[Smokin Joe]

Oakley 8 Inch Elite Special Forces Standard Issue Assault Boot

I’m not sure how Oakley is designating the new version but for the purpose of this review I will be referring to the older style 6 inch boot as Gen-1.

Ordering:
These boots were ordered through the U.S. Standard Issue program. I made my order in the middle of March. The boots arrived on 6/29/07. So, if you want a pair prepare to wait.

Construction:
Read the attached .pdf file. They contain all sorts of whiz-bang-high-speed-low-drag composite shit. The construction works for me, I’ll let you know in 6 months if it still works for me or not. The best part about these boots is VENT HOLES. So your feet won’t sweat to death like they do in the Gen 1 boots.

Fit:
Right out of the box these fit like a glove. I normally wear a 10 inch boot these were ordered in size 10 and fit true to form. I like the 8 inch boot compared to the 6 inch boot as it provides me with better ankle support.

Traction:
The traction has been sufficient on a wide variety of terrain. I wore them on a couple mile walk today in full gear across wooded country, in a light rain. The traction was fine the entire time; I didn’t slip at all even on wet rocks. However, the support was lacking a little when crossing open rocky fields.

I’m sure a few of you are thinking, “Cut the shit, do these things squeak like the old ones?” NO, they do not. I have worn mine wet and dry on tile, linoleum, concrete, asphalt, redwood decks, composite decks, and some sort of siding that a tweaker had as a floor (don’t ask). I have not been able to make them squeak yet and their traction is as tactile as the Gen-1 boots.

Overall:
Right now these are my #1 boot, they are light, quiet, and have good support and traction over an array of terrain. I will let you know if they are still my #1 boot after I kick in a door with them.

Photo 1: From left to right is a pair of the Gen-1 boots, Gen-2 boots, and Wellco jungle boots. It should be noted that those are a size 10 Wellco

Photo 2: Overhead shot of boots for comparision from left to right Wellco Jungle Boots, Gen-2 Boots, Gen-1 Boots.

Photo 3 and 4 are profiles of boot.

Questions?