5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C.® 8" Side Zip Boot

I decided to do some reviews on items I use to help others make better buying decisions.  The first item I decided to do a review on is the 5.11 Tactical A.T.A.C.® 8" Side Zip Boot.  Now I have owned and worn four pair of these boots so far.  I am very rough on footwear and these boots have performed excellently.  These were my first 5.11 Tactical purchase and have been very impressed.  I have bought several other 5.11 Tactical items since due to the value and quality of these boots.
I have wide feet so bought the 12 Wides and they fit great right out of the box.  I am able to wear them for an entire shift on the first day without any problems.  I LOVE the side zip.  It is the best idea for boots ever.  I have heard of people having problems with side zips on boots, but with these boots I have never had a single issue and they have always held up like champs.  I tried a pair of side zip boots with a straight down the side zipper and had a very hard time getting the boot over my foot.  These boots have a zipper that follows the lace eyelets and are much easier to put on, but then zip up snug.  They shine up very nice and wear very well.  They fit like a tennis shoe.  The nylon sides stand up great, but unless you get a waterproof pair, don't get into too deep of water.  They have an awesome side pocket at the top that is perfect for a small knife.  I had a Ka-Bar Last Ditch Knife (LDK) in there and it fit perfectly and no one but me knew it was there.  With my last pair of boots I bought, they gave me a boot knife and it fits nicely in the pocket too.  It sticks out a bit higher as it is a bigger knife than the LDK.
My second pair of boots did seem to wear a little faster than the others.  I will admit that part of that was probably my fault.  I threw them on when I bought them and never too the time to adjust the laces and such after they broke in completely to fit right.  As a result, my heels rubbed the back of the boot and wore through the lining inside the boot faster than I would have liked.  It did not affect the way the boot wore but just wore quicker.  The other thing that happened to them was on the left foot something in the sole began to make a popping sound when I walked.  It was not very loud, but I noticed it.  I never figured out what was causing it because they were too comfortable to cut up to find out what it was.  And needless to say, it did not stop me from buying two more pair of these boots since.
One of my Sgt.'s has a pair he has worn for over 3 years and he has a parade gloss on them and they look brand new.  He must take much better care of his than I seem to be able to with mine.  I will end by saying these are great boots and I will continue to buy them as I need them.  They are not for everyone, but they are a great boot for a great price and will not disappoint.