5.11 Tactical Men's A/T Mid Boot in Black | Size 8.5

I love the look and fit of the AT mid, but they have some issues with quality. I'm on my second pair of this one (have had other 511s over the years). My first pair only lasted 6 months with pretty light use. I put some miles on them, but don't push them hard. I'm an IT guy and don't even do that much weekend warrior'ing for reference. I couldn't see this shoe making it a month in a duty position. They started squeaking/groaning within a couple months. Then the plastic mid-sole broke straight across at the ball of the right foot a few months later, so I had the squeak/groan and a loud CLICK! with every other step. I had to stop wearing them but got another pair because I do like the look and fit. I really liked the grey color too but 511 stopped making it. 511, ... MoreI love the look and fit of the AT mid, but they have some issues with quality. I'm on my second pair of this one (have had other 511s over the years). My first pair only lasted 6 months with pretty light use. I put some miles on them, but don't push them hard. I'm an IT guy and don't even do that much weekend warrior'ing for reference. I couldn't see this shoe making it a month in a duty position. They started squeaking/groaning within a couple months. Then the plastic mid-sole broke straight across at the ball of the right foot a few months later, so I had the squeak/groan and a loud CLICK! with every other step. I had to stop wearing them but got another pair because I do like the look and fit. I really liked the grey color too but 511 stopped making it. 511, please bring the grey back!My second pair started the squeak/groan after a couple months too, and I found that if I use a foot/baby powder between the removable insole and the plastic mid-sole that it mostly stops it for a few weeks before I have to re-apply.Fit: They're light and feel great to wear, even with my wide club-feet.Weather and water: These are better as a summer shoe. There is zero resistance to water and very little for cold. Step in the smallest puddle or it rains? Wet feet. Slightest chilly breeze? Cold toes.Tread pattern: Wears pretty well, but LOVES to pick up mud, dogsh*t, chickensh*t, whatever, and track it back inside where it leaves a little bit behind with each step like a path of mud/sh*tcrumbs.

During this wet winter, I used tennis shoes (which get wet) and winter boots (which are not made for walking long distances) to walk dogs. I have been searching for a comfortable shoe that protects my feet and will allow me to comfortably walk on grass, rock/blacktop roads, walking trails, and cement floors. After my husband bought a pair of these and kept saying how comfortable they were, I decided to buy myself a pair. These have been the best shoes I have found so far that I can wear all day and my feet and back are not killing me from standing/walking on hard surfaces. I love the traction on the bottom, so I don't fear slipping as much (unless it's ice). I have not tried stepping in puddles with them, but they keep my feet dry and warm after walking across wet ... MoreDuring this wet winter, I used tennis shoes (which get wet) and winter boots (which are not made for walking long distances) to walk dogs. I have been searching for a comfortable shoe that protects my feet and will allow me to comfortably walk on grass, rock/blacktop roads, walking trails, and cement floors. After my husband bought a pair of these and kept saying how comfortable they were, I decided to buy myself a pair. These have been the best shoes I have found so far that I can wear all day and my feet and back are not killing me from standing/walking on hard surfaces. I love the traction on the bottom, so I don't fear slipping as much (unless it's ice). I have not tried stepping in puddles with them, but they keep my feet dry and warm after walking across wet grass.

I purchased these boots in April of 2023, and by August the exterior material was already worn thin and holes formed near my little toes on each boot. I don't wear these daily, nor am I putting them under extreme duress. In fact, I barely leave the house in them, and only use them for light outdoor activities or work around the house, as I thought they'd be stronger and more durable than your typical tennis shoes.Like I said, very comfortable boot that I want to love and recommend, but the durability is worse than a cheap $10 pair of Chinese Wal-Mart knock-offs. Definitely not worth the $75 I paid--on sale at that!