all the best aspects of the most fashionable Salomon hiking shoes and turned them into an even higher quality rainboot. This video might've actually convinced me to pick up a pair... I wonder if they would work decently in -10 Celsius average Nordic winter weather.
I own both the shoe and the boot version and wore them at around 0 celsius with light wool socks and was comfortable. The only consideration for lower temperature I can think of would be the thickness of your sock relative to the sizing. Given the snug fit mentioned in the video you may want to check how often would you wear in low temp vs mild.
My guess no
My guess yes
Maybe...?
not?
@Danno inthevanno Well.. a bullet going trough your foot will not only crush most bones, but also tears the muscles and blood vessels.
Wow.your editing is really great these days!
the video editing is really great, but the spell checking is taking a hit. "glocal" vs global, "compsite" vs composite 🧐
I just picked up a pair of these at a Huckberry warehouse sale this past weekend for $50, not really knowing exactly what I was getting until I got home and looked them up. I just happened to try them on and was extremely impressed at how supportive, comfortable, and lightweight they were, so I grabbed them. Now I'm blown away at the deal I just got and am confident that I will never need to buy another pair of hiking boots given how much I will use them. Thanks for the super review!
I came into this completely incredulous - but I'm honestly really impressed, what an incredibly well thought out design! And, considering that they're legitimately 'built to last' and are 'rebuildable' by design(can be resoled, inner sock liner can be replaced, obviously a highly durable outer material), with that Kevlar upper, I really don't hate the price - I don't think there's anything else in this segment that can actually have a long lifespan like these, I don't know if there's anything else out there quite like them.
Add in all the design features - leather insole, near-zero drop, lightweight without skimping on build quality, the laces loops that are actually structural, 1 piece Kevlar upper(and the Kevlar isn't even just a gimmick!!!) - and, not only is this worth the price if you actually live an active lifestyle, but I also just can't really think of anything else very comparable in the segment. It's just a different level of lightweight hiking boot.
They aren't the most attractive option(I mean, this is one of the ugliest categories of footwear, just some of the most obnoxious/terrible aesthetics), and they aren't the cheapest option - but, if you regularly beat the shit outta lightweight hiking boots, these really look hard to beat. I normally would never consider something this price for THIS niche of a product, but being essentially 'rebuildable' changes that a lot when it's a product that inherently sees a lot of abuse.
Discovering stuff like this is part of what makes this channel so awesome - great breakdown!
They have sales twice a year, one was in October, the other in the spring I think. You can get the boots for 240, a good deal. I am a huge fan of these boots.
I actually like the style a lot lol
Cool, I bought a pair of these for hikes and the range, so far they've held up really well. Really like that they replace the sole when it goes out. I used Italian made combat boots most of the years in the Infantry and I genuinely think they make the best shoes-especially leather.
Italian.. AKU by any chance?
@@zulubeatz1 Garmont T8 Bifida
please please get into cutting soccer cleats. there is an endless amount of boots past and present made of knits, leathers, and synthetics that would absolutely be a content gold mine that nobody else has yet to do to my knowledge
God I love this channel - thanks for breaking these down so meticulously!
Hey friend, love the channel. A way to make the abrasion test a bit more scientific is to have the same pressure on the material and time how long it takes the rasp bit to go through. Maybe hang a weight off the drill press handle? Keep up the good work though-big fan.
I think im going to these next summer! I gotta go up a mountain and these seem perfect! Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.
There is a Czech brand Prabos which makes boots with kevlar insoles and claims them to be inpuncturable. Would be nice to see some tests
Excellent video and very interesting boots. If you’re after more ideas for your tactical boot series, I’d love to see a breakdown and review of branded boots someone in the military might wear, like AKU’s or Altberg boots.
Keep up the great content!
I soooo wanted to order a pair and of course they don’t come in my size. I love this channel if only because I can see all the amazing boots I will never fit into lol. Love the idea and design:)
From the beginning it reminded me of my Nike ACG shoes due to some unique characteristics such as the loops and the two layer construction with the inner being like a sock (although mine are waterproof on the outer layer, so they remain very breathable like a running shoe while having some additional protection). I am glad to see this two layer idea gettin more ground because it not only looks cool and fits like a sock but also provides many design options.
