In recent years we have been seeing footwear makers making sneakers and boots that can look good on the street as well as on the field and we want them to continue on making them. The recent entry in this category, which they call it “Athleisure” is the Mil-spec Basic Black made by L.A. based company BrandBlack.

Relatively a young company, BrandBlack was established in 2012 by David Raysse, a former designer for FILA but has made a name itself in athletic and leisure wear footwear as well as clothing. The designs are stylish and are not outrageously priced.

Mil-Spec Basic Black follows the use of Vibram soles just like the other shoes from BrandBlack. But since this design is Mil-Spec we are itching to get one and test if it can be recommended for tactical use, or in this case for airsoft use. According to is description, it ticks a lot of boxes for use in the field:

• Mil-Spec LTD Lightweight approach shoe
• DWR coated for water repellancy
• Interior sock knit and toggle closure for entry ease
• Heavy reinforced suede toe and eyerow
• Lightweight but strong nylon strap for lockdown
• Vibram Lite-base Wraptech technology

The design, especially with sock-like knit is in following the design trends in sneaker shoes and gives a comfortable wrap around the feet and ankles when worn and keeping the feet warm.  The use of Vibram Wraptech tech for the sole basically shows the sole to be a significant part of the shoe, but is still lightweight and gives a strong grip using the Vibram Megagrip compound.

It is already available to order the BrandBlack online store and you can check other shoe retailers if they have this in stock. As for the price, it will cost you US$248.00.