by John Boch
The fine folks at Rocky sent me a new set of boots for me to evaluate last October. I’ve worn the “Ultra Ops” Public Service Boots now for almost three months through snow, sleet, rain, ice and mud.
Not only do they look great after my “torture” testing, but the other thing I really like about them is that they don’t look like “uniform boots” – aka “I’ve got a gun” boots.
After all, some areas aren’t permissive and/or welcoming of firearms in the hands of good guys in the Land of Pritzker. Nothing screams “I’ve got a gun” to knowing eyes like a pair of polished (or could be polished) black leather boots.
Here’s the primary claim to fame on this new line of Rocky boots, per the company: “…agility meets durability – a lightweight, high-performance tactical boot engineered for those who demand speed without sacrificing support. This 6-inch boot features full-grain leather and a breathable mesh upper, offering structure and flexibility. The dual-density EVA/rubber outsole keeps the boots lightweight without sacrificing traction, making it ideal for extended wear and use across unpredictable terrain. The Terra Suspension footbed provides cushion while absorbing shock and the molded TPU and heel guards add protection to high-wear zones.”
Translating that industry and market-speak into English: They are affordable, lightweight, quasi-duty boots, well-suited for first responders on- and off-duty that will hold up to hard use. As hard as I tried to find something I criticize about these boots, I failed. They seem like a very good value for the $100 street price.
These are warm when it’s quite cold outside and dry when it’s wet outside. They feel very comfortable and they offer a great deal of support, something my personal trainer girlfriend sometimes nags me about. And they’re holding up very nicely, better than similarly-priced products from competitors I’ve worn in past years.
First impressions.
And my very first impression trying these on? “Holy cow! I’m 2” taller!” I didn’t take a ruler to it but it might be even more.
Who doesn’t want to be 2” taller in a pair of sturdy boots? You’ll have to ask your circle of friends if they make you look more handsome, too. No guarantees there.
Yes, there’s a lot of material between your heels and the ground. And unlike “inexpensive” boots with lousy support, where you can feel every big rock and stick under your foot, these have a rigid and supportive sole. My only gripe, if you can call it that, is that the laces anchor the boot to your foot maybe a little too securely, slowing me down taking them off and putting them on. On the flip side, if you tie them properly, they’ll never “loosen up” as you wear them nor will you get blisters from your footsies slipping inside the boot. Not in a month of Sundays.
As with my last pair of Rocky boots, these offer slip resistance and sure-footed stability no matter the terrain or condition.
Now admittedly I’m not a professional footwear reviewer. I much prefer guns and shooting gear. While I may not be an expert in good boots, I got a PhD in bad footwear when extra money wasn’t available for quality, name-brand products when I was younger. Most of us have made plenty of mistakes in our lives buying shoes that don’t fit well, don’t wear well and/or fall apart prematurely. These Rockies, however, are nice, not naughty. Heck, Santa might even have a pair of these for everyday wear.
After almost three months of daily wear, these look almost brand new save a couple of scuffs. I’m not sure what sort of dirt-repelling magic they’ve imbued the shell material with, but I like it a lot and would be remiss if I didn’t mention it.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for a pair of nice, comfortable boots that wear well, protect your feet and won’t break the bank – or tell the world you’re carrying a Glock – take a look at these. I’m pretty sure you’ll like them and your feet will too. Yeah, they would make a helluva birthday gift. Or Father’s Day gift too, one he’ll appreciate WAY more than another tie.