AllOutdoor Review: 5.11 McClane Mid – The Norris Successor?…

5.11 Tactical, founded in 1999 by Dan Costa and Francisco Morales, has a history rooted in providing high-performance gear and apparel for law enforcement, military, and tactical professionals. The company’s name, “5.11,” is derived from the highest level of climbing difficulty, symbolizing the commitment to producing top-notch products. Initially starting with a pair of pants designed for rock climbing, 5.11 Tactical quickly gained popularity among law enforcement agencies for its durability and functionality. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include a wide range of tactical gear, from footwear and outerwear to backpacks and accessories. Today, 5.11 Tactical is a globally recognized brand known for its dedication to innovation, quality, and meeting the demanding needs of those who serve in the most challenging environments. The focus of today’s review will be on the 5.11 McClane mid-shoe. This shoe was Announced at the 2023 Shot Show and was promised to be a lighter weight, more breathable option to the popular Norris shoe.

5.11 Tactical Coverage on AllOutdoor

The 5.11 McClane Mid was provided by 5.11 for this review and while I am allowed to keep the product indefinitely, this will not change my opinion on this product or any of 5.11’s current or past offerings. 5.11 has not been allowed to preview this article prior to publication. I have been wearing the 5.11 McClane Mids for the better part 3 months at this point and using it pretty much every day as my off-duty shoes.

Specs – 5.11 McClane Mid

MSRP: $100
Country of Origin: Bangladesh
Color Option: Elmwood

Construction and Materials – 5.11 McClane Mid

The McClane mids are constructed from a Suede and nylon upper for higher durability and decent looks. I appreciate that 5.11 has chosen these materials not only for the way they perform but also blended them into the shoe so that they look good too. One of my biggest complaints with the Norris sneakers is that my feet would get pretty warm in them. This is more of a personal issue as my feet just seem to be warmer than most people’s.

The McClane Mid sneaker is a mid-weight footwear option that seamlessly blending into casual outfits, making it perfect for both low-profile operations and everyday use. Its stylish upper, crafted from a durable combination of suede and nylon, ensures resistance to wear and tear. The sneaker introduces a novel breathable tongue for prolonged comfort, and the presence of a nylon fabric loop heel tab facilitates easy wearing. With a well-padded collar and heel, along with six pairs of reinforced eyelets, this sneaker excels in both comfort and durability.

While at first, I did need to break these shoes in, after that period I was pretty happy with the amount of comfort they provided my feet. The ortho-lite drop-in foam insole is very comfortable and provides my feet with a soft base for movement. Under the Soft sole of the shoe is the puncture-resistant ASTM F2413-11 footbed. This footbed will provide your feet with all the protection they need from glass, needles and even nails ensuring your feet are always safe.

The original Norris Sneaker left a positive impression on me with its comfort, and the new McClane Mid continues to meet expectations. Wearing the McClane Mid for extended periods remains a comfortable experience, providing an excellent fit. Notably, the sneaker delivers commendable support and stability. The mid-top design of the McClane Mid is particularly beneficial, offering both ankle support and flexibility. It effectively covers the ankle bone while permitting sufficient movement for agility and mobility.

Ensuring ample space in the toe box, the part of the shoe that shields and supports the toes, is a noteworthy feature. This is crucial for foot comfort and overall health. It’s important that the toes do not come into contact with the shoe material to prevent issues such as pain, blisters, ingrown toenails, or other complications. The McClane Mid successfully addresses this concern, contributing to a positive and comfortable wearing experience.

The bottom of the shoes has 5.11’s new Hexgrip Vibram full-rubber outsole that is designed for traction and durability on multiple surfaces. To test this our I have been wearing these shoes on all kinds of different surfaces here in Alabama including asphalt, mud, dirt, wet metal and sand as pictured above. While I think the grip on the McClanes is excellent and works in a wide variety of terrains, this means that there will be no one terrain that they really excel at. I would also like to say that I couldn’t really tell any discernable grip improvement from the Norris to the McClean so keep that in mind.

Likes

Puncture-resistant ASTM F2413-11 footbed
Very comfortable
Durable and difficult to stain
Budget-minded

Dislikes

Only available in one color option as of the time of this review
Overseas Produced

Wrap-Up – 5.11 McClane Mid

While I thought the Norris was my favorite shoe from 5.11, I’m happy to report with the updated features and improved breathability, the McClanes have narrowly edged them out. I found myself reaching for the McClanes more often than not these days when I need to run to the grocery store or I’m packing for a quick trip down to Florida. As of the time of writing this review, these shoes only come in the Elmwood colorway and I would really like to see 5.11 expand the color options for this shoe in the future as I think they will be a great seller for the company. In the end, the McClane Mid is a great shoe for those who want to have tactically minded footwear that still blends in at a glace.

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik Orcutt is currently a writer for AllOutdoor who has chosen not to write a short bio at this time.