Something I learned early in my law enforcement career is you must take care of your feet. Back when I started, agencies didn’t supply all of the gear they do now and being newly married, I tried to scrimp on my shoes.
Big mistake!
I started out pounding the concrete floors of the county jail where quality shoes weren’t just nice, they were essential. Not only were the floors hard, they could also be wet due to humidity (the building wasn’t air conditioned in those days) or from water overflowing from the cell of a “protesting” inmate. I lasted one week before I broke down and bought a pair of quality shoes.
Since then, I’ve gone through many different shoes—from heavy steel-toe, chukka-style boots to black Reebok aerobic shoes when I thought it would be good to be light and fast. However, those Reeboks didn’t offer much protection from, well, anything.
What it comes down to: Different assignments require different footwear. I came to understand that just because you’re in law enforcement doesn’t mean your shoes should always be black leather. Since it was my conscious choice to always be prepared—even off-duty—the type of footwear I bought for leisure was also important. It required the same care I placed into duty shoes and special assignment wear. I now spend my time as a full-time firearms trainer and shoes that will work both inside and out, wet or dry, hot or cold are very important. Truth be told, one pair of shoes will not work in all environments so I need to look for different models for different missions.
While walking the aisles of the 2013 SHOT Show, I ventured into the Danner booth. I first wore Danner boots while on SWAT in the 1980s (I still have a pair from the 1990s and they’re still going strong!) and remain “loyal” to them. If something has proven to work, I’m not in a hurry to change. Danner has always worked for me so I was interested in finding out what they had new. It was there I met Taylor Towne, the Media Relations Coordinator for Danner, and she filled me in on the new Melee and Tachyon boots.
Danner’s Melee Boots
The Melee is Danner’s lightest and most flexible tactical boot. It features an outsole design constructed with a 360-degree pentagonal low lug pattern for grip in all directions, a rugged outer lug pattern with molded siping that disperses water and provides maximum surface contact, and Danner’s patent-pending VIA technology, which provides a V-4 abrasion rubber compound in the medial side arch for fast roping control (a skill set you work on). The Melee was specifically designed for close-quarters battle and is available in both low and high versions as well as brown or black. The exterior of the shoe offers a water-resistant exterior protective coating while also being breathable.
A moisture-wicking mesh lining is combined with a durable 1000-Denier nylon upper and an abrasion-resistant toe and heel cap for long service life. With an overall weight of 30 oz., you have a shoe that’s not only tough, but will stand up to a wide range of environments and functions while being light on the feet. I’ve been wearing the low-cut Melee for months while walking in indoor and outdoor range floors, teaching open hand techniques as well as routine chores around the house with complete satisfaction. These are one durable pair of shoes that could be great both on- (in black, of course) and off-duty.
Danner’s Tachyon Boots
If you’re looking for a conventional lace up boot that’s lightweight then you need look no further than the Tachyon. Danner took their typical boot and completely overhauled it to take out any and all extra weight without neglecting comfort and performance. The Tachyon’s upper is completely synthetic for enhanced weight savings with the added benefit of an ultra-fast dry time. Speed lacing and a three-layer comfort system work together to create a snug, comfortable fit that offers complete range of motion. Most boots in this weight category have a composite rubber outsole but the Tachyon features a true rubber outsole (with abrasion resistant toe cap) for superior abrasion resistance, traction and flexibility. An open cell polyurethane foot bed allows for optimal airflow and superior durability while the EVA midsole offer a high level off shock absorption. The Tachyon rubber outsole features pentagonal lugs for superior surface contact and with a weight of just 26 ounces; you have a boot that feels more like a running shoe. The tachyon is available in black, OD Green and Desert Tan.
I’ve been wearing the Tachyon in warm–hot weather locations and am happy to announce that my feet stay cool and dry. I would say they’re the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned and I don’t like high-top boots. While the Tachyon isn’t designed to be water resistant, I spayed my pair with an overt-the-counter water proofing spray and found it worked just fine in a typical Midwestern rainstorm without affecting the boot’s ability to wick away moisture. Let’s make it simple: Get a pair of Tachyon’s—you will be glad you did!
Danner Boots
503/251-1100
www.danner.com