31 January 2010

As a middle manager for the largest Crowd Management Company in Europe, I've had plenty of chances to put my Magnum boots throught their paces. From manning the doors of licensed premises to leading Incident Response Teams at major outdoor festivals, they have always been dependable and never once let me down.

My first pair of Elite II Leather/Nylon boots were a blessing after trialling much heavier British Military all leather counterparts. The boots took no breaking in time whatsoever, felt light and comfortable from the word 'go', and yet offered the kind of support one would expect from a high leg tactical boot. Importantly for my job, they look smart under trousers but offer an impressive set of features. The Vibram soles are comfortable and flex with the movement of your feet. They grip well in most conditions, and I've only ever fallen twice while running to incidents in a nightclub that is notorious for its slippery dancefloor! They are excellent for driving in as well, even when the whelts are clogged with mud from festival campsites. They are easy to clean and maintain, being mostly leather, and I can vouch for the waterproof membrane living up to expectations, having had my feet partially submeged for several hours in British summer downpours. In summary, as tough as the military's finest, but without the weight and discomfort.

I bought the Elite Spiders reluctantly, as I had wanted a second (spare) pair of Elite II's. My decision was mainly prompted by the need for a pair for smart indoor use, and another pair for heavy duty outdoor festivals. The Elite II's were versatile and worked in both, but unfortunately I couldn't keep up with them in terms of cleaning them at short notice!

For anyone working in security/door supervision with no risk of foot deep mud or torrential rain one day after the next, I'd thorougly recommend the Spiders. What they lack in waterproof membrane, they more than make up for in other areas. They are lighter than I thought was possible, and at first I was concerned that they wouldn't be able to take the punishment of my work activities. Once again Magnum, you've proven me wrong. The Vibram sole is exceptional. It feels more like a running shoe than a boot and I am 100% confident that my grip is secure on any surface, even when moving at speed and changing direction. They are covered in holes and vents to let your feet breath, and if they do get wet, they'll dry much quicker than boots with a membrane. They are a little more difficult to polish due to the ventilated areas but this is nit picking really. I also found that they took a little getting used to for driving in at first. The soles are that well cushioned I couldn't feel the pedals! Despite their light weight the Spiders offer superp protection and stability, with thick padding and scuff pads in all the right places on the outside of the boot. I have occasionaly even had to kick through toilet cubicle doors and they offered superior shock absorbtion in this role. They are easy to lace and quick to get on and off. Although they look a little strange and 'modern' in the pictures, they have served me well on more formal occasions under a pair of trousers. the leather on the toe and heel polishes up nicely. I managed to convince a few of my colleagues to buy a pair and I'm sure it's no coincidence that we are always the first in attendance when there is a crowd disturbance. All in all a great pair of boots for those whom hold speed of movement and comfort in high regard, and who mostly work in a dryish/indoor environment. I'm actually so impressed with mine that I intend to buy a sand coloured pair for when I'm not working to wear with my jeans.

Hopefully, the new Ion Shield technology will combine the best attributes of both these boots, by offering super light weight and protection from the elements at the same time. This has to be the way forward, and I look forward to getting myself a pair when I eventually wear out my Spiders (which should take a while).

I hope this useful to anyone thinking about purchasing some top notch gear. Thanks again Magnum, keep up the good work!

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