Deckers X Lab G8 Tactical Boots review – Walk a mile in your new shoes

REVIEW –  I did a 1.5 mile dog walk in the Deckers X Lab G8 Tactical Boots but this was only my third time in them. For tactical emphasis, I took along my Toy Doberman, Poquito.

We were on asphalt streets and a wooded trail with exposed roots. I’ll tell you how these boots performed over several days of wear in various conditions.

What is it

The Deckers X Lab Tactical Boots are no bull-hockey, true military-grade boots, suitable for armed forces, police, etc. who are allowed sand-colored boots as part of their uniform. No marketing mumbo-jumbo here, Soldiers and cops can use these boots as part of their official uniform.

What’s in the box

• Deckers X Lab G8 Tactical Boots

Specs

• AR670-1 compliant (U.S. Army approved)
• 8″ split grain flesh-out leather upper
• 1000D nylon textile quarter panels
• 2 inch laser perforated ankle support webbing for stability and breathability 
• NATO rust-proof speed loops for quick lacing 
• Laser perforated tongue for breathability
• Fully lined upper with spacer mesh for 360 degree air circulation
• 550 paracord laces
• Full length molded polypropylene support board for stability and support under heavy load
• Removable Contoura® ergonomic PU footbed 
• High rebound PU midsole 
• VIBRAM® Litebase outsole reduces 30% of overall sole weight through reduction of base thickness while maintaining traction and durability 
• VIBRAM® Megagrip outsole compound
• Sizes: 6 – 14 in medium & wide widths

Design and features

• Lightweight yet heavy duty construction designed for comfortable, long wear
• Excellent sole traction design
• Breathable materials via perforation design and placement. 

What I like

I’m proud to have two U.S. Army officer sons-in-law. I was able to get their input on the Deckers X Lab G8 boots. Both saw them in person. They agreed these boots were of a construction, design, and weight to be suitable for military use. To these men, the Deckers boots would be equivalent to boots issued by the U.S. Army. And they are officially permitted for ‘in uniform use’ thanks to the AR670-1 rating. 

I first wore these boots in a large public park while throwing boomerangs, a side interest of mine. Since I’m not superb I usually get a good walk in. At the end of that half day there was zero foot discomfort and no hot spots or abrasions from the brand new boots.

My second half day in the boots was a family gathering in our backyard involving five grandkids and their parents. We chased the dog, chased each other, threw Frisbees, and grilled dinner. The boots were breaking in nicely and still delivered no foot discomfort.

I mentioned my third wearing in the introduction. You’d expect pretty good boot stability on streets but when we got to the wooded trail, it’s one that can flummox some bike riders because of the exposed roots on the trail. I landed on those roots intentionally to see if I could feel protrusion coming up through the sole. There was no discomfort whatsoever. No sensation came from walking on sharp or uneven surfaces. And if my foot slipped a little I felt the support to my ankle from the G8s.

What I’d change

The Deckers X Lab G8 Tactical Boots yield no complaints from me. I wouldn’t change anything about them.  I have a proposal, though. Deckers makes a different boot in black. I think the G8 version in black would be awesome. That option might open up greater interest among police, EMS, firefighters, security, etc.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re a Soldier, mechanic, hunter, law enforcement officer, Park Ranger, or hiker, you should give the Deckers X Lab G8 Tactical Boots a serious look. I found them to be durable, comfortable, and lightweight and expect them to wear well and last a very long time. 

Price: $164.95
Where to buy: Deckers
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Deckers.