I have these and love them. Can absolutely recommend. Yes, hard to get on, but when on, super comfy and you feel indestructible
Huckberry knows that I’m constantly looking at these.
My motorcycle pants have kevlar in them and I can tell you frompersonal experience, that kevlar is pretty friction resistant. I low sided at 50+ mph, while all of the denim in the slide area was gone, the kevlar just looked a little worn and I had no road rash.
@RoseAnvil
Just subscribed to this channel after seeing this video which is extremely rare for me. I really appreciate the thoroughness and your use of quantitative strength tests, The tech you use to review products is really impressive, so thank you.
I've had mine for a year now.
I've been on many hikes and have been keeping a close eye on the wear and tear.
Still no wear and tear.
My only small issue is they don't have much cushion as I'd prefer.
And adding even a thin insole just takes up too much real estate inside.
It's a worthy price to pay for a decent boot that covers almost all the bases a boot could possibly cover.
@Rose Anvil in the vid you mentioned that it cut fairly easy for Kevlar, Kevlar body armor isn’t exactly as knife resistant as most people think, it can stop handgun rounds and shrapnel, but a sturdy knife strike will puncture it. When people think of “stab vests” there’s usually some other type of liner in with the Kevlar layers. I don’t know if I’m just preaching to the choir, it’s just a note I had from the vid, great work on educating consumers on quality footwear though.
I have a pair of these boots and love them. I was hoping you'd do a follow up. As you commented these are notoriously hard to pull on your feet you can't read a review that doesn't mention it but it does get easier with time. I was hoping with your comment you were going to measure the amount of force it took to rip the pull on tabs because I'm always worried when putting on the boots I'm going to rip them. Anyway, cool run down of something I actually own, gives me even more confidence in them. Thanks!
I bought the low top version as well. Both still going strong. And FYI if you wait for holiday sales you can buy these for $180. I'll be getting the khaki ones when they're back in stock. You should do a follow up with their new trail runner. One of the most interesting shoes I've ever seen. The kevlar wraps around the sole with the traction sticking through it.
You should do a mountaineering boot series like scarpa, zamberlan and kenetrek.
I love your videos because you make such an effort on tests!!
Regards from Cenizate, Albacete, Spain.
Nice Episode! It really stand out from the average one for its originality. I'd suggest to test othe hiking shoes like Salomon, SCARPA, Merrell and so on.
Was extremely lucky to buy a new pair on Ebay for £55, and was so impressed I bought another pair on sale for £122
You should show us what we would get with other hiking boots by doing a hiking boot series.
Super cool boot, wouldnt have stumbled across them if it wasnt for this channel. another one to add to my wishlist!
5:14 If it's tricky to put on try to put the shoe sideways first then twist. I have mountain biking shoes with a gaiter, this worked for me.
I bought a pair of these about a year ago. I absolutely love them. I own a lot of cool stuff but these boots are near the top of the list. They're not 'merican service boots but a very high tech sportswear boot. Super comfortable. They look really really cool! Euro-product-design modern. Look best with black or grey KUHL hiking pants. Putting them on is like giving birth backwards - it's a workout getting them on. First run was up Bell's Canyon (Sandy Utah) and they worked great with zero break-in.
I just bought a pair of wolverine hellcat boots. They are the most comfortable boot right out of the box. I'd love to see you cut them in half
I plan on getting a pair of these once my Zamberlans are worn a bit more. Fun vid as always.
Got one of Rose Anvils Claude wallet's, very well made and it's a beautiful thing. Nice way to support a cool channel
Yo Wes can you do a review on Adidas Terrex boots and hiking shoes? I bought some earlier this year and plan on bringing them out for the winter. I havent been able to find any REAL reviews on them. Love your stuff man been here for a while now and always end up binging a few vids at a time
Kevlar isn't really bulletproof. Layers and layers of Kevlar are bulletproof.
