Review Details

Aerostich Combat Touring Boots

Product Review (submitted on August 19, 2009):

Being a loyal Aerostich customer, I wasn't worried about quality on these but I was concerned about the fit and break in. Neither was a problem I usually have a hard time getting well fitting shoes (wide feet with a high instep) but the CTs are incredibly adjustable due to the ratcheting buckle and speed lace system. It took a couple of wearings to get a feel for how tight to set them but now they fit like a dream.

I think the break in effort was pretty exaggerated. They are stiff when new, but anyone who's broken in a pair of Corcoran jump boots, Herman Survivor work boots, or Chippewa mountaineering boots has dealt with worse. I've got about a dozen wearings, totaling about 48 hours, and they are already very comfortable. They had softened up and begun to flex by the end of the second wearing. These are still a fairly stiff boot and I expect that they'll stay that way (just like the ones I mentioned above).
The only nuisance I've found is that, with the stiffer sole and thicker toe box, it's a tight fit under the shifter (I'll probably adjust the lever eventually).
Overall these are superb boots with excellent protection (and they really do disappear under a regular pair of jeans). They're pricey, but well worth it; besides, when's the last time you fell in love with a piece of cheap kit?