Factory laces are substandard, and frankly, cheap. The side zippers are next to useless unless you’ve no ankle bones to speak of. You cannot have the boots securely fitted using the zippers alone. You WILL HAVE TO TIE THE LACES each time, rendering what is a much needed boot function useless. If you need the quick on/off like many of us do, this is not the boot for you. That being said, they are sturdy, break in quickly, and despite an aggressive tread, allow quiet movement. The factory insoles are surprisingly comfortable, supportive, and don’t slide all over the inside of the boot. If the zipper and laces are fixed in design, this would be a top tier assault boot.

UPDATE. I maintain my gear. The photos show that. Had these about a year, and the tops have already separated, as you can see. These boots are crap, and I’m disgusted with Rocky for turning out something that didn’t last any time at all. I didn’t even put these through the wringer and they’re falling apart! BUY ANOTHER BRAND!!!

The boot fits uncomfortably tight at the heel for the first 6-7 days of wearing it. Once it loses up it becomes a very comfortable boot. The zipper is high quality, but I did have to change the laces after about 3 months of use.

As of now they have last 7 months and foresee them lasting another years easily.