Proper mountaineering boots in the 1990s had a harder shell (often Pebax) and an insulated bootie inner.
The bootie inner sometimes could be worn indoors in a mountain hut or tent on its own as some were removable.
I believe ski boots have also used a similar system.
So these are not a new idea really.
They became less popular but there are still similar (and usually lighter) versions of those boots today.
So we actually don't use Kevlar in most of our body armor nowadays, at least as far as military and law enforcement issued stuff. Ultra-high weight molecular polyethylene is the material we use because it's more resistant to ballistic threats than kevlar is, is water proof, and lighter. The soft armor trauma pads issued to me for my vest is made of UHWMPE, as is pretty much every modern ballistic helmet such as the ACH that's issued Army-wide and high-cut ones that Special Operations guys wear.
In Europe they use a similar material called Dyneema. Kevlar is relatively outdated by today's standards.
uhmwpe is used as a backer because there are different types of ballistic threats. some rounds perform better at defeating ceramic, some better at defeating uhmwpe. using the uhmwpe as a trauma pad backer to ceramic effectively creates a hybrid armor more capable of resisting all types of rounds
@@joshs2795 that's not necessarily true about some rounds "performing better" at defeating ceramic or poly. Rifle rounds will zip straight through soft armor pads and backers, whether they're kevlar or UHWMPE, doesn't matter. Pistol rounds will never penetrate hard armor plates because they physically can't. Soft armor is designed for pistol rounds and frag protection, not rifle threats. Even the early Interceptor Vests issued during the first days of GWOT and Flak vests issued from Vietnam through Desert Storm were never advertised as bulletproof against rifles.
The point of wearing a trauma pad is to do exactly what it's name says, reduce trauma. Basically act as a padding against the kinetic force of a round hitting the hard armor plates or reduce backface deformation. Our plates (Ceradyne ESAPIs) are NIJ level 4 and already designed to stop most threats we'd face including 7.62x54R and 30-06 Armor Piercing, the backer just softens the impact when it hits the plate so we don't get massive blunt force trauma. UHWMPE backers are rated against pistol and frag, but that's not why we wear them.
There are some level 4 plates known as "level 4 standalone" and that means they don't need a trauma pad or backer because the plate distributes the energy in such a way to reduce the force inflicted on the wearer.
@@DJ-fd4qk we'll agree to disagree. I've researched this extensively-and yes, it makes a difference for rifle rounds between armor types, such as m855/ss109 vs m193
@@joshs2795 I literally wear one for my job lol. I would know the capabilities of something if my life depended on it.
We don’t wear standalone soft armor because of the fact it is not rated to stop rifle cartridges. It doesn’t matter if “x round performed better than y round” 5.56 is going through UHWMPE trauma pads and backers. That’s what our plates are for and they will stop all of the military’s current 5.56 cartridges. It’s called a trauma pad for a reason
@@joshs2795 to take that a step further, my CoC allows the use of privately owned plate carriers that don’t have trauma pads or BALCS/MBAV cut soft armor panels because they’re just extra weight and everything they stop, our plates will stop, and then some.
Can we get a deck boot series? Coming from a fishing background we all argue over who makes the best deck boot. For example Xtra-tuff, HUK, Grundins, sperry ect I think I’d be really interesting to see if they’re all basically the same or if the higher priced options are actually worth the money.
Very cool. Had never heard of these.
I know it's not exactly your typical shoe/boot but you should really check out some wildling shoes, they're really uniquely built (barefoot style shoes) and made with as many natural materials as possible, in my experience they have held up really well and I'd be interested to see what they look like on the inside.
I think they'd be good if you were out camping or four wheeling or something. They'd be comfy when you're driving/shifting and you could hop out the truck and push yourself out the mud without getting your feet wet.
THANKS TO YOU ROSE ANVIL , GREAT REVIEWS HOPE NEVER CHANGE , THANKS TO YOU I HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT SHOES AND IS A GREAT THING ALL OF THIS YOU DO BECAUSE NOT LONG AGO WE THE CONSUMERS THAT BUY SHOES WE WERE IN THE DARK ! GOD BLESS ☝️🙏❤️
Coco fiber and husks/block is very anti fungal, at least in preventing development tho not in destroying already developed fungus, from what I understand. I use it for a substrate for my snakes, as it does great in high humidity. Also great for plants that like a lot of water. Can help avoid root rot etc.
