It's been a few months now since the fabulous team over at Argyle Performance Work wear sent me out a pair of their newly released Bison XTLZ-101unisex work boots, so I thought it was about time I let you guys know my thoughts on the newest work boots on the block. 

First impressions, I LOVED the cut. They're not "low" but not extremely high at the same time. They have a nice chunky zip with the Velcro strap, ensuring the zip stays up. Lightweight. Laced with a pair of the incredible Bison Laces. Toe protection, and overall a really good looking boot. 

Now after wearing them, I can tell you they are one heck of a comfy boot. The insole provides great arch support for those standing and moving around all day and makes every step kind of .... squishy (I'm sure when I say this you can imagine what I mean). I also love how these boots come in two fits, wide fit or extra wide fit, I have the extra wide fit and find that little bit extra room on either side of my toes has reduced rubbing and made a big difference to how my feet are feeling at the end of each day. Also just in the past week, we have been working on a first-floor deck so I've have been walking over plenty of joists at height (safely of course) but I couldn't help but notice these boots work really well to distribute your weight evenly across the bottom of the boot when walking across joists. Your foot doesn't bend around the joist, but more like the sole of the boot does this for you so you don't feel like your foot is bending in half with each step. They would be perfect to be worn when putting up roof trusses.

The cut of these boots are, I would say, a little bit lower than a regular work boot. They sit just above my ankle and ensure I have all the support I need, without being so overly high that you get left with ugly tan lines all summer long. The side zips provide the boot with easy access which is perfect when needing to go in and out of clients houses, but I do know a fair few people who have stayed away from purchasing zip boots because they always seem to fail. I can tell you this is my second pair of Bison branded boots which I have been sent to review and put through their paces. I've thrashed the zips and neither of the zips on both sets of boots has never let me down and have no sign of letting go any time soon (I've had the previous pair for almost a year).
That being said, I also LOVE the laces that have come in both pairs of my Bison boots. I don't know what it is but they seem indestructible! Even after a year and a half use on my previous pair, the laces have not stretched, they have not worn, the little plastic pieces on the ends are still intact and they could almost pull off looking brand new. I'm not sure if Argyle sells these laces separately, but if they don't already, they need to start, because if you are not in need of new boots, you 100% need these laces on your current pair! 

I wasn't aware of how important toe protection was until I took a look at an old pair of work boots which didn't have it and saw just how cut up and ruined the toes were. This is now something I will always look for in a pair of boots. It helps them last longer and ensures your boots are always in a presentable manner. 

A few more features of the Bison XTLZ -101:

All in all, I would rate these as my favorite pair of high ankle unisex fit pair of work boots. They cover every aspect of a great boot and they look great and feel comfortable too. These boots are on the expensive side compared to some other brands but at around $270.00 NZD (depending on where you purchase them from) it's a small price to pay for comfortable shoes which will be on your feet longer than they are off them. 

To find your nearest Bison XTLZ-101 stockist or for more information click here