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.

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.

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!

I'm 6ft, 300 lbs and I work in a prison between 8-16hrs a day walking on concrete and asphalt with no problems. There is plenty of room in the toe so you don't feel cramped. Walking on these boots is like walking on springs, there's a ton of cushion and my foot, ankle, knee and back problems have gone away while working. I highly recommend these boots