First Tactical Mens 7” Operator Boot
Pros
- Durable Material
- Breathability
- Freedom of Movement
- Ankle + Achilles Support
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not the Best Choice for Running
The First Tactical 7” Operator Boot is not talked about much, but it certainly should be. First Tactical designs outwear and footwear specifically for law enforcement and first responders. They actually design and produce their products by sitting down with people who work in these fields, meaning they are extremely focused on practicality without sacrificing comfort. When I came across these boots not too long ago, I found them to be useful for many occasions, rucking being the first and foremost. It can certainly be used for other outdoor activities, especially if they involve rough outdoor conditions.
In this review, I’ll be focusing on:
- Qualities and Features
- Pros and Cons
- What Stood Out
Qualities and Features
1. Made from 100% Synthetic Suede
Suede is unfinished leather, it’s sometimes used with boots due to its durable material. It’s difficult to get Suede wet, which is perfect for when you’re out rucking and the weather is just not in your favour. The tightly woven fabric makes it stain repellant. Drop dirt or any type of stain on it and it will simply just sit there and not soak into the material.
Note: These boots are made from Synthetic Suede, therefore no animals are harmed to make these boots.
2. Breathable
If you’ve read our recent post on the best boots for rucking, you know breathable shoes are important for both hygiene and comfort. The first tactical 7″ operator boots is covered in breathable textile air mesh. The combination of both synthetic sued and the textile air mesh is great because an all leather boot will simply suffocate your feet.
3. 7 Inches High
Having a 7″ upper boot (the distance between just above the outsole and the collar of the boot) is a must for rucking and in this case, law enforcement and first responders. They provide support to your ankle. Combined with the comfortable insole in the boot, your foot is comfortable while also having freedom of movement. This support will avoid any possibility of you rolling your ankle and potentially getting it sprained.
4. Unique Features
The Achilles Flex point is a unique feature that I have not seen other outdoor boot manufacturers really focus on. The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body and it pulls on your heel allowing you to flex your calf muscle. This allows us to walk, jump or run. While it is the largest tendon in the body, it’s the most vulnerable due to the lack of blood supply. Im sure you’ve heard of athletes tearing or injuring their achilles tendon in the past. The achilles flex point helps you avoid such injuries.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
| Durable Material | Not the Best Choice for Running |
| Breathability | |
| Freedom of Movement | |
| Ankle + Achilles Support | |
| Lightweight |
What Stood Out?
What stood out to me is how the 7″ operator boots are designed for multipurpose use. While not made for running, they were initially designed for law enforcement and first responders who are typically on their feet all day long. However, when looking at the design and functionality, it certainly can be used for rucking or any other outdoor activities.
Here’s a quick review by First Tactical themselves.
