Lee-Stuart Evans // LALO Jungle Combat Boot Review
The LALO Tactical Shadow Jungle Combat Boot is a military spec boot with excellent quick drainage and moisture-wicking for harsh humid hot trails. With a good grip that doesn’t clog in mud, flexible but strong Cordura panels, and black leather on top (so you can still look good on parade) these boots offer the best solution to a tough day on wet, hot, humid trails. I would advise buying half a size up.
Full Review
The Summers in New England on the trail can be miserable when there are high humidity and temperatures. I’m already a big fan of the Zodiac Recon AT running shoe and Shadow Intruder Boot.
Fabric
The boots are made from a combo of tough but supple black leather and 1000D Cordura. The leather parts mean you can still keep them shiny for parades and the Cordura gives the boots increased flexibility strength and reduce the overall weight of the boot considerably.
Grip
The boots have a thick rubber grip that I found was good on wet rock and in the dry. It has widely spaced square lugs to I also found they didn’t get clogged up with mud in the wet. Its also designed with stealth in mind so its not squeaky or noisy indoors on polished surfaces. There is ample cushioning beneath in a multi-layer approach so you have a sturdy rock plate set up but ample cushioning if you are on your feet all day.
Lace Pocket
The laces when done up tuck up neatly into an inverted pocket or pouch on the tongue that keeps all the stray bows and laces out of the way which is a tidy and neat solution to stray shoelaces. I also found there wasn’t a load of excess lace which is common in a lot of ankle boots.
Moisture Wicking Fabric Interior
The interior of the boots features a lining that is designed to wick moisture away from your feet quickly when they get damp. This is an effective way to minimize the chances of skin issues or blisters when you spend the day in a wet place.
Passive Drainage
The boot features a series of holes that are designed to push water out quickly to speed up drying. I've found there is little point trying to keep water out, and a boot that tries to be both waterproof and breathable usually fails to do both. Instead, the LALO Jungle Boot accepts the inevitable and instead works hard to get your feet dry again quickly.
Puncture Resistant Composite Rock Plate
As well as the thick cushioned sole the boots come with a composite protective plate that reduces fatigue from rocks but also has a high level of resistance to punctures from sharp objects like nails, glass, or barbed wire.
Sizing
I actually find that LALO boots come in about half a size too small so I would recommend ordering at least a half size bigger than normal. If you are going to spend a whole day on the trail or want thick socks I would actually recommend buying a whole size up (which I did).