TACTICAL RESEARCH TRTactical Research Mini-Mil TR105 8" Tactical Boots for Men - Minimalist Army/Air Force OCP ACU Coyote Brown Leather with Low Drop and Slip-Resistant Vibram Tarsus Outsole

The break in period on these boots is REAL. Took me about 3 or so weeks to be able to wear them with normal boot socks without pain/discomfort. You're achilles and ankle bones will thank you for wearing double socks until they're broken in. Now that they're broken in, they're fantastic. Super lightweight and super comfortable. Huge fan of the added space in the toe box and the fact that they're zero drop. Will definitely buy again!

I am not someone who ever thought I would buy 'combat boots' I am kind of a hippie and have been a devotee of minimalist shoes for a few years. I was however continually frustrated with the build quality of the already overpriced minimalist shoe market. The funny thing is that it was never the minimalist sole that broke down it was always the seam between the sole and the shoe, or the shoe fabric itself. I have also just moved to a more rural location and was in need of taller more rugged shoes for clearing brush on fields, and general yard work. I had perused the general 'minimalist boots' market for a while now looking for a more rugged minimalist shoe. I was always worried about durability of the usual companies who provide this sort of thing especially because their boot options had an even greater price premium, and were generally winterized (which I never need). Looking at brick and mortar stores for work boots also revealed a wasteland of overly heavy thick soles with a massive heal-rise.I ended up taking the plunge on these, and while they are the most expensive shoes I have ever bought, my first impression is that these are the most awesome things in the universe. I always wear 10.5 sized shoes and find that these fit perfectly. The build quality seems top notch. The comfort level for me on the first walkabout was amazing. Especially for a boot. I never liked any hiking boots as a kid, and eventually rebelled against the concept. I have climbed rocky mountains in sandals, and usually wear either very flat flip-flops or (because work requires it closed toed shoes) some version of vibram sole sneaker. These have redeemed boots in my eyes single-handedly. I will admit it does feel good to have some level of ankle support and foot protection after years of wearing essentially slippers year-round (once I did wear moccasin bedroom slippers for an entire winter). I can tuck my pants into these to give some tick protection, and the leather bottoms are heavy duty enough to provide, in my estimate, some minimal protection from blades and blunt trauma. Originally I was only planning to use these for yard-work, but upon trying them on I look forward to wearing them at my day job (which does involve being on my feet much of the day and sometimes physical exertion, climbing, and lifting heavy metal objects).I hope to update this review once I have broken them in and also once I know about long-term durability.

4 stars only because of a couple of cons, otherwise these are great boots!Pros:Very well made. I've worn these for quite a few months now and the sole is still as firmly attached to the boot as when new (unlike Xero brand boots). After some break in, these are some of the most comfiortable and lightweight boots I've owned.I came from about 3 years of wearing Xero shoes boots, with zero drop. These feel basically exactly like the zero drop shoes I was used to.I really like the quick lace design and extra long laces. Very easy on and off shoes.Cons:The sizes aren't correct. I wear a 12 normally, and had to return the 12's in exchange for 13's. The 13's fit well, just slightly too loose. A 12 1/2" size would seem to be perfect if they offered it.The inside of the shoes are rough around the heel support, as there is no liner of any kind. On one shoe I had to cut a big self adheasive oval of felt to place inside over the right side heel support area. It was digging a hole in my ankle bone on the right side. Once the shoe got broken in well, the problem is gone now.

If you are looking for this style of boot, they are perfect. Ive been wearing these every single day for two months and they are my favorite pear of boots I’ve ever owned. Having said that, I believe that most of the negative reviews are from people that didn’t really understand what they bought. So I am going to offer a couple of warnings:1) The are MINIMALIST tactical boots, with an emphasis on MINIMALIST. These are not full duty boots that are going to offer the most protection and arch support, etc. These are designed to be light weight boots that do not feel like a heavy traditional boot. So, they are made of light, thinner material with a light thinner sole. They are supposed to feel more like casual shoes than big heavy tactical boots. If you don’t know what minimalist shoes are you need to research before buying these. They fit that description perfectly and are excellent minimalist boots. They are lightweight, breathable and they feel almost like athletic shoes to wear. However they are still very sturdy and made of tough material so they offer good protection as well. IMO they are the perfect boot for hot weather if you don’t need super protective boots. But if you are looking for steel toed, very tough protective tactical boots with a huge thick sole THESE ARE NOT FOR YOU.2) There is a wear in period for these boots! Most of the negative reviews have to do with the fact that the material in the heal and above the heal can be uncomfortable. I am convinced that these people did not wear the boot past the wear in period or they got a size that was too small. It took about 1-2 weeks of wearing these boots before they fit perfectly. The heal area can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but I assure you if you wear them in they are extremely comfortable. I would suggest investing in a very thick, soft sock to help you through the wear in period. Honestly it wasn’t bad for me at all in the beginning. I wore a thick sock and had no pain. I could tell they weren’t broken in yet, but they didn’t kill me like others have suggested. Now that they are worn in the feel like basketball shoes almost, they are that comfortable. They have molded perfectly to my feet and I couldn’t be happier.I would definitely research minimalist shoes before buying, and understand that you will have to wear them in before they mold you your feet. They really are incredibly good boots. But they are not traditional military boots. You need to understand what you are buying before you commit.