Reviews

5.11 Tactical Trainers 2.0 Low Dark Coyote

Operator7

I’ve been to several Airsoft skirmish sites which don’t allow you to play while wearing trainers or sneakers. And it’s understandable since many sites are in such derelict states that they might pose a high risk of injury to anyone not wearing proper footwear.

However, during hot days if you don’t have a pair of boots that are breathable, or if you want to run light without having to walk and run wearing boots that are heavy and sometimes restrict your ankle movements, what can your wear that doesn’t compromise in terms of comfort and protection to your feet?

Well, I believe you still don’t need to wear a pair of boots if you don’t want to, and I’ve discovered this just after I started wearing a pair of Tactical Trainers. It seems that we can wear trainers and still have some features that I thought were only exclusive to tactical boots.

FEATURES AND DESIGN

Enter the 5.11 Tactical Trainers 2.0 with an array of features that would put to shame most conventional trainers, but are essential for us as Airsofters if we want to make the best out of the sport and some not so essential to Airsoft but quite important in case you work in LE or Mil.

Let’s start with talking about the TPU external ankle stabilizer.  This is the piece of shiny moulded plastic that you can see on the outside of the shoe which provides extra rigidity and support to the ankle. This translates to a much better foot support and stabilization when running since the foot is kept in place and you don’t feel the shoes slipping under your feet. This in turn increases confidence and makes me run faster and more. Coupled with a reinforced rubber back it forms sort of an arch that is quite solid.

Another feature I like about these trainers are the soles which are long lasting and have a mix of outer harder sole and a more soft mid-sole. Combined with 5.11’s Ortholite insoles that are extremely comfortable and provided great padding and cushion from impact these are perfect for long walks or even walks in very tough terrain as they provide cushioning and stability.

Even when running, the insoles act not only as a shock absorber but also as a spring --- harnessing the kinetic force generated by the impact and thrusting the feet upwards making the running experience great. So I would say these are great for Airsofting or even for running/jogging.

I also noticed that in muddy and slippery situations, the soles provide good traction and grip since the lugs have a high profile and provide good directional support.

The stitching is flawless and even after all the time I used them, it’s still holding just as its been just taken out of the shelf and takes care of holding everything together. The nice suede brown fabric, coupled with the several mesh panels let the feet breathe but keep water out. And the sausage laces provide the final touch to an excellently crafted package since once you tighten them, they will stay solidly in place without budging; and you won’t find yourself having to tie your shoes because the laces got undone after a sprint you had to make.

Also, the padded tongue and most of the ankle area offer great comfort to this area that is in constant contact with the shoe avoiding unnecessary abrasion and skin irritation.

The nice features don’t end here, as the 5.11 Tactical trainers also have a very useful pull tab, that on most trainers can become obnoxious (I know this from experience with a pair of Timberland trainers), so 5.11 have added a small elastic that acts as a holder for this pull tab so that It never gets in the way!

Just has I mentioned earlier, there are some reinforced parts on these shoes, on the back and also in the toe area which feature a kind of rubbery hardened protection. Not too hard but hard enough to protect my toes from most impacts from rocks and debris.

I’m sure that being waterproof is not a feature that these trainers have or that 5.11 would advertise for these specific shoes. However, I was able to wear these on very rainy days, and especially on some very wet and muddy conditions and believe it or not I didn’t get my feet wet! With this I’m not saying these are waterproof, but they do a great job keeping water from getting to your feet, which I love, especially because it rains a lot here in the UK.

QUALITY AND MATERIALS

Here, it’s important that you understand that I’m not talking about a pair of shoes I’ve just received last week and spent only a few hours wearing.

These trainers have been thoroughly used and the wear on the sole is a pretty big hint, since I’ve owned these trainers for over 12 months now with regular daily use, but with Airsoft use.

As you can see from the photos, they attest the quality of the materials used by 5.11 when putting together the Tactical Trainers 2.0 and although you can see some wear inside, especially where the ankles come in contact with the shoes the most important and stress areas of the shoes still look at their best. The stitching is pristine and the suede holds to water, mud and dirt without getting stained or damaged. Also notice that critical area where the sole meets the suede, they are still tightly united and haven’t become unglued as I’ve seen in so many trainers from very well-known brands. So top marks to the construction process and materials used.

Also I noticed that these are pretty great all year round shoes, since they ventilate well during summer and keep my feet warm and dry during winter. I just couldn’t ask for more!

CONCLUSION

Could I be happier about these trainers? Only if they come in two pairs!

These have really proven themselves not only on the field but also in my day to day life when I can always be comfortable and tactical while walking or running.

The 5.11 Tactical Trainers have proven to be a great all year round footwear solution for me, thanks to being well-built and lasting and very efficient in either heat, cold or even wet conditions.

Pricing wise, these cost £72 at Military1st and you can get them in brown or black, and there’s even an Anthracit version which costs £9 more and is fully waterproof.

PROS

  • Excellent  comfort and ankle support
  • Durable and well built
  • Breathable and water resistant
  • Lightweight
  • Great looking!

CONS

  • None

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