Testimonials
Light weight. At first sight one may conclude the boots would be rather heavy, but surprisingly they are very light weight. The leather is very supple. Whether you bend or stoop, the leather gives with your foot movement. I find the boot comfortable to wear, whether walking on flat surfaces or inclined areas. The boots keep my feet warm and dry in cold weather.I haven’t had the boots long enough to test their durability. Their convenience is rated very good. Easy to slip on and off. I like the convenience of the zipper. The velcro tab adds a lot to securing the zipper in place preventing the zipper from moving.
Police Officer from Ohio (Wear tester)
I found these boots to be very easy to put on, which was helpful on three ocasions during call outs. They had a good tred on the bottom and gave me good traction, even in the rain. Easy to clean up. Compact size was nice in my gear bag. They have held up well in the past few weeks. I recommend them to anyone.
Police Officer from Kansas (Wear tester)
On April 24th, I received the Original S.W.A.T. Classic 6” Boot for wear testing and evaluation. During the testing period the boot was worn during 13 High Risk Raids, 2 Barricade Situations, 6 Training Days, 2 Range Days and routine duty wear. The boot was easy to place on the foot using the side zipper and Velcro closure. It needed no “break-in” period and was very comfortable right out of the box providing suitable stability for any tactical/athletic movement. My only issue is that this particular model “bagged –out” in the center of the foot and didn’t conform closely to the foot during wear. It has a neat appearance and can be considered a quality tactical boot.
Police Officer from Maryland(Wear tester)
The Original S.W.A.T. Classic 9 Side Zip (Size 10) boots were my first experience with the brand. Overall, I was very impressed with the boots, however there were a few minor issues. The look and design is professional in appearance and the boots were very comfortable and offered more than adequate cushioning for my feet, even when standing for hours at a time or running. The boots kept a polish and did not fade too quickly. I liked the flat laces and found they did not loosen or fray during the testing process. Further, the zipper was strong and went from the top to the sole, making it easy to quickly on and off the boots without messing with the laces. The velcro lace closure at the top of the boot functioned well and almost seemed to “snap” in place, securing the zipper pull. I did see the material it was composed of as a little out of place on a “police boot” as most other brands I have worn seem to use leather or other material which looks more professional. However, the nylon closure held up during testing.
The major issue I found with these boots was the noise they would make with just a little water or liquid on the treads and walking on tile or other smooth surface floors. Despite the advertised “quiet” rubber outsole, I found them to squeak more than normal and had a few co-workers also comment on the sound. In a law enforcement boot, where inadvertant sound may be a give-away, I found this a disappointment.
I would like to see Original S.W.A.T. look into fixing this issue and I would be more than happy to consider their footwear for future purchase.
Police Officer from Illinois (Wear tester)
Overall I would rate this boot a 4 out of 5. I like the the placement of the corder nylon vs the leather. Easy to clean and shine. Not too much unnecessary threading just for the sake of making it look different. The boot is lightweight also. It was not easy to enter the boot via the side zip which if I’m not mistaken is the purpose of the side zip. However once inside the boot gives a sun comfortable fit. Not crazy about the large flat laces. The major disappointment if any is the fact that there is no speed lace system. Standard eyelets all the way up to the top. I am on a SWAT Team and speed is essential. If I can pick up a few seconds while I dress out here and there, I’ll take it. Seconds add up to minutes and minutes save lives. I would buy this boot. I would probably request my department buy this boot but I’m probably not getting past the lacing system or the difficulty getting into the boot. My two cents.
Police Officer from Virginia (Wear tester)
The Original S.W.A.T. Classic 9 boot is a very good, all around boot. The boots are easy to keep looking sharp for patrol duties, fairly comfortable after a short break in period and seem to be very well constructed and durable (hard to say for sure after about 1 month). They are definitely a good choice and the retail price ($89.99 on most sites) makes them an even better choice. The boots are definitely a bargain at that price.
The boots were a bit stiff when I first started wearing them. Both the 9” nylon upper and the leather top of the toe area needed some breaking in. After a few shifts of wearing them, they got much more comfortable as the boot kind of formed to my feet. The top of the toe area, where it creases at the base of the laces, is still somewhat uncomfortable as it pushes down onto the tops of my toes when the boot bends. This is especially evident during situations when I am kneeling or squatting down. I was bothered by this during the 2 days of tactical training while wearing them.
