Viper Tactical Elite Boots

The Viper Elite 5 boot is a very lightweight boot incorporating modern materials into a supremely comfortable wear. Weighing just 1240-grams they are almost as light as a pair of trainers and, once worn in, just as comfortable. Externally they are made of a durable suede leather and waterproof Cordura with a rubber toe protector and a Vibram rubber outsole that is very grippy and flexible. Internally the boots have a really nice soft lining which is described as ‘abrasion resistant’ and there is no rubbing on the feet, even after wearing them for extended periods. The boots certainly shape themselves to your feet after a short time and there is no painful and uncomfortable ‘running in period’ like there used to be with heavy leather boots. The boots have a sealed ‘hydroguard’ membrane to ensure they are fully waterproof but your feet can still breathe and do not overheat.

The Elite 5 boots are a very high, at 8½-inches, and they have a very generous tongue which does require careful positioning when putting the boots on. There is a lot of material between the central part of the tongue and the sides of the boot and if you do not tuck it in evenly then any ridges in it will rub on the front of your shin, this can be very uncomfortable! A good pair of suitable socks easily prevents this but care still needs to be taken to position the tongue sides correctly. The construction of the boots and their height combine to give excellent ankle support without feeling too rigid and restricting. They are ideal for any activities where you are moving around a lot and need flexibility combined with support and protection. They are also flexible enough to drive in.

To the extreme

The outsole and EVA midsole are not as chunky or deeply profiled as a lot of boots, but this does not mean they compromise on grip, they still provide superb hold on all manner of surfaces. They perform well on both ice and on mud and with rough, rocky surfaces there is no loss of comfort on the sole of your feet.

Wearing these boots for several hours, on rough and uneven surfaces, does not cause any pain or ache in the bottom of the feet.

Overall it is hard to think of a surface these boots will not grip well on (within reason!). They are very well made, with rustproof hardware and tough outer materials, and will no doubt perform well during a long lifetime. They are reasonably priced and the maker’s description of them as “extreme outdoor wear” is certainly accurate.