Our feet are our foundation. They connect us to the ground. They support every good and every bad thing we do. As such, most people are picky about what they put on their feet. From function to form everyone has an opinion about what is best. That demand has led to a ton of companies offering their version of the best product.
For people who log serious miles the idea of the “right” footwear is even more important. Propper has built a real heavy weight contender for serious end users with its Series 300 boot.
Propper has been in the tactical clothing, footwear and equipment game for years. Propper got its start with a contract to make the iconic white Dixie Cap hats for the Navy in 1967. Since then the company has consistently expanded its production to become one of the largest providers for military apparel in the country. Propper has been refining and producing quality tactical apparel and gear for military, law enforcement and outdoor enthusiast for five decades.
Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, Propper boasts a 4,000-square foot research, development and design facility that is responsible for all of their product development. Between their 200,000-square-foot distribution center in Dickson, Tennessee and their production facilities in Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Propper has everything in place for the production of high quality gear for the end user.
Out of this vibrant history and impressive organization Propper has engineered the Series 300 Boot as a solid, no-nonsense boot. It is compliant with Army Regulation 670-1; for those of you to whom that matters. Propper also gets a big thumbs up for keeping the Series 300 boot compliant with the Berry Amendment which means it is an American made product.
Let me be clear: you are looking for a super lightweight or minimalist boot the Series 300 is not the boot for you. If you want a solid, durable and comfortable boot then you should give the Series 300 a look.
The Series 300 provides a comfortable platform that can be “adjusted” by the end user. The Series 300 comes with an additional insert called the “Fit Insert” that can be placed beneath the standard insole to create a more custom fit. With both insoles in place the boots are extremely comfortable.
I have worn these boots every day at work for two and half months and have zero complaints regarding the comfort. I have done numerous road marches with these boots. During my time with these boots I have not experienced any hot spots, blisters or general discomfort from the Series 300 boots.
My initial impression of the boots was that they felt heavy. The sole of the boots is extremely thick and rigid. It is over built. I have been using minimal shoes for the last couple years so these boots felt big. Once I put them on and started moving my concerns evaporated.
The Series 300 boots give me a feeling of confidence when I put them on. I know they are going to provide the support I need in any situation without compromising comfort.
The boots are cut on an authentic US scale and fit true to size. I wear an 11 in all of my running shoes and ordered the Series 300 in 11. There was a little extra room at first but once I added the additional insole they fit just like I want them too.
For those of you that prefer an aftermarket insole or use custom molded orthotics there is plenty of room in the boots for such upgrades once you remove the insoles that come with the boots.
During the testing process I did make note of one area of concern: water retention. While the upper of the boots dried extremely quickly the two insoles seemed to hold onto moisture. After a walk through the creek with my Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd I took the insoles out of the boots and let them sit overnight. The following day the insoles were still damp.
The insoles ability to hold moisture could present an issue for people who work in extremely wet environments. This issue only arose after I submerged the boots in water completely. Wearing the boots in the rain, or in wet grass or moving quickly through puddles did not create an issue. Using an aftermarket insole could possibly eliminate the issue altogether although I did not test that.
After submerging the Series 300 boots in the creek I walked with Kairo and Titan for another hour through the woods. By the end of the walk the upper of the boots was entirely dry. I did not develop any hot spots or blisters walking with the boots wet.
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Overall the boots made a good impression. I will continue to use mine on a regular basis both in and out of field training environments. My only issue with the Series 300 boots is the ability of the insoles to retain water. The pros of these boot far outweigh the cons. The Series 300 are great in terms of daily comfort, and they provide great support and durability. Ultimately, these won’t be the go to boots for everyone. But they are definitely worth considering if you are in the market for new boots.
Series 300 boot specifications from Propper:
•Nylon-coated brass drainage vents
•Low density shock absorbing, flexible direct inject PU midsole
•US MIL-SPEC Vibram® dual density rubber outsole, oil- & slip-resistent with self-cleaning lugs
•High abrasion V40 rubber compound permanently fused to the outsole’s fast rope area
•Serrated toe and heel outsole to aid in vertical climbing and descent
•Engineered using true US sizing for superior fit with excellent weight distribution for all-day comfort
•Dual layer memory foam insole with antimicrobial fabric cover
•Polyethylene performance plate for maximum support and stability
•Anatomical athletic fit footbed for cushion and arch support
•US MIL-SPEC speed lace system quickly provides a comfortable fit
•Dri-Lex® moisture management lining and Aegis™ Shield
Functionality: 4/5
Durability: 5/5
Cost: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Weight: 4/5
Overall Total: 22/25
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Propper Series 300 boots through Spotter Up. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