This is so comprehensive and these are so cool, thank you
Love your videos but I have one question; why cut the boot with a knife and then with a band saw? Why not just use the bandsaw to start with? Am I missing something? Thanks.
I've been curious about these boots. Thanks for the typically thorough review. Don't think I'll be trading in my current hikers, but when they're done, I'll be getting a pair of these.
These look like theyd be excellent for disc golf. Another boot on the list that i want but dont need or have the extra money for. The insoles almost remind me of the one from the Razorbacks.
Not what I expected to hear but you're totally right! I was just thinking of them as hiking boots but I agree they seem like they would do well for disk golf.
That’s crazy - I had checked those out myself a while ago, thinking they could be good for disc golf. Bit spendy, though. Cool to see them in greater detail, and to know others thought they were a good fit for DG as well.
The manufacturer says these are resoleable - I don't see that (in a reasonable fashion). Obviously it's possible to grind the bottom flat and glue on a new sole, but that would change the character of the shoes a lot.
And that's why the manufacturer does it.
Looks identical to the arcteryx bora boot from a few years ago.
Looks like naglev improved a near perfect design (in my opinion)
Been waiting for this video for a while! Love my Naglevs!
I have these boots and have worn them through some technical hiking terrain. They're super comfortable, however are AWFUL on wet rocks or scree, and I decided to eventually move on from them after a few seasons of hiking. I still use them for soft/muddy trails, but anything which may encounter some slick rocks or scree...sadly I can't recommend them.
I love the concept of this boot!!
Really like the look of those boots, so many interesting features.
these boots are very cool looking and unique.
Great video, perhaps the value is in the repairability, paying half as much for a boot then wear out the sole quickly, the whole lot goes in the bin, so waste of resources. Great concept.
There is a big problem with Kevlar--it is very sensitive/susceptible to UV damage. Not so much an issue with bullet proof vests and the like since the kevlar is not exposed to UV being inside other fabrics.
UHMWPE fiber (Dyneema, Spectra, etc) is much better for such an application. Not only does it have much better UV resistance and durability, it also absorbs almost no moisture into the material itself, unlike kevlar which is similar to nylon in it's moisture regain.
Sheep wool fibers are not usually hollow. Alpaca, Angora rabbit fur, caribou, and some other fibers are partially to more fully hollow.
Common misconception of body armor and Kevlar in general is that it's not "bullet proof" it's bullet resistant. the benefit for kevlar in a shoe would be shrapnel and ricochet protection more than stopping a bullet to your feet.
These are just neat! The combination of old and new intrigues me.
Abrade I think is the word you were looking for.. 😄.. just messin... appreciate your reviews very much..!!
One test I would like to see performed is how strong the shoe laces are instead of cutting them. I've had some break in a month and others last years.
Ever notice how natural materials typically perform better than synthetic?
Issues for this boot would be, not offered in different widths and a combat boot HAS to be able to allow for someone to blouse their pants. So it's not a true combat boot.
I get what youre saying but laces are cheap, replaceable, wear items. I dont feel they change quality of a boot really.
I hear you, I have these boots and was wondering if the laces are Kevlar too? They do match... probably not
This supposes that it could stop actual body penetration by a projectile, but not the destructive penetrating force of collision (velocity x mass) and expanding shockwave.
Try a .38 snub with ratshot. A gust of wind is usually enough to stop that.
These are the ones that children are taking to school in the US
They may say combat boots but most units wouldn’t let you wear them in the field!! Big USA military like standard stuff.. but those look sweet
I like the idea of the built-in "sock" to keep debris out. If they're also durable, so much the better.
Very stylish looking boot. Looks like Nike made it.
Budget has gone up for these vids
Is the sound off for anyone else? I've played this video a few times and it seems the narration is off time, from the video. Otherwise, great video as always!
