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Originally Posted by DennyL
They feel like high quality running shoes. Anyone else wear them ?
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Yeah, I have both the Black leather and also the Tan ones. I find the black leather gets quite soft after a while and does lose some of its umm 'tightness' around the foot. Not too much of an issue for me as I have a narrow foot, so I can just tighten the laces up a little more. They do seem to expand when worn for maybe over 10 hours at a time however. Basically the leather seems to stretch.
The Tan ones aren’t as comfortable as the leather IMO, as they are suede and canvas (?). The canvas doesn’t seem to free up all that much, (compared to the leather) so they are a little harder on the feet. Although they do wear in ok I found that the toe and heal areas don’t loosen up and if you walk some distance in them you do tend to get sore feet as compared to the black leather ones.
As described, they are really just like a running shoe that’s a boot. Very light and very comfortable when wearing them for long periods (Black Leather). The leather ones do make your feet stink however!
ALSO, the only REAL fall back on these things is the soles... they have bugger all traction in the wet (I have arsed over on more than one occasion because the soles were slightly wet and I was on a smooth surface) and are also VERY noisy when wet / damp on most smooth surfaces (concrete, tiles, vinyl etc) If you need a boot for covert entry, and it never rains where you are, then they are all good.... however if your feet may get wet, expect to be heard before seen.
I’ve also found that the soles are starting to wear out a little and the tread is disappearing. This of course is due to wear and not much you can do about it. (I’ve had my black ones for maybe 18 months and the tan for a little less than a year)
All over, as long as you take into account the rubber sole noise issue when purchasing, they are a pretty good and comfortable boot. I wouldn’t rate them in the real hard bush or mountain environment however, more light duty / urban type would be to go. (I haven’t worn the in a really harsh environment)
Would I buy them again? – Possibly, however I do like the look (and the reports) of the new BATES boots. So id have to look hard at them before going back to the Oakleys.
Just my thoughts.
zeroalpha