One thing I noticed right away with these boots is how quiet they are to move in. The outsoles are aggressive and have great traction, yet are soft enough to be extremely quiet on all types of terrain and flooring. Other boots I have had, especially 9” boots, tend to have a harder, plastic like outsole that makes a lot of noise when walking on hard surfaces. This quietness makes them a viable choice for tactical and patrol work.
The ankle support provided by the sturdy, but comfortable, nylon upper is second to none. I even tried to “roll” my ankle in these boots and the support will not allow this to occur.
The boots are not waterproof so I sprayed them with a waterproofing product and have not had any issues with water in the boots. I have worn them out in the rain and walked through some puddles, but did not submerged them past the outsole and leather base. Even though not waterproof, they were perfectly dry on rainy patrol duty.
One thing I did not care for was the loop on the back of the boot at the top. I guess it’s to help pull the boot on or up, but all it did was catch my uniform pants every time I stood up or got out of my squad. I have to physically pull my pants over the loop to get them down.
The boots clean up easily with water after getting muddy or dirty and look very professional with a patrol uniform.
These are not the greatest boots I have ever worn, but are more than a viable choice as a solid, all around work boot.
Police Officer from Wisconsin (Wear tester)
I recently had the opportunity to T&E the Original S.W.A.T. Classic 9” Boot. I wore these boots non-stop for thirty days while on patrol, working details, during SWAT training and several search warrants. Upon first putting them on I was impressed by the comfort right out of the box as well as how light they felt. These boots made my other boots feel like they had lead in the soles. Because of how light these boots were I was concerned about how their quality of construction and durability would be, but they seemed to hold up quite nicely after being out through the paces. The boots cleaned up easily and were able to hold a true boot polish shine that was easily maintained with some light buffing. These boots are excellent for patrol or anyone who wears a uniform day to day. The only thing I personally would change or prefer to have in a SWAT setting is a water proof boot, which Original S.W.A.T. makes. Working in Central Florida we may be working a call out in the city one day and in the woods or swamp the next. If this is not an issue for you then these boots will make an excellent addition to your kit. If it is grab the waterproof Classic 9”.
Police Officer from Florida (Wear tester)
I could tell as soon as I put them on that they are AWSOME. They feel completely broke in after one day of use. They are defiantly the most comfortable boots I have ever had. I will defiantly be recommending them to soldiers and family.
Staff Sergeant James Barnett
Mission Viejo, CA
I bought a pair of your Classic series black boots for my job in corrections mainly because I’m not a fan of zippers, price and appearance. I enjoyed wearing these boots for their comfort and look but needed them to be replaced. Instead of buying another pair I purchased a piar of 5.11′s. Theses 5.11′s were also very comfortable but soon after wearing them they made my feet ache. I will not buy a different brand of boot again; Original Swat has won me over. I tell everyone about my problem and push your product. Thank you for making such a comfortable and affordable boot.
Brad Nitschke
I want to share my insights into what an outstanding product you have. During the 2009 International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Assoc (ILEETA) in Chicago I won as a contest participant a pair of your classic side zip (#1152) boots. I am also on the ILEETA Advisory Board and thankful for your firm’s support to ILEETA.
Since the day I received my boots I wear them daily in uniform and even off-duty if I am walking/standing they are just that comfortable. I have been in the military and law enforcement since 1976, I have worn boots of all configurations/brands. These Classic side-zips are the best wearing, most comfortable boot and/or shoe for that matter that I have ever worn.
Thank you for producing an outstanding product. Others should know that it is a have-to item for today’s police officer.
Ephrata Police Department, Ephrata, PA
Original S.W.A.T.®, I was deployed twice to Iraq and I am currently in Afghanistan. I bought a pair of 9 inch classics in 2007 and wore them to Iraq on my second deployment. I had already used many different issued and personal boots throughout my military enlistment and these are by far the best I have ever had. I brought the same pair to Afghanistan and still wear them. I was infantry and now I am MP, as you know I have done many patrols and put a lot of miles on these boots on desert terrain. I will definitely continue to wear the SWAT as the time comes near to purchase another. Time and time again I have recommended these boots to my partners and they have been more than happy with their purchase. Many of my friends go through boots every couple months, I have actually made an investment by finding the right pair! Thank you so much.
