Salomon Men's Xa Forces Mid GTX Tactical Boot - Waterproof Hiking & Military Boots for Outdoor Adventure & Combat Training

I can say, I honestly wanted to like these boots; but for these beat-up old feet they aren't a good fit for me.I just got these (out of the box and on my feet) in 11.5 knowing that I wear 11.5 Wide size for 90% of my shoes to allow for some minor foot swelling space and these fit tight heel to toe (zero space at toes or heels with thin socks) and much more narrow than I would usually encounter with regular width shoes/boots/sneakers. The arch support is good for my near total flat foot, but the blade of the foot (outside foot-sole) has a raised support and to me it's rather uncomfortable & I immediately felt a hot-spot.I can't recommend nor discourage you from buying them and have no PROS to offer aside from good arch support & great look.Cons are based off of my initial impression and not prolonged usage of any kind (right out of the box). The shoes are much more narrow than most regular width shoes in my experience, the sizing is about 1/2+ too small (I'd suggest full size larger to accommodate for athletic/hiking socks & natural swelling from prolonged activity). If you are boarder-line wide or know you require wide, I would reconsider buying these; again in my opinion.I was not a fan of these laces (speed laces?), but I will attribute that to my being stuck in my ways (Grumpy Ole Man Syndrome).After this review is complete; I will begin my return procedure and start a new hunt for footwear to fit my needs & usage.I liked the fact that these boots are both breathable while being completely waterproof. I was at my post during a heavy rain fall, everything else got wet but my feet. The sizing was is fine for me even though i have little wider of a foot. I did not have to order. Size up to make the difference length wise anyways. On my right foot right foot over the top if I pull the laces tight to snug and lock in my boot it hurts. I think its just a matter of breaking these in. For me these still need more breaking in. Its been over a week of work with them on. I walk an average of 9 miles during a shift. Only the right is still a little hard to figure out. I cut my laces to try other lacing options. I am also not thighting them as much on the right side working my way slowly with that side. Other then that they have been as advertised.Very comfortable boots compared to my Lowa Zephyr. The insole padding is much better and feels like I have some shock absorption. The quick lace system works well for the shape of my foot even though "quick lace" is a bit of a misnomer considering the time it takes to shove the lacing in the tongue. They do come off fast though. While I like the look of the zephyr better, the XA's don't feel like I'm barefoot on concrete. For reference I have a slightly narrow foot and a slightly lower than normal arch. Sizing for me was spot on for once. The Lowa's run a half size short whereas my Zamberlains run a half size large. I've seen some of the complaints about these boots and it will depend on the shape of your foot whether they'll work for you. If they do fit right you'll love them.I like the color, weight, and low profile of the boot but that does lead to my one gripe. It has very little ankle support, which is not a huge deal I just like it on hikes. When I was young I didn't care so much but as I approach my forties I like my hiking shoes to have the option of reinforcing my ankles. Lowa boots are great for that and also ultra light. I like these in less rocky areas. These like all other hard soled boots will also be slick on wet concrete, bricks, steel and some rocks outdoors though on trails I've had very little slippage.This XA Forces 3D runs a bit smaller than my normal military boot of 10 1/2R. 11 fits perfectly. I discovered this by purchasing and returning the 10 1/2 per the free returns policy which worked really well. No hassle. It also is a little bit narrower than the Salomon hiking boots which pretty much fit at 10 1/2 but weren't as comfortable. I also bought XA Pro 3D trail running shoes which are on the same last and fit perfectly in an 11. I like everything about these lightweight(size 11 were 2/4), including the color green, the speed laces and the slightly less aggressive or slightly less deep tread. Time will tell how they hold up but have found them to be very comfortable once I found the right size.First and foremost plan on ordering 1/2 a size bigger than you normally wear, as far as other similar shoes are, like Altma and Viktos I am a size 13, these I am a size 12.5, redwing boots I'm a size 12 or size 11 for slip on boots. So these seem to run small similar to alot of other "tactical" footwear. Other notes excellent construction, easy to use places. Against my better judgment I took these out of the box and wore them all day 16hrs at work, climbed stairs and ladders with no issues, did not have any issues with no break in. Only downside was I picked 1 day shipping Tuesday, and received late Thursday... oh well not the end of the world.Moving from civilization (Richmond, VA) to Kansas required adapting my wardrobe, due to the bitterly cold winters. These boots were one of those mods. What surprised me is they've quickly become one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They're great for working, walking, etc. and are darned comfortable. I have to admit to cursing a bit, when I saw the speed lace setup; great, one more thing to screw up. But the ability to pull and go has become one of these boots' best attributes. I'd buy these again in a heartbeat. (I'd never move to Kansas again, ever.)These are my third pair Salomon boots, and I don’t believe there’s a better pair of work boots on the market. Very sturdy and comfortable. I wear them to work every day and they last a long time. I highly recommend Salomon boots to everyone.Cannot recommened these boots any more highly, the fit and quality is second to none and the comfort is incredible.The goretex is 100% waterproof but breathable so as not to get to hot.The tread pattern is also spot on,10 out of 10!