The last time I reviewed footwear on GATDaily.com, I covered 5.11’s Chukka boots. Chukkas are best described as a pair of modern all-purpose, mid-ankle boots with a design heritage that’s strongly linked to both extreme ends of the African continent—from the Second World War desert campaigns fought in northern Africa to the bushland of southern Africa.
The Chukka style works quite well for a wide range of activities, from traveling to going out or even walking around light trails in city parks. However, when it comes to providing more support and rigidity, especially off pavement, there is only so much that the Chukka-style design can contribute. But no worries, because 5.11 didn’t simply stop with their adaptation of their classic Chukka.
5.11 also has an offering for those in search of a lightweight but more technical low-profile boot: the 5.11 A/T Mids:
Enter The 5.11 A/T Mid Boot
The 5.11 A/T Mid Boot is another option from 5.11 that caters to wearers in search of a lightweight and breathable multi-purpose outdoor ankle-height boot, without being so “boot-like.” They’re available in coyote brown or black and are suitable for a wide variety of activities, including light backpacking, rucking, hiking, or walking off the pavement.
Being part of 5.11’s “A/T” (All-Terrain) product line, the Mids are especially handy in any outdoor and off-pavement environment, thanks to their high-traction tread and sole patterns. Not to mention, the rubber compound is also ASTM slip and oil resistant. More importantly, the inside is extremely cushioned and comfortable. Ortholite insoles are standard for these boots.
The description of 5.11’s product on the A/T Mid boot’s official page mentions the implementation of the 5.11 ATLAS (All-Terrain Load Assistance System) within the boot. The use of high-impact absorbing foam materials within the boot is also listed. There’s evidence of modern construction techniques as the mesh upper is welded to the sole in a “seamless” fashion. Both the toebox and heel areas are 3-D molded and provide ample space for both ends of the foot.
5.11 A/T Mid First Impressions
By not seeming “boot-like,” I meant that it appears as if 5.11’s designers straddled the line between trail shoe and boot proper with the specific profile of the A/T Mids. One could be forgiven for assuming these were tactical trail shoes or aggressively-treaded high-top sneakers as opposed to actual mid-height ankle-supporting boots—what they actually really are. And the A/T Mids are also lighter than one would expect.
Since I’ve gotten them, these have become my designated range shoes, given that I’m likely to encounter dirt or gravel in most venues where I shoot. The extra traction from the Mids’ aggressive sole is also handy, especially for movement. By this point in time, I’ve been wearing my mids to various competitions, training events, and nearly every range outing since the middle of last December.
Aside from range duty, I’ve also worn them plenty on regular trail walks with the dog while traversing rugged foothills full of rocks, gravel, and various types of soils. I’ve also worn them on light rucks around city park trails and sidewalks with no complaints.
With their easy-breathing mesh uppers, I’ve found that the 5.11 A/T Mid boots are suitable for a good portion of temperate ranges. I’ve shot in them, shooting with temperatures ranging from the low 30s to the mid-80s. We haven’t quite hit the Texas 100*F training or match summer sessions yet, but I suspect the A/T Mids will do fine.
I’ve done worse footwear-wise during July USPSA matches. Also, I already know I’ll likely be wearing these for dove season this year. One has to be comfortable while sitting over their dove bucket or folding stool, after all.
Wearing The 5.11 A/T Mid Boot
I’ll be frank; my area of expertise lies in firearms, not so much advanced shoe engineering.
Whatever combination of impact-absorbing and support materials are used, I can attest that they’re very comfortable and easy on the soles of the foot, especially when standing around for prolonged periods of time. This was especially evident after wearing these during Gabe White’s 2-Day pistol class that I recently took in February.
Being on one’s feet all day long for two days back to back is part and parcel of intensive handgun training classes. One of the greatest feelings known to man is arguably when coming home to take your shoes off after a long day at the range (right before reaching for an adult beverage). The A/T Mids went a long way in making White’s class bearable for my feet.
It’s not just whatever specialized cushioning and impact-absorbing foam is used in the A/T Mids construction, but I also really like the way the upper and the tongue envelop the foot. They both do so without putting too much direct pressure on the foot. In essence, they feel like a very snug slipper.
The fact that they avoid putting such pressure and hotspots over the top side of the foot also contributes to their all-day wearability. The laces are a soft and tubular style found on many performance sneakers, and they also work great in this application. When tied, they stay put and keep the top half of the boot where it belongs.
The Takeaway
Coming from a blue-collar working man’s background, I’ve never been one to skimp on footwear. I understand all too well how a shoe or boot will make or break someone as they’re the only thing that protects the feet from the ground beneath them. For this reason, I tend to stick to higher-end footwear brands such as Keen, Salomon, and La Sportiva.
Other than 5.11’s previously mentioned Chukkas, the A/T Mids are my first foray into the brand’s more technical outdoor boots. Unfortunately, this means that I can’t yet comment on the Mids’ long-term performance. However, so far, their fit and comfort have met or exceeded my expectations given my experience with higher-end footwear.
