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The Lalo Tactical Rapid Assault Boots are a superb pair of military spec boots that think they are running shoes. Lightweight and flexible with a 6inch or 9 inch Cordura ankle option the boot has self draining features, exceptional grip and stability and quick tie pull string laces. These boots are just as good with jeans at the weekend as they are for hiking, trail running or any of that ‘jumping out of helicopters’ stuff they were actually designed for.

Full Review

Matt Black is as cool as it gets. From stealth fighters to carbon wrapped super cars I have a soft spot for things that aren’t shiny.

I’m a huge fan of Lalos range. I’ve set trail records wearing their shoes and boots. Ive reviewed their outstanding Zodiac AT training shoes, Jungle Boot and Intruder desert boot in the past.

What’s interesting about the new Rapid Assaults is Lalo have combined the superb lightweight, comfort and grip of the Zodiac AT shoe and combined it the the Cordura ankle of the Jungle boot to make something better than both.

The Rapid Assault boots are like Yeezys wrapped in Body Armor

Lightweight

These are ridiculously light. The PAIR I tried weighed about 1lb. On your feet these literally feel like you are wearing running sneakers. I quickly forgot I was even wearing boots when I went for a trail run wearing them.

Cordura

The bulk of the boot upper is made from Cordura 1000 which is very water resistant ( I have a diving drysuit made out of it) and is highly resistant to wear and tears. Even a knife will struggle to slice through Cordura easily. Despite this the boots are still flexible enough to feel light and comfortable and the tongue is linked to the main upper to stop splashes getting your feet wet.

Quick Lazy Laces

The boots come with a quick lace system where you simply pull the toggle to tighten up. It saves loads of time compared to lacing and unlacing a boot. The tongue has a unique stretchy mesh pocket inside it to tuck away the excess neatly and I found they do a great job of keeping the tucked away laces out of the way.

Outstanding Grip and Stability

The grip is designed to work in a wide range of conditions. I found it was good on wet rock, excellent on sidewalk ( we run to and from trails right ?) and they also don’t clog easily in mud and loose dirt.

Overall these shoes have a rugged ugly/pretty unapologetic design that reminds me of classic military gear like the Hummer or an Apache Helicopter.

Quick Drainage

When your feet do get fully wet these boots have special drain holes along the base to help water escape quickly and the material was also quick to dry when I ran through stream crossings and brooks on trail.

Foot Shaped !

Sounds like a weird thing to talk about…a boot being foot shaped but very few shoes actually are. Most are too narrow and pointy. The Rapid Assaults have a wide comfortable toe box so your toes don’t get squished and so you are less likely yo get blisters. On long distance runs or hikes your feet swell so these boots give you the room for your feet to remain comfortable all day.

Who is the Rapid Assault for ?

This boot will suit people with normal to wide feet who spend a lot of time on their feet. Comfortable with jeans in an urban environment these boots also dominate trails with grip and weatherproofing. They are just at home in the snow, hiking, trail running and out casually in the town. The only time I think these may not excel is in the humid high heat of the summer when the reduced breathability from the Cordura would probably make them a bit muggy after a few hours. Luckily the bamboo lining helps wick moisture and sweat away and keep the boots from being smelly.

Verdict

The Lalo Tactical Rapid Assault Boots are a superb pair of military spec boots that think they are running shoes. Lightweight and flexible with a 6inch or 9 inch Cordura ankle option the boot has self draining features, exceptional grip and stability and quick tie pull string laces. These boots are just as good with jeans at the weekend as they are for hiking, trail running or any of that ‘jumping out of helicopters’ stuff they were actually designed for.

PURCHASE $170

Features and Specs

• Hidden Lace Pocket
• Sleek eyelet loops
• Cordura 1000D Nylon Upper
• Articulating heel and outsole shape for assisting in noise reduction
• Trek Dry™ moisture-wicking, hydrophobic, antimicrobial lining utilizing carbonized bamboo
• LALO OCF – Operator Component Fit System
• Carbonized rubber toe cap for durability and protection
• Drainage ports for a two-way passive drainage system
• EVA heel counter for maximum stability and a secure fit
• Multi-density EVA construction designed to cushion at foot-strike and propel during toe-off
• Signature slip-resistant LALO Off-Road Traction Pods (ORTP)
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Drainable

About Lalo

The company was founded to serve the needs of Special Operations Forces and NSW Operators. Their award-winning designers and developers have been creating innovative footwear for some of the world’s most popular brands for over 30 years.

They use top tier materials to create some of the best and hardest working tactical boots and athletic footwear for those that rise to the toughest occasions.

The LALO Tactical Athletic line is a direct result of briefings they received from their Special Operations Forces. The need was to build a lightweight, packable, breathable shoe they could cross train and run in – a shoe they could count on, whether training or deployed. The tactical athletic designs put an emphasis on noise reduction, support and game day performance; gear that hits the mark time after time.

LALO was created for the best of the best but why shouldn’t every day athletes, busy parents and weekend warriors also benefit? Every pair of shoes they create is for the end user who refuses to settle for the status quo.

Whether your path leads you to a career in the military, competing in an adventure race, cross training, tackling an urban athletic workout, or running a 5K, we’ve got the shoe for you.