The popular 5.11® Norris Sneaker family has gotten a new member. It is the McClane Mid, a mid top sneaker named in homage to John McClane, the fictional character and main protagonist portrayed by Bruce Willis in the Die Hard film series. Mid-top sneakers provide a perfect balance of support without restriction, plus versatility. The design of the McClane Mid is direct result of operator feedback and offers improved performance and comfort for a variety of activities. It is the next generation of the Norris Sneaker.
Like the original Norris Sneakers, the 5.11 McClane Mid is a versatile sneaker that combines high performance and discreet style. Whether you need to navigate through rough terrain or urban environments, this sneaker is designed to handle it all. Let’s take a look at some of the features that make the McClane Mid a standout.
The McClane Mid is a mid-weight sneaker that blends in well with casual outfits, making it ideal for low-profile operations or everyday wear. It has a stylish suede and nylon upper that is durable and resistant to wear and tear. The sneaker has a new breathable tongue for all-day comfort. There is a nylon fabric loop heel tab / bootstrap. The collar and heel are well-padded for comfort. The sneaker has six pairs of reinforced eyelets.
The McClane Mid has a 5.11 Hexgrip™ Vibram® (pronounced “vee-bram”) specially treated full-rubber outsole that provides excellent all-around performance, thanks to its hexagonal lug pattern and Vibram proprietary XS Trek™rubber compound. XS Trek is 5% recycled rubber. Designed for versatility, the main characteristics of X Trek are its flexibility; wet traction; durability; stability; comfort; and responsiveness on uneven terrain. It is non-marking so it can be used indoors or on boats. It provides the optimal balance between traction and durability. It is resistant to abrasion, oil, and water, making it suitable for harsh environments and demanding missions.
The McClane Mid also has a puncture-resistant flexible composite plate midsole. It is ASTM F2413-11 PR Puncture Resistance certified. It guards your feet against up to 1,200 newtons of penetrative force. In plain English, this translates to roughly 300 lbs. of force. This sneaker is designed to resist punctures from nails, glass, and other hazards. The McClane Mid also features built-in toe protection to shield your toes from impact and injury. This is not a trivial matter. Foot injuries can be very serious and affect your mobility and health. The McClane Mid gives you the protection you need, both on and off the job.
ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards. The ASTM F2413-11 PR standard is a specification for protective footwear that covers the performance requirements and test methods for footwear designed to resist punctures from sharp objects.
The ASTM F2413-11 PR standard applies to footwear with a puncture-resistant device (PRD) embedded between the insole and the outsole. The PRD must meet certain criteria for resistance, corrosion, flexibility, and durability. The standard also specifies the marking and labeling requirements for footwear that complies with the PR standard.
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The McClane Mid has an updated Vibram outsole with better traction in all environments. The new drop-in Ortholite X-40 footbed provides for more cushioning and comfort. An ASTM puncture-resistant board has also been added and certified to U.S. standards.
The McClane Mid has an Ortholite® X-40™ drop-in foam insole that offers superior comfort and cushioning for your feet, as well as arch support. The Ortholite X-40 Series is part of Ortholite’s range of high-rebound performance formulations that allows manufacturers to fine tune the perfect elasticity for the intended application. OrthoLite X-40 has the highest rebound formulation, with an elasticity rating over 40%, providing maximum shock absorption.
Ortholite X-40 is made of a breathable material that helps keep your feet cool and dry. It also has antimicrobial properties that prevent odor and fungus growth. Unlike other insoles, the Ortholite foam insole does not lose its shape or performance over time. It also offers superior shock absorption and support for your feet. The insole is removable and washable, so you can keep your sneakers fresh and hygienic.
The original Norris Sneaker impressed me with its comfort, and the new McClane Mid does not disappoint. The McClane Mid feels great on my feet, even after wearing them for hours. The sneaker a perfect fit for me. The McClane Mid offers good support and stability. The mid-top design of the McClane Mid provides ankle support and flexibility. The sneaker covers the ankle bone but allows enough movement for agility and mobility.
There is adequate space in the toe box, the part of the shoe that covers and protects the toes. This is essential for the comfort and health of the feet. The toes should not touch the shoe material, as this can cause pain, blisters, ingrown toenails, or other complications.
It needs to be recognized that since the exact shape of a last differs from brand to brand and sneaker to sneaker, sizes and fit will inevitably vary a bit also. And, of course, everyone’s feet are different. What works for me may not work the same for you. That goes for all footwear. All new shoes, sneakers and boots require a breaking-in period to adjust to the contours of your feet.
The McClane Mid is designed to be low-profile in appearance. It looks like a normal premium mid-top sneaker. The only visible logos are a stylish rubber 5.11 logo on the tongue of the sneaker and on a small cloth tag attached to the eyestay on the upper.
Material and workmanship on the McClane Mid provided to me are outstanding. It is an outstanding sneaker. It looks great too! The McClane Mid is more than just a sneaker. It is a sneaker that can handle any challenge you face, while keeping your feet comfortable and protected. It is a very versatile sneaker that is a perfect fit for both casual and smart casual attire.
Unlike other sneakers that sacrifice performance for style, or vice versa, the McClane Mid offers both in one package. It is a sneaker that can adapt to any situation, without compromising on quality or functionality. In my opinion, if you are looking for a sneaker that can do it all, you need look no further than the 5.11 McClane Mid. It is an ideal choice for anyone who values performance and quality.
The McCane Mid is available in your choice of Triple Black or Elmwood colorways. I opted for the latter. It is available in Regular-D and Wide-E widths. The McClane Mid is priced at a very reasonable $100.00 USD on the official 5.11 Tactical® website. However, prices may vary depending on the retailer or online platform you choose to purchase from.
Source
5.11
511Tactical.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.