Viper Special Ops Boot Long Term Review

Viper Special Ops Boot Long Term Review - Intro

I have just received my 2nd pair of these in the post, I have replaced my original pair after about 5 years, as they have become a bit floppy and the grip is nearly gone. But They have been the comfiest pair of boots I have every owned.

The boots are 5 years old, but I only wear then during the spring, autumn and summer, as they are only splash proof, and opt for wellies the rest of the time.

Old Meets New

These are NOT TO BE CONFUSED with boots labelled "COMBAT" which are similar is design, but made from inferior materials.

Viper Special Ops Boot Long Term Review - Comfort

The main reason for a 2nd purchase is the high level of comfort afforded by these boots. They are light, flexible, but feel robust. They are very easy to get on and off, thanks to the zips and either side. 

The boots are supremely comfortable.

Viper Special Ops Boot Long Term Review - Wear

The boots are light yet tough, having severely layers of leather, and testile to produce a reslient upper. Even after the leather has perished there are other textile layers underneath to keep the boot functional.

Perished leather. Note secondary layer of textile. 

Zips still work fine after 5 years.

Some fraying around zip araes.

After 5 years of use the cordura side panels look like new, and ykk zips work very well still. The failure pints are perished leather (suede) and worn soles.

One other failure point is the heel, where it can rub through and expose a hard plastic plastic piece, used to shape the heel. This happened around year 3.  A solution here is to pull out this piece of plastic, and you will have your wearable boots back once again.

Rub through on heal.

Viper Special Ops Boot Long Term Review - Uses

These are great for walking as you would expect, but are also good for a spot of running owing to being light weight. The sole being broad a relatively flat is also good on MTB pedals, and these are by chosen footwear if weather allows. 

Trusty Old Boots, Tired but not finished. 

New boots vs Old Boots 

Viper Special Ops Boot Long Term Review - Water Proof

No these boots are not water proof. They are about as water proof as a trainer. Most of the disappointment, which one can read in review regarding these boots relates to their lack of water proofing.

To make these boots water proof would be (in my opinion) be a compromise as they would likely loose some of their breathability and become heavier. 

About 3 years of use (prorata) over 5 years.

As new. . . .

Environmental Consultants London


CEMP