Review: Condor Bailey Boots

For the better part of a year now I’ve had a pair of boots from Condor Outdoor for test and evaluation. The boot is their Bailey 8” Tactical version is coyote brown. I received a pair that did not have the side zip although that is an option. (I’m old school and prefer not to have that zipper on the side.) Almost a year later the boots have impressed me with performance and comfort. Let’s take a closer look.

A first glance reveals a common looking boot for today’s “tactical” world. I put tactical in quotes because it covers anything military, law enforcement, fire fighters and everyone who thinks that what they do on the weekends is “tactical.” The reality is that these boots, as tested, will fill the bill for all those things pretty well. To test them I wore them in uniform, on duty, off duty, hiking, camping, doing yard work and on snowy days “just because.”

A quick look at the specifications as published:

• AM-TECH® Direct Soling Technology: Outsole binds directly to the upper without the use of glue, creating an inseparable bond
• Removable polyurethane (PU) insole provides extra comfort and reduced impact on your feet
• AQUASHIELD® waterproof bootie membrane ensures dry and comfortable feet in wet weather conditions
• 100% non-metallic eyelets, zipper, and fiber shank (Security Friendly)
• 3.3 lbs/52.8 oz
• Import

Materials

• 100% Genuine Nubuck Leather
• 1800 Denier Coated Oxford Nylon Fabric
• Knit Fabric Lining
• Polyurethane (PU) Outsole
• Polyurethane (PU) Insole

That very first item, AM-TECH® Direct Soling Technology, is of great importance to me. I can’t begin to tell you how many pairs of boots I’ve tested where I’ve observed a separation between the sole and upper within a few months. The “stitch and glue” method works well until the stitching gets worn out and the glue starts to degrade. Over the course of the past year testing these boots I’ve seen ZERO separation. The sole and upper are still tightly sealed all the way around.

The third item, the AQUASHIELD® waterproof bootie membrane, has definitely done its job as I’ve worn these boots in the snow several times and in the rain on plenty of occasions. Even when I’ve been ankle deep in puddles these boots have kept my feet dry. When the temperatures are below 80F, keeping your feet dry matters. Cold isn’t bad. Wet isn’t bad. Cold and wet at the same time can be very bad very quickly.

The boots are available in whole and half sizes from 7 – 10 ½, and whole sizes 11-13. They are a true 8” boot, as measured to the top of the upper on either side of my leg above the ankle bone. They are slightly taller in front and slightly shorter in back, but not enough to make a difference.

Now for the subjective observations:

The boots were comfortable out of the box but even more so after a few weeks of breaking them in. We’re all familiar with how even the softest nylon weaves are stiff until they get worn some and these were no different. The soles proved to offer good traction and I didn’t experience any slip on wet surfaces (except ice and NOTHING provides traction on ice except metal spikes). Once broken in, the boots flexed and twisted sufficiently for comfort but not so much as to neutralize the support provided and required.

My personal preference for fit in boots does not require much padding around the top of the upper or the top of the tongue.  These Condor boots are generous with the padding and it requires a different approach to how tight you tie your laces. I also tuck my laces into the top of the boots so nothing is dangling after I’ve tied them as tight as I want them. The padding helps to hold those laces inside the uppers without a lot of movement. Any extra movement of those laces inside the upper can cause aggravation if conditions don’t allow you to stop and adjust it. Therefore it’s imperative that once you have the boots on, tied and tucked, they remain stable and comfortable. These succeeded in that quite well.

A quick Google search for “Condor 8” tactical boot” revealed quite a few sources where you can get these quality boots for under $100. With some boots costing upwards of $200, that’s great quality per dollar value.