Appreciate the reviews,
Can't wait for the company to come back and make a comical Level II/IIIa version.
For me adidas terex, best shoe I've ever had, best looking most comfortable shoe is one that looks like a golf shoe without the cleats.
I have the low tops, they are definitely much higher quality than Merrell’s for instance.
They outta be at $300. I do like them but that is like 2-3x what you would pay for a similar hiking boot from the usual suspects.
@@F0XD1E The low tops were about $220, not sure I’d pay $300 for the full boot. It’s definitely a big step up quality wise, but for most people it’s not necessary.
These are similar to a pair of my salewa wildfire boots. I’ve looked at these as well for years. My favorite style but my issue is I have very very high arches. Sometimes these shoes are way to tight on the top.
hey weston is there such a thing as wagyu leather? is it perfect and flawless and softer than anything i'll ever touch? sorry i know it's kinda off-topic i just had a thought
I would guess it might have unique properties/textures compared to other leathers, but I would also think that trying to grow a cow to maximize deliciousness isn't necessarily going to maximize leather quality.
I had bought these 3 years ago. It seemed well made, but was incredibly difficult to don and doff. So much so that I returned them.
Cheers for letting us know l recently got som Garmont tactical and had purchase grief after seeing these but l have a foot issue that makes it hard to get a boot on so you put that to rest.
People have a HUGE misconception about kevlar. It's actually easy to cut and penetrate with pointy objects. Handgun ammo is quite blunt so it's easy to stop, but lighter pointier speciality bullets zip right through
It also takes several layers of Kevlar to stop a bullet, even a small caliber.
@@F0XD1E Yup. I left this comment when I was tired and didn't realize I would need to make it a 100 paragraphs long for it to cover the basics. Oh well 😂 It sounded good then.
I saw mountain bike shoe that never seemed to be possible to actually buy, It was called OWN FR-01, but they used the pull out liner thing, so one shoe for both summer, and winter, so had breathable outer, but waterproof insulated sleeve. Interesting concept. But never went anywhere, social media are all dead., despite website being up for a while, their website was useless, no retailers, no way to buy it. Nut some people somehow managed to get their hands on it. But now the website down. But toe box looked like I could hurt my toes with them. But interesting concept.
Seems like a nice cold weather boot
Rocky S2Vs would make a great video.
Watch a man temporarily forget the verb “abrade” for 20 mins. Would love to see Hoffman Boots on the channel!
"Slightly less melted." lol
My fear would be when muddy the laces would cut through the eyelets prematurely
When is the trumann boot video?? I saw a pair in the intro a while back. I was waiting for it!
These look good, sidenote, wool is the only material that will still insulate when wet
I’d love a Black pair like that high tops
The infinitive verb form of "abrasion" is "to abrade."
The white layer is counted.. the black layer is some kind of squishy material, then the plate and finally the white part. And just like the black part it's a squishy material but a different density . In running shoes of the 80s u used to see all kinds of different layers. Different colors,different densities and thicknesses. So count the white part
You should do the Vivo all terrain trail runners (minimalist hiking boots). It would be interesting to see you guys put them to the test
I'm fairly confident that only the orange/yellow looking stands are Kevlar. The rest of the black fabric is probably nylon.
Have you ever looked into Erem boots? They seem to be a sustainability focused hiking boot company with the materials us boot people look for.
I have never restored or repaired a pair of boots. Work usually gives us a new pair of boots if our old ones are trashed
IF YOU'RE IN A SITUATION WHERE PEOPLE ARE SHOOTING AT YOUR FEET, YOU NEED TO REEVALUATE YOUR LIFE.
If I could get my Sasquatch feet and ankles I'd buy a pair. The biggest problem I've always had are decent quality boots in 14EEEE.
I have had a hard time finding shoes that fit well. these give the end of my foot the room it needs and fits the rest of my foot like they were custom made for me! actually, they are the most technical shoes I have ever owned. the soul is tough and stiff enough to stand on rock edges and roots with real stability, no bruising from rugged ground.