During SHOT Show 2020, I was shown the Norris Sneaker in MultiCam Black™. The color scheme is way outside my usual and I haven’t worn flat soled shoes since high school. That said, I waited less than patiently for them to ship. When I finally received them in December, I was already wearing my cold weather, waterproof boots for work. Fortunately, we had plans to drive west for the holidays and get away from the cold and wet east coast. These were the only shoes I wore while we drove across the country to visit family and friends. From day one, they were comfortable and still are.
They are made with a nylon and suede upper for durability to include a rubberized toe. The outsole is Vibram® Marbrani decked with XS Trek, a multi-sport grade compound designed for flexibility and wet traction. Pretty much the rest of the shoe is made of Ortholite®, both the upper cuff and footbed. How many of your kicks (see what I did there?) come with an ASTM certified puncture resistant, super-strong Welmax board that protects your feet against up to 1,200 newtons of force? This is one shoe made to kick ass and look cool at the gym, range or urban jungle. The padded ankle cuff is just high enough to be supportive but not enough to be uncomfortable on long drives. The exterior of the shoe is supported with nylon webbing in the heel and at midsole and double stitched wherever fabrics overlap. You know me I am always down for low vis branding, just a little [+] near the laces on the outside of the shoe and branded 5.11 [+] on the tongue.
Final thoughts: By design these are a tough pair of shoes with comfort and function built in. They match up just fine with jeans or any of the active pants from 5.11 or even a pair of the cool kids combat pants. These shoes meet my utilitarian requirements for footwear, comfort and durability. I am looking forward to warmer or at least consistently drier weather to start wearing them again.
By the numbers:
Comfort – 5/5 You can’t beat Ortholite® insoles, almost all of my current shoes have them. Sizing is consistent with my other 5.11 shoes and even though they don’t come in wide widths fit my side feet.
Durability – 5/5 Exterior is made of suede, rubber and Vibram®’s XS Trek outsole with an ASTM F2413-11 PR Puncture Resistant certification.
Functionality – 5/5 This is a non-sport specific shoe capable of riding, boating, skateboarding or anywhere you need grip.
Weight – 4/5 They are a little heavier than other canvas shoes but on par with other suede shoes.
Value – 4/5 They are a little more expensive, unless on sale, then their direct competitors but will likely outlast them and are made of better quality parts.
Overall rating: 4.6/5 These are keepers and I will probably buy a pair of the Ranger Green ones next.
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up 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.
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