USMC/ US Army
Just got home from another swat mission, suicidal barricade (all went well I got the team inside to help this guy out), but what I wanted to say is-I wore your boots all day at the range then to this mission and 081973-M2-C1. Your boots are great. As I was gearing down after the save, I thought about how much work you have done to make this boot the best I have ever worn. I believe it is the best boot. You have done a lot of work on our behalf and I truly appreciate it. You made many changes from shoe strings, insoles, various rubber exterior soles, zipper sides, D rings, abrasion pieces, etc. It is your company and you did all of this for us and it is appreciated. I will do my best to get your boot on our list of approved tactical boots because I believe in the product, the response from your company is the best I have seen, and your enthusiasm to build a better tactical boot is impressive. Just thought I would drop you this line to let you know from me that all your efforts are appreciated. Sincerely, jk.
I am an active duty Major in the Air Force and have served in the military over 15 years. In that time, I’ve been searching for the perfect boot with no luck until I finally found the 9″ classics from Original S.W.A.T.® They are by far the most comfortable and durable boots I have ever worn. I highly recommend them whether you ride a desk or are an aircrew member.
USMC/ US Army
Original S.W.A.T.®, I am 48 years old, served 12 years in the U.S. Army Infantry, and have spent the last 13 years as a Member and Team Leader with Pittsburgh Police SWAT. I think I know boots, I live in them. Hands down, your 9″ Coyote’s are the best fitting, most comfortable boots I have ever owned!
USMC/ US Army
I’ve been active duty Army for the past 15 years and wore all types of combat boots. I’ve experienced travels to Korea, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Kosovo, and three tours to Iraq.
I’ve worn issued and retail boots in search of boots that feel like comfortable running shoes; not too cushioned or boots too thin that you feel every rock under your feet. All the boots that I’ve worn require a break in period of several weeks and you always know that you’ll get a few hot spots, but since I’ve been wearing the classic 9″ boot for the past month my feet and lower back feel so much better.
These are the best combat boots that I have ever worn hands down!
Sgt. Major, U.S. Army
Hi guys Last month, I attended a SWAT Marksman/Observer course in South Carolina. In one of the informal competitions among the students, I won a pair of your Classic 9″ side zip boots. Timing could not have been better as my summer boots are worn out! The boots just arrived and I have to say that they are fantastic! Probably the most comfortable “out of the box” boots I have ever worn. Very light. Great flexibility. Built strong! Though I have very wide feet, these boots fit perfectly. I will definitely be ordering another set when my winter boots wear out! I really appreciate your supporting our training class with a great set of boots! Cheers, RP Reid,
Vermont
I would like to thank you and policeone.com for the opportunity to win a free pair of boots from your Company. In these tough times an opportunity for free equipment, no matter how big or small, is always welcome. Original SWAT Boots, I want to thank you for your time and consideration, and for participating in the policeone.com Weekly Win Promotion. I have nothing but praise for your Company and will recommend your product to others in the future. Respectfully, Sgt. William Switzer Peoria Heights Police Dept. Peoria Heights, IL
Peoria Heights Police Dept. Peoria Heights, IL
By way of introduction, my name is Mickey Jones. I am an actor and because I have played so many bikers and I have been riding for over 40 years, I host a number of motorcycle events around the country each year.
In the summer of 2008, I hosted the High Desert Motorcycle Rally in Ontario, Oregon. I always like to walk through the crowd of vendors at each event just to say hello, give them my personal welcome, and let them know that I am glad they are here.
While greeting vendors at the High Desert Motorcycle Rally, I met Larry Gonzales at his booth for Original S.W.A.T.® footwear. Because Larry had a shady spot to sit down and relax, we had a few minutes to chat. Larry wanted to show me his boots. Now, I have been wearing the same motorcycle boots for years so I was not really interested in any NEW boots. My old, broken in boots were just fine, thank you. He finally convinced me to, at least, try on a pair of his Original S.W.A.T.® boots. I put the boots on and Larry had me walk down the midway and when I came back to the booth, I bought my first pair of boots in years.
I cannot explain just how my Original S.W.A.T.® boots have changed my life. After hosting a 12 hour day and being on my feet most of that time, I almost always get back to my room and my feet are killing me. At the end of my first 12 hour day, in my Original S.W.A.T.® ’s and being on my feet the entire day, I got back to my room and commented to my wife, My feet feel great and that has never happened before. I feel like I could go on another 12 hours. I am now married to my Original S.W.A.T.® boots. Believe me, this just might change your lifestyle like it has mine.