I was certainly happy with my first experience of Blauer products with the Clash Boot, so quickly took them up on the offer to try more items like this Strike shoe. Keeping the awesome feature of using the BOA lacing system, there is no slacking on the rest of the shoe details to make a great 4" tall design.
As a quick recap on the BOA system, it uses a steel cable and rotating cinch concept instead of traditional laces. The BOA functionality is pretty simple and intuitive where one just turns the main knob clockwise to tighten when in the locked position and then can pull the knob outwards to release. Since there is overall low friction between the cable and routing hardware the end result gives a very even laced fit. A huge plus to this system is that there are never any laces dangling down waiting to trip you or generally requiring management. Typically it takes me at least 6 good sized knob turns to go from putting the boots on and tightening which is still plenty faster than tying and tucking laces. As you may have guessed this system makes taking footwear off very fast as well.
Now that I have more experience with Blauer and the BOA system I can say overall it is as durable as hoped with some small considerations. Pretty much the system held up to any beatings I could give it however I found myself running into some issues when being lazy wearing them with the system loose and main knob unlocked/up. While messing with a ladder in this mode (I know sounds smart to begin with right?) I managed to snag the knob on a step and it broke the knob system pretty good. In summary the knob is definitely the weak point so I recommended locking it down when worn at any time (doesn't have to be tight), but when done so the system works great and is overall plenty durable. Rough use aside, Blauer still holds up the Boa system lifetime warranty so if you find a way to break it, they will find a way to get you fixed up.
Out of the box the Strike shoes are good and comfy so there isn't really much of a break in period needed. For my personal experience, being the small monkey I am, sizing can be a little tricky as I'm kind of borderline size 6.5 / 7 on footwear. Usually 7 is the smallest places make so I'm used to making do. As is I max out the tightness capability when going for a snug fit on the Strike, but a slim shoe insert can help offset this issue if I find myself needing additional tightness more often. I'd say the design goal of the Strike and what I wanted them for is certainly achieved: to be a convenient/comfy shoe that looks overall simple and plain, yet also are durable enough to keep up with tactical tasks when needed. I found the sole/tread to be good for various urban surfaces. Overall solid grip without being clompy while running, just a little bit of squeak on interior hardwoods and similar super flat surfaces.
The Strike has all the coolguy materials and features one would expect from Blauer such as:
-Durable nylon mesh in key areas provides superior breathability
-Antibacterial and moisture wicking lining
-Notched collar back for calf comfort
-Molded polyurethane foam insoles with PU foam heel cushion for instant broken-in feel
-Lightweight and flexible compression molded EVA midsole provides long lasting impact absorption and rebound
-Integrated ESS shank for stabilization and fast roping
-Oil and slip resistant rubber
-Blauer’s hybrid traction tread pattern for better grip on and off the pavement
-Fence climbing grooves in the toe
-Radiused heel for long-shift driving comfort
So for the jokers who made fun of my Clash Boots for looking bulky (Joke is already on them as those things are comfortable as hell), or those just wanting the comfort of less tall footwear, the Strike Shoes make a great low profile / high performing option.
