Scorecard
Probably The Best Boot I've Ever Worn
To Everyone,
I was so impressed with the comfort, the flexibility, and the overall look of the Magnum Spider Elite's. 9 out of 10 all the way!
Out of Box Condition and Comfort:
They were a perfect fit right out of the box. They have no breaking in period, and the insole is awesome! If it wasn't for the height I would swear this was a running shoe. The ankle support is very comfortable and the boot itself is sized to fit. 10/10 on out-of-box condition and comfort.
Durability:
As a Border Patrol Agent in Texas, I deal with the toughest terrain the U.S. has to offer. These are by no means normal climate and environment conditions. Only a few boots made today are equipped to last in those conditions. With that being said the Magnum Spider Elite's only lasted a few months in the brush. The seams and sides started to peel and these boots seem to be more flash flood resistant than waterproof. Though the integrity of the boot was compromised, the comfort still remained true. The Vibram soles at least kept the bottom of the boot together. I think these boots are best for a more urban environment, but I still wear them some times (holes and all) because no boot beats the speed.
I give the Durability 5/10 in South Texas and a 9/10 in the South Bronx, lol.
Overall I recommend this boot to anyone who wants a supportive boot, a lightweight boot, and a flexible boot. Although it's a little pricey on the Magnum website, you can probably find it at a sporting goods store for about a C-note ($100). I have yet to find a better boot. There is probably one other brand that comes as a distant second. Though it was more durable, it's not as fast (my meaning of a fast: boot is a combination of lightweight, flexibilty and comfort). The competitor's boot also cost an arm and a leg. With that being said I would definitely recommend the Magnum Spider.
Great Comfort For Those Long Days
I purchased a pair of these boots when I started with my new dept. in September 2008. They only took one day of wear before they were broken in and felt like I had been wearing them for months.
The boots are lightweight — quiet for walking around and all day wear — this is a major plus. Great for summertime as well as your feet don't get as hot. Waterproof ability was unmatched. These boots were just recently retired by me as the tread finally wore out (year and a half of constant wear!). I even replaced them with an identical pair. Great boots, Magnum!
I've Been Bit By the Magnum Series Spider!
If these boots were radioactive, I'm sure I'd be transferred the spider-like abilities, lol. On the first day of wearing these boots, a coworker had also worn a brand new pair of boots of a different brand. We couldn't wait to compare the footwear and determine which one was better. Now Arizona, with its constant sun and extreme heat, wreaks havoc on a boot. After a long shift my partner and I met at the parking lot to discuss the day's events and wind down. As we proceeded to the lockers I kept hearing a "Click-clack" sound. I determined it was coming from one of us. Perhaps it was a pebble embedded in the tread of one of our boots. My partner and I checked our feet. We discovered that the left boot from HIS pair had split clean in half from side to side. All too happy to laugh and poke fun I told him, "Well I guess that's that." To make matters worse, the company he bought the boots from refused to replace the boots. Needless to say my partner ordered his Spiders the next day. Thanks, Magnum!
Worth Looking For!
I knew I wanted this boot when it was time to replace my 4-year-old Magnums. I had to search/wait about two weeks to find my size. I'm glad I held out and did not settle for something else. The Spider's work very well for walking indoors. I do quite a bit of walking in a medium-large jail facility. No problem with fatigue at all when I get home. The boots give a very secure feeling when dealing with unruly customers. Great traction for physical situations, even wet cell floors. Very pleased — as I always am with Magnums.
Great Boots
These are by far the best pair of boots I have ever owned. These were one of a few choices given to us at the start of our police academy. I chose these as I have had good experiences with Magnum boots in the past.
I have to say that choosing these boots was a great decision. They feel almost like tennis shoes and have lasted me over a year. While others in my academy were sending their boots back to other manufacturers to be repaired/replaced, these boots kept up with all the abuse I put them through. With a little polish they still look like new after an 8-month academy and 5 months out in the field. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Great Boots
I bought these boots at the start of my police academy. This means that they had to be able to hold polish well and stand up to the daily abuse an officer puts on his boots.
I have to say these really impressed me. They held polish better than the boots my classmates had. I was also the only one who didn't have to return a pair of boots to be repaired. These boots are more than what I could have asked for, for the price I paid.
Needs to be Waterproof
I loved these boots but did have some issues with them. The zipper kept getting caught and I would have to take the boots off to fix it. I wish that the boots were waterproof. When I bought them from the online store they told me that they were. Well they kinda were but proved to get a little water in them. They did hold up great and were very comfortable to wear. I had to get new ones because I wore these out. If these boots became waterproof I for sure would buy another pair.
Ocho Zero
This is my first pair; this particular pair is just what I was seeking for in the way of comfort and durability... The design of the boot is great the way it supports your feet and around the ankles. The zipper is well made.
Spider Senses are Tingling
This is my second pair; this particular pair is just what I was looking for in the way of comfort and durability, and that they are so light. The design of the boot is great the way it supports your feet and around the ankles. The zipper is well made and moves freely without any snags. The construction of the material on the outside seems to be very rugged—being on my feet all day on a construction site walking a lot up multiple stairs and all kinds of dirt and mud. They do clean up very easy and hold a very good shine. Best part is they feel so good on the feet and definitely will buy again and recommend them to everybody.
3rd Pair in 2 Years
The first thing that attracted me to these boots was the appearance. Then after they actually had my size, the comfort has kept me as a customer.
Perfect Fit
My Magnums are a part of me. Spider 8.0 boots are the best footwear I have ever owned.
Eyes on the Prize
Every Field Tester that Magnum feels has earned a spot as an Official Field Tester will receive this top-of-the-line boot: the Elite Force 8.0 WPi featuring ion-mask™.
