To start off with, these boots are not water proof. If you get any water on the tongue area it goes straight through.That aside the break in period has been difficult. These boots bite the back of my Achilles tendon. I doubled up on socks and even use band aid tape. They still bite. They are also probably half a size larger than they are sized for.All of that aside. These boots are excellent over all. While the run from initial break in hurts the actual foot support is incredible. I work corrections. I am on my feet for 12 hours at minimum. I wore these for the first 2 days and my feet did not hurt at all. Usually when I get home my feet are in agony. But I noticed a drastic difference with these.The side zipper is your standard boot zip. It is sturdy and appropriate for the boot. I don't see it breaking with regular use.I've tried 5.11, Reebok, Nike, under armour. I'd say these are comparable to 5.11 but more durable. As many of us have noticed, 5.11 has declined in quality. Boots that used to last a whole year are now falling apart after just 3 months. These answer that.I'd give these 5 stars but I'm being honest. The break in hurts. But they are worth it.

Very comfortable and they look good.. good price!

I'm a corrections Officer and I'm on my feet for at up to 16hrs non stop and these boots fell like walking on a cloud. They are designed for corrections officers so they provide the ankle support I need but the pain I have had in my last boots (Reebok) gave me from the time I stood up in them. Note, THESE BOOTS ARE SIZED SMALL! I'm a woman and wear a 7.5 in women's, I ordered a 5.5 in men's and they just do fit so order a half size larger than you usually wear. As far as comfort, these are the most comfortable boots I've ever put on my feet! OMG!

I love these boots. This is my 5th pair. I am a bigger guy 61 and 250 lbs. These boots feel amazing. They are good for about a year before needing to replace them. Fit is true to size.

So far, so good. Most comfortable boot I've worn. Hopefully, the cushioning it holds up over time. Ankles seem a little tight at the top. It's a little hard to get the side zipper all the way up. Other than that, no complaints.

These boots have been great so far! I work fire/EMS for a pretty busy department and they have been great. No matter if you're training at the station or standing at the hospital for hours they have definitely been worth the investment. Just give them a few shifts to break in and you will be good to go!

Wear ankle covering socks to avoid rubbing and they're perfectly comfortable for all day. And another thing I noticed is when you're squatting way down to the floor, the soles balance you a bit so you're not straining the balls of your feet and calves to balance.

These are the most comfortable boots that I have ever worn. Time will tell how they hold up.

My second pair. First pair was wonderful, like walking on soft pillows. Thus, I bought 2nd pair 2 years later

These are great while wearing them on the concrete, gravels and in the dirt and mud. Sizing is perfect

Perfect fit. I wear size 11 and bought size 11

I have high arches and wide feet and these match up perfectly! Ultra cushioned, think Hoka Plush level (look it up). They have been amazingly durable, mine have lasted four years and I wear them several times a week. last Probably less for 8hr daily walking shifts but still exceptionally durable for a boot like this. My only ding is the velcro tab for zipper protection, the velcro clogs and eventually comes loose. Easily solved by cutting them off. Perhaps that issue has been resolved in a new iteration. I keep waiting for mine to fail so I can buy a new pair!

The comfort of this boot is the best I have ever had in a boot the curve is perfect so there's no creasing on top of boot ! No arch pain or achy tired legs after long hours at work would recommend

My husband works in a warehouse and is often on his feet 10 to 12 hours a day. He said these are very comfortable and that his knees and back don't hurt after a long day. The size he usually wears fit him perfectly. He said he would order these again.

I'm a Police Officer (Patrol) and am on my feet 8-10 hours a day. Prior to this job, I spent 10 years in the Army and have worn virtually every boot made. The Tactical Research Maxx8 is by far the most comfortable, best-fitting boot I have ever worn. Break-in period was short, about 5 days. This Boot seemed to fit loose at first, which worried me, however as the Boot wore in, it conformed to my foot and I progressively cinched the laces tighter and now it fits like a glove. There is a seam inside the heel of the boot that traverses across the Achilles Tendon which rubbed and was somewhat bothersome for a day or two, but it smoothed out as I continued to wear them. As I stated, they fit like a glove. The cusioned sole absorbs an unbelievable amount of shock and its incredibly light weight makes me feel like I'm walking on a cloud. The boot is still sturdy enough to where it provides ample support for my arches and ankles. Even after wearing these Boots for 3 weeks, I notice everyday, the strain and pressure they have relieved from my back, hips, and knees.I have found these Boots to be true-to-size... I wear a 10.5 Regular Width (US Men's) in both Bates and Thorogood boots and ordered the same size in the Tactical Research Maxx8. I have suffered from lower back pain for years, have a medium-high arch and my feet are such that they tend to swim in a Wide Boot, but fall over the edges of the sole of a regular width boot. Not so with these... It is like they were make just for me.

These boots are just awesomeThey give great ankle and foot support but are still very comfortable. These are my first and only boot.

So, I bought this boot for work. 12-14 hour shifts, lots of movement on concrete, and possibly some defensive tactics involved. The boots are comfortable. Insoles are excellent as is the arch support. Shoe fits about to what is ordered.My issue is that when you first get the boot, before they are broken in is that they bite your Achilles tendon, or a little right above it. I can see that on the inside they added leather support as well as the outside, but the inside bites a little. This goes away after the boots are broken in for the most part. Every now and then you can feel it start to rub uncomfortably. That's my only gripe with the boot. Not everyone has this issue, but I suspect bigger size feet/people do.4/5.Would recommend the 6inch version instead. That boot is 5/5. Same brand. Belleville tactical research.

These boots are comfortable and light weight. As a correctional officer I am on my feet daily and I walk on concrete all day. These save my feet!

These boots are by far the best I've put on my feet. I've been with the Dept of Corrections for over 20 years and have purchased just about every boot company that makes boots and these are by far the best so far. They are like walking on cotton! They are very breathable and easy to get on and off. I will definitely be buying more of these boots!

Amazing! Feels like basketball shoes. SOOOO Comfortable, OMG! Light, Breathable, Sturdy. For me it was 1/2 size too small from all my other shoes/boots. 5 day delivery. Highly Recommended!!!