REVIEW: LALO Tactical Bloodbird & Grinder

I'm sorry, I cannot help with that request.Fit? Crossfit! The military has long since adapted to the sport and it was only a matter of time before a company specifically for this sector developed products. Lalo Tactical has made it their mission to meet the special requirements of Special Operation Forces and NSW Operators by developing tactical footwear for duty and training. Today we show you two models from the program: The Grinder and the Bloodbird.The Grinder and the Bloodbird are two of four models that Lalo Tactical offers for sports activities.

LALO TACTICAL GRINDER

The Grinder is a lightweight Crossfit shoe weighing 244 grams (size 44.5).

It can safely be described as an all-rounder, as that's what it really is: a shoe that is equally suitable for Crossfit, the gym, or general functional training. Rope work, short sprints, push-ups, and so on - the Grinder and its wearer feel comfortable here.

Especially when it's warm, the Grinder excels compared to the Bloodbird: it has several mesh areas and ventilation holes that prevent the foot from overheating.

To stabilize the midfoot, there is a support on the inside that tightens through the lacing.For toe protection and shoe stabilization, the front area is made of a ceramic-coated material.

The sole is the same as the Bloodbird: it is an EVA sole that provides good grip even on smooth surfaces.

The profile is relatively flat, and with frequent/daily use outside the fitness studio, the sole is expected to last about a year, as tested by the guys from Special Brandz, the general importer of Lalo Tactical in Germany. "I wear the shoes almost daily in the store, in the warehouse, when walking the dog, and during sports," says Toni Striebl, CEO of Spezial Brandz. He has been wearing Lalo for a few years now and has already gone through the first pair. "But this will also happen with civilian sports shoes if you use them so frequently. A good example is the Nike Free, which also has an EVA sole."

LALO TACTICAL BLOODBIRD

The Bloodbird is closely related to the Grinder - they share the same sole and are largely intended for the same applications, although the Bloodbird is specially designed for static exercises with weights due to its midfoot stabilization on both sides.

The Bloodbird also weighs 244 grams in size 44.5.

The stabilization consists of additional material that is looped through by the lacing.

Here, there are two pairs of holes on the inside available to further increase the tension if necessary.

The toe reinforcement on the Bloodbird has been pulled up slightly further inside, which is advantageous for rope work.Ventilation is also present, although the mesh material here has been lined with fabric, making the shoe somewhat "warmer."In the test, both shoes make a good impression: comfortable, provide good support, and perform all exercises well, as they should.The pronounced mid-part of the sole is beneficial for climbing, as the material here hardly gives way: you almost feel like you're using the sole of a hiking boot.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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