Here is a boot that I think you should add to your wardrobe. The 5.11 Mission Ready Chukka has the features you need to be stylish, comfortable, and responsive. Firstly, I’ve written a lot about the benefits of using shoes with a non-elevated “zero-drop” heel for proper posture. The drop is the height differential between where the heel and forefoot sit. Most dress shoes have a “high” drop between 12 and 15 mm. Many running shoes have drops that are a “zero” drop (no heel), or usually between 4mm-8mm. You essentially want a shoe that mirrors the shape and therefore the responsiveness of a running shoe. The higher the drop of the shoe or the thicker the heel of the shoe will mean the shoe is not as responsive to your toe-off when moving to spring or pivot to react to an aggressor.
So, you want shoes that have a low, and wide profile heel. Shoes with a thicker, stiffer heel heighten the probability of rolling your ankle when pursuing or wrestling your opponent. Stiffness in the upper and the outsole also make it harder to run. Responsiveness is key. Remember, low-heeled, softer outsole shoes are safer and more comfortable; they’ll do better for you than higher-heeled shoes. The more surface area touching the ground the better.
Alright, let’s get into the boot! What is a Chukka? According to shoe historian June Swann, “the chukka boot is ankle-high, open-laced, and unlined, with two to three pairs of eyelets, thin leather soles, calfskin suede uppers in two parts (each from a single piece of leather; quarters sewn on top of vamp), and rounded toes.” Chukkas generally refer to a form of desert boots originally worn by British soldiers in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II. So say the peeps at Wikipedia. They appear to be based off the South African veldskoen which became a popular footwear item in Southern Africa. The boots were simple in design yet robust. Soldiers used them in the various bush wars of the region.
Desert boots were popularized in the 1950s by UK shoe company C. & J. Clark. A desert boot is a chukka boot with crepe rubber soles and, typically, suede uppers but that has changed. Yes, they become huge with the U.K. youth counter-culture movement such as the British mods, and especially after the release of the movie Quadrophenia by the band, The Who. Chukkas are usually made from calfskin or suede, although they can be made from other materials.
It’s taken a very long time for industry to catch up with the “tactical” culture that needs sensible footwear for men and women in specific jobs; perhaps they are a doorman at a swank club, maybe they’re a Secret Service agent and do protective details; whatever the role, these are the shoes they need. If you are standing for hours, or moving through a crowd, or trying to separate a crowd, you need a shoe or boot with an outsole that does the best job. Let’s get into the boot.
Cost: Great price. The boot retails around $169.00. They are now on sale for $59.00 and I’m not sure why. For the quality of leather they use, and for its simple construction I think this is a great price. They are boot grade leather, meaning, they will hold up for most express purposes. 5/5
Comfort: I’ve tried running and walking in them. They do well. If you want more comfort try thicker socks or a different boot insert. 4/5
Durability: So far so good. As I mentioned earlier, they are decent leather, but don’t expect to climb the Himalayas or around the Grand Canyon but these will do. 4/5
Style: Hot! 5/5
Overall rating: 18/20
The boots come in three colors: black, rust and dark earth. check out the video!
D30 Lite EVA midsole
Vibram high traction outsole w/XS Trek
Full grain leather upper
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