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Converse 8" MultiCam Stealth Boots - with 5.11 Tactical Socks
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Reviews
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Date product posted
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1285
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Mon April 9, 2012
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No recommendations
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Description:
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Converse 8" MultiCam Stealth Boots - with 5.11 Tactical Socks
Written by kempobmx1
Discuss this review HERE
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ordering
Sizing
First Impressions
Build Quality
Performance
5.11 Tactical Socks
Pros
Cons
Overall
Introduction:
I couldn't tell you exactly where I first heard about Converse combat boots, but I know it was in a thread on ASR around 4 years ago. At the time I was still somewhat new to the concept of airsoft as a serious sport/hobby and could not justify $80-120 for a pair of boots that would be dedicated to airsoft. I did however hold onto the interest in them. They always looked extremely cool to me, and I'd read that they were just about the best combat boots on the market. I had read multiple reviews from soldiers across many branches who had been overseas with the boots and attested to their durability and function.
Ordering:
Coming up on the 2011 airsoft season, it was time to start getting my gear squared away. Every year, that involves checking my current gear and also ordering a few more key pieces that I couldn't afford or justify the previous year. Finally. This year the Converse boots were up. For the last four years I had a bookmark on my browser, leading to the Converse Desert Tactical tan boots on LA Police Gear. The last time I had looked at the range of boots, those had been my favorite. This time when I looked, the new MultiCam Stealth Boot had popped up. I liked the look of them even more, and to boot (pun!) their color scheme works with my woodland field much better than tan does. I ordered them for $89.99 with free shipping and they even came with free 5.11 Tactical socks (which at the time of ordering I could care less about). Shipping took about a week, and the package arrived without issue. Thankfully, no signature was required so I didn't have to take the day off work like I usually do with airsoft orders.
Sizing:
I've never heard of a walk-in store that carries these, so you're likely going to be ordering online as I did. Over the last three years, I did a lot of research on how sizing for Converse boots compares to other brands. It turns out I got it right, as mine are a perfect fit.
Here's a basic breakdown: I wear mens US size 13 in just about every brand. In Nike I wear a 12.5, since they run a little on the larger size. In Converse Tactical Boots I'm a 12. They run a full size larger than most brands and 1/2 a size larger than Nike (which means you need to buy a size or half size smaller, respectively). If you're unsure, go a full size smaller. I leave a little room at the toes and could probably be comfortable in another 1/2 size smaller. Most sites that sell Converse boots also offer a wide or standard size, as far as width is concerned. If you're heavier set or have meaty feet, you might want to go with wide. If the width of your shoes is not something you've ever had to think about, you can go standard.
First Impressions:
When I opened the package, the first thing I saw was essentially an extra-large Converse shoe box. Inside the box was typical Converse wrap paper and of course the boots. Upon pulling them out, the boots were very light for their size. A pleasant surprise and stark contrast to the Columbia boots I've been airsofting with for the last few years. As one would expect, I looked over the boots, finding not a single visible flaw. They looked awesome and felt just as good.
Real MultiCam
Build Quality:
I had been intrigued by the spec seen on LA Police Gear, which said the boots are 100% non-metallic. The polymers used for the lace holes on the upper part of the boot are rock solid and I have no doubt they'll stand up to a great deal of abuse. The apparent reason the boots are 100% non-metallic is so the wearer can pass through metal detectors with fewer issues.
The outsoles of these boots are great. They are of a rubber that feels quite tough and I suspect they will resist abrasion better than many boot outsoles. Stitching and seams on the Converse are flawless. I had expected no less from boots made by a reputable brand, but my expectations were very high and build quality was certainly on par.
Performance:
The good stuff. Upon first putting the boots on, they felt shockingly comfortable. I dare say I've never worn footwear so comfortable, save maybe for HappyFeet. On many boots when you lace them up tightly, you can feel the laces squeezing your foot too hard because force is not being distributed very well. Not so here. I laced them as tightly as I could for the most snug fit and they were still just as comfortable, while definitely not able to go anywhere.
Since the boots complete my loadout for this season, I decided to fully gear up with vest, guns, and everything, to do a little bit of one-man simulation. I wear about 50lbs of torso-mounted gear, plus my 12lb M4 and a 5lb MP7 on my thigh. Sounds a little cliche, but I felt light on my feet in these boots. The insoles are so comfortable and form-fitting that they really help to take the stress. The Converse are by far the least clunky pair of footwear that I've ever geared up in, and they felt so much less cumbersome than what I'm used to. They performed well on flat ground as I did a mock-urban clear in my house, and the heavy-duty outsole tread did not make walking on flat ground hard.
I live in New England where there was snow and ice on the ground at the time of review. I've had a number of boots for both airsoft and general purpose over the years. These definitely felt the most planted on ice, and although I didn't spend all that long outside, they felt like they'd be plenty warm in snow, while still breathing well indoors (and in heat).
After all my running around, I spent the rest of the night on the couch and around the house, to see if the boots would stay as comfortable after a few hours on my feet as they did when I first got in them. I'm here to tell you that they do. I'd almost rather be wearing these while watching TV than be hanging out in socks.
5.11 Tactical Socks:
When I saw that I would be getting free socks with my order, I sort of assumed they'd be the cheapest thing on the shelf and that I'd likely toss them in a drawer to never be touched again.
Best. Socks. Ever... Or at least the best I've ever tried on. Admittedly, I'm sure the great socks played a role in how great the boots felt. I snowboard and have read dozens of sock packages claiming that they wick sweat with some technology with a proprietary name. These actually do. I was very impressed that I could run around for a little while, then sit around for the evening with my boots tied tight, and not feel like my feet were getting sweaty. I plan to order a few more pair of these for both airsoft in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.
Pros:
Light weight
Military Proven
Great color scheme for woodland (Tan and Black available for desert and urban)
Well made
Durable
Very grippy
Comfortable
Breathable
Awesome value for money
Cons:
All other footwear may seem inferior when you have these.
Overall:
Amazing boots. These are by far and away the best footwear purchase I've made (a lot to say, as I love my Piloti racing shoes). I would absolutely recommend these to anyone who can afford to have a dedicated pair of airsoft boots as, let's be honest, any decent pair of boots is going to cost about the same money. These are just better for that money.
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Posts: 1,630
Registered: May 2007
Location: Massachusetts
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![converseboots6.jpg](http://www.airsoftretreat.com/reviews/data/14/thumbs/converseboots6.jpg "Converse 8" MultiCam Stealth Boots - with 5.11 Tactical Socks")
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