Introduced in 2024, the XD Waterproof Boot by VIKTOS is the latest continuation of the company’s Range Trainer design, and builds upon its previous Johnny Combat footwear. The Range Trainer XD balances its breathability with a rugged, waterproof design that can sustain the end-user at work, in the field, or on range.
The chassis of the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Boot (hereafter simply referred to as the XD) is made from a combination in 1060D ripstop nylon (treated with Viktos’ StormStrike™ DWR finish), impregnated polymer fabric, and quality leather, stitched together using double-line nylon thread.
The hardware on the XD includes unique nylon eyelets and polymer hooks that are anchored into the chassis using double line bartack stitching. The laces are friction-less Dupont nylon with plastic tips.
Sidewalls on the XD are made using panels of nylon and polymer-impregnated fabric to give the greatest degree of flexibility in the material and foot during dynamic movement. The upper panels on the boot’s 6” throat include micro-venting to assist in heat dissipation and preventing penetration by debris or dust. The heightened throat also provides the ideal height to support the ankle in light/moderate environments.
The interior lining includes a breathable/waterproof membrane to help ensure the end-user’s feet remain dry and breathe adequately. Meanwhile an EVA hi-rebound foam on the interior’s midsole provides added comfort. When measured from heel-to-toe, there is a slight 10mm drop to lessen the fatigue in the foot as well as aid in natural walking mechanics.
Like the previous Range Trainer boots, the XD draws on and improves the outsole design to the Johnny Combat series footwear by having a full, combat-focused rubber outsole with a leather protected heel. The semi-translucent lug design gives the sole a self-cleaning flex that helps ensure debris or rocks do not remain lodged.
The toe box is reinforced with leather and tapered to accommodate for a variety of environmental situations or conditions that the footwear may encounter.
The VIKTOS Range Trainer XD Waterproof Boot comes in Ranger (featured) or Black, and is available in sizes 6 through 15.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With its list price of $160, the XD boot was made from a blend of materials and design that allows the end-user to perform in any urban or moderate field environment. There were equal blends of nylon, leather, and synthetic materials throughout the chassis that will ensure the product’s longevity despite hard use. In contrast, market alternatives to this type of range boot would be the XA Forces (Mid) boots ($169.95) or the X Ultra Forces ($169.95) by Salomon, the Moab 2 boot ($139.99) by Merrill, or the Raide 2 (Mid) boots ($109.95) by Bates. As such, the XD boot is at an appropriate (or average) price range amid the market for similar boots as well as for the materials and design utilized.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Sizing for the XD ran true-to-fit (meaning a size 11 will fit as a US-sized 11 shoe – not based on the actual physical length of the user’s foot). It took about a week for the nylon chassis and foam inserts to begin breaking in; but when it did, the XD was very comfortable. The heel was also very well supported and protected, and the boot held its strength from the heel, up the Achilles line, and across to the laces. Thus, it was apparent the boot was designed to give support when and where needed. The sole’s exterior held the standard shock-resistant steyr foam lining on the outer edging that helped support and pad the foot bed, while the taller cuff prevented rolling of the ankle. The XD was most comfortable over the course of a 30-day evaluation cycle during sprints and over loose, level surfaces while still supporting the foot and joints. Lastly, the tongue of the XD was just as thickly padded as the rest of the interior, giving it ample padding against tightened laces and preventing unnecessary pinching.
- Durability – Good (4/5): From a durability aspect, the XD held a good level of durability while worn as a range boot given its tested environment (which included pavement, grass, loose rock, water and mud). By its design, the intent for the XD was to serve as an extension of the Range Trainer footwear into a moderate terrain range boot, and as such the materials excelled in those settings. The 1060D ripstop nylon exterior took a good amount of rough edges, abrasion, and flex with only light/moderate marring to the material—none of which cracked or penetrated the inner layers of the shoe. The boot’s interior padding and lining aided in breathability and flexibility to maneuver various terrain. The double line stitching and very thick bartack at key stress points provided a good level of durability to prevent any separation of the materials. The leather toe cap and heel were appropriate (or average) for a boot of this design and took the brunt of abrasion—but aside from superficial marring performed very well for a range environment and protected the toe while giving the boot structure. It would be a recommendation to Viktos that they consider improving the toe cap to some type of more robust polymer, such as on the X Ultra Forces, as that part of the show often takes on the greatest degree of wear while in the field.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the XD did best with moderate use while on a flat range or amid a modest field environment with movement over loose surfaces (i.e. dirt and lose rock)—this over its previous Range Trainer Boot that was only ideal for flat range surfaces. The XD’s 6” throat and micro-venting materials helped to provide support to the ankle, while giving breathability to alleviate any excessive sweating. The tread was more aggressive than the Range Trainer Boot or other “slick” sole comparators. This heavier tread design and lugs also offered a “self-cleaning” function that kept moisture, small rocks, and debris from building up or caking on. It was noted however, that while mud did spread away from the toe and trusstic portion of the sole, it did fill some of the rear lug design (likely because of the ripples with less spacing between the tread). At no point did moisture penetrate the interior in light/moderate rain or brief submersion (such as when crossing a small brook or creek). Although the XD is branded as “waterproof” that does not apply to prolonged submersion, as invariably moisture did enter the shoe around the ankle when conducting an extended water crossing.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Each individual XD boot weighed in at 1.19 pounds (or 2.38 pounds for the size 11 pair) which is reasonable considering the volume of overall nylon, leather, synthetic materials, and aggressive lug design. In comparison to the market alternatives noted above; the XA Forces (Mid) boots (1.02 pounds per boot) or the X Ultra Forces (0.92 ounces per boot) by Salomon, the Moab 2 boot (1.15 pounds per boot) by Merrill, or the Raide 2 (Mid) boots (1.2 pounds per boot) by Bates show the diversity in weight for similar footwear. However, in the market of alternatives each has differing lug design and underlying materials (nylon, leather, composite, etc.), so that would explain the variance in weight. The features and materials of the VIKTOS Range Trainer XD Waterproof Boot helped ensure it remained an appropriate (or average) weight amid the overall market for the consumer.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/boots/products/rangetrainerxd-wp-boot
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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