Like most of you, I’ve worn shoes for nearly as long as I’ve had feet. To be honest, I don’t branch out into new models or styles that often. I tend to stick with a few models and just buy replacements as needed.
When 5.11 dropped their Stache Sneaker, they peaked my interest quite a bit. As a full-time LEO in a plain clothes assignment, I need shoes that look good in the office and hold up on the range. The 5.11 Stache shoe fits that bill extremely well, and they’ve been on my feet for three months now. Let’s take a look at 5.11’s new kicks.
The Stache Sneaker isn’t a boot. It’s a lace-up mid-height shoe with a flat sole. They’re a product of a partnership between 5.11 Tactical and James Reeves of TFB. The Stache Sneaker has Vibram soles designed for moderate use with a canvas upper. The canvas doesn’t have anything to stiffen it, so it’s relatively flexible. The soles are designed for daily wear. The Ortholite insole flexes well and has enough softness to be comfortable on concrete. Pounding the pavement has been pleasant with no fatigue.
I’ve always been exceptional at being average, and my foot size is no different, 9.5 regular. The Stache Sneaker fits true to size with regular weight socks. In three months of wear, I’ve logged over 400 work hours, six range trips, and about 36 miles of hiking. I haven’t had any issues with hotspots or blisters. They’re nice enough to pair with pants and a button-down shirt, but sturdy enough to climb around barricades on the range.
I’d describe the Stache’s like a dressed-up version of Converse All-Stars for grown-ups who like to turn money into noise. They have metal eyelets and come with both white and color matching laces.
They’re just classy enough and tactical enough to fit-in just about wherever they’re needed. I took them on a work trip that required business casual for two days. They were the only shoes I brought, and they fit in just fine. I even received a few compliments.
My normal evening walk is about 1¾ mile on BLM land that’s extremely rugged. On typical ground and easy inclines, they did just fine. On steep hillsides with loose surface soil, the smoother sole had some difficulty gripping. This type of terrain is outside the intended use for the Stache, so just keep in mind that these are not a trekking boot.
On the gravel surface at my local range, the Stache shoe did great. Climbing on roof barricades, working through doorways, and moving while shooting was comfortable. I haven’t experienced any slipping despite my general lack of coordination.
The stitching and adhesives have held up well without any issues. In my garage shop I’ve worn them for everything from turning wrenches to welding target stands. I have been careful not to drop welding slag on the canvass. I’ve made that mistake before, and my right foot has the scar to prove it. They’d make a great work shoe in a machine shop or on a factory floor.
The 5.11 Stache Sneakers also have a neat party trick that gives them their namesake. The tongue of the shoe has a hook-and-loop closure pocket that will let the user stache stash something in there. I stuffed a folded $20 and a handcuff key in there.
Flexible items like money go unnoticed, but anything rigid like a key or lock picks will annoy the top of your foot. It’s best to stick to stuff like extra cash or notes with secret launch codes. That little pocket would be useful when traveling or for back-up funds for emergency beers.
The Stache Sneaker is a comfortable everyday shoe that’ll fit in well everywhere gun-folks usually find themselves. They’re currently available at $95 MSRP.
Features
- Hidden pocket in tongue
- Retro-camo interior lining
- Deconstructed styling
- Vibram Marbrani outsole with XS Trek EVO
- Outsole Area stitch
- Ortholite insole
- Flexible and breathable 1200D nylon upper
- MSRP $95