There’s a certain peace-of-mind that sets in when using military-quality gear. It’s already been thoroughly tested and proven reliable. Lem’s Shoes has entered the tactical boot field in a big way with the new Tactical Pro Tall boots.
By Leon Pantenburg
Disclaimer: Lem’s provided the footwear for this review. I was not paid to publish it, and the company had no input or influence over its content. As always, this review reflects my honest assessment based on firsthand testing and experience. This post contains affiliate links where I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My first pair of combat boots came from Ames (Iowa) Surplus in the early 1970s. At the time, the surplus markets were awash with cheap Vietnam War equipment. For impoverished Iowa State University students, like me and my hiking buddies, the surplus gear was the only affordable choice for hiking and backpacking.
Subsequently, we looked like a band of irregular guerillas in our bits and pieces of surplus fatigues, boots, and equipment. I wore my jungle boots all the time, and eventually ended up with a pair of 10-inch paratrooper boots.
Review of Lem’s Tactical Pro Tall Boots
After my long time experience with military boots, these Lem’s Tactical Pro Tall Boots were an easy opt-in for me. In addition to the military quality of the Lem’s boots, I’ve also worn Lem’s sandals and Boulder Boots to my complete satisfaction.
Here are the Tactical Pro Tall Boot specs, according to Lem’s:
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Fit: Lems widest fit
- Upper: Reverse Calf Skin Leather + Nylon
- Lining: Polyester
- Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip
- Insole: Adventure Poly Insole
- Stack Height: 19.0mm
- Drop: Zero-Drop
- Weight: 16.1 oz (M10)
- Vegan: No
- Care & Treatment: Nikwax suede spray
Here’s How the Tactical Pro Tall Boots Worked Out For Me
Breaking In the Boots: Lem’s Shoes are generally easy to break in. Since I walk every day – sometimes several times, thanks to my All American Brown Dog named Coco – I put a lot of miles in. Out of the box, I laced on the tacticals over a pair of Darn Tough socks and we went for a long dog walk. (My standard hiking socks are usually Darn Tough or Hollow Alpaca.)
Our usual route consists of sidewalks and off into broken terrain in the high desert. For these boots, there was never any chaffing, rubbing or discomfort on that initial hike. That said, NEVER wear new shoes on a hike without breaking them in properly. Here is how to break in your boots.
Fit: Lem’s shoes fit me perfectly. I wear size 11, wide shoes, and all my Lem’s shoes are very comfortable.
Comfort: This is another area where Lem’s hits it out of the park. Despite initially being somewhat stiff, there was never a time when the boots were not comfortable to wear, regardless of terrain.
Military quality: The Tacticals comply with AR 670-1 in construction and materials. This means the boots meet the technical and performance requirements expected for military use. Service members can wear these boots with some of their uniforms.
The Tacticals Can be Worn With Some Military Uniforms
Tall boot shaft: The high 9″ shaft offers ankle support and protection. It allows the necessary range of motion when carrying heavy packs. For me, this means I won’t be kicking debris into the boot while walking. Cheat grass or other weed seeds won’t get in the boot when I’m walking through brush.
Materials: All the components of the boots are top quality. The reverse cowhide upper material, according to Lem’s, is extremely durable, abrasion-resistant, breathable, water resistant, and it dries quickly. These boots should last and look good for a long time.
Color: The coyote brown color is noticeably cooler in the sun than the darker colors. These are par excellence desert boots, IMHO. Different colors will be available this fall.
I Find the Wide Toe Box to be Very Comfortable
Wide toe box: I have wide feet, and finding the correct width in boots used to be hard. These boots are built on Lem’s widest last. The idea is to give military personnel extra room in the toe and a stable platform underfoot. For me it means I can wiggle my toes while walking. This contributes immensely to overall comfort.
The Sole Pattern is Excellent for Everyday Wear
Sole: The outsole is Vibram® Megagrip design. This is a good compromise pattern for walking on muddy terrain or slick urban surfaces.
Then There’s This
I don’t like the top eyelets for the laces. They make the boots cumbersome to put on or take off. But there’s a good reason for the eyelets – there is always a danger they could snag on a parachute line or trip wire, or snag the other shoe lace. So I get it, but I may replace the current eyelets with speed hooks. That will allow me to shorten the laces and put on and take off the boots quicker.
So Do You Need a Pair of These Boots?
Well, I like the Lem’s Tactical Pro Tall Boots and they are an excellent hot weather/desert boot. They are a quality product and it will take a long time to wear them out. These boots would be a good choice to include in your vehicle’s Get-Home gear.
I can’t think of anything (except for the top four eyelets) that I don’t like. If you’re considering some footwear that will serve you well virtually anywhere, these boots may be just what you’re looking for.
Five Aspects to Consider When Shopping for Boots
There are a lot of factors that determine how comfortable your hiking footwear will be. Consider these five aspects when you are shopping:
- Waterproof or not?
- What are the best socks for the conditions?
- How do you avoid getting sore feet?
- Will the shoes or boots keep your feet warm?
- Boot break-in tips
