Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry Tactical Boots
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Verdict Good: A snug, rugged hybrid boot that handles rucking, tactical fitness and range days with zero break-in. Pick it for function, not style.
Will wears the Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry in Tan, size 11, for rucking, tactical fitness and some range days when he’s drilling tactical fitness. He didn’t size up, and he actually prefers the slightly snug fit for how he uses them. It’s certainly a snug boot, but Will says it’s more comparable to a very rugged shoe than a true boot, and he thinks of it as a hybrid of the two. Break-in was seamless, with no break-in issues and no hot spots.
The Nemesis 4 was an upgrade from the hiking shoe he had been using for tactical fitness and rucking, and Will calls it a big improvement. Support is great. The lower-cut boot gives him support while still allowing the kind of movement you’d expect from a low-top shoe, so short runs, mixed terrain and getting up and over obstacles are all fine in them. The waterproofing has been flawless, too. It works so well that he forgot to mention it at first. Like any waterproof shoe, it gives up some breathability, but Will feels that trade-off is well worth it. He’s upfront that it isn’t a very stylish boot, but in his words, “if function is your priority, this is a great option.” If you’re building out a tactical fitness kit, Will has also reviewed the 5.11 Tactical PT-R 8.75 lb steel plates he uses to overweight his training.
The Good ✅
- Great Support: Support is great, and Will calls the Nemesis 4 a big improvement over the hiking shoe he used before for tactical fitness and rucking.
- Moves Like a Low-Top: The lower-cut boot gives support but still allows the kind of movement you’d expect from a low-top shoe.
- Zero Break-In: Break-in was seamless, with no break-in issues or hot spots.
- Handles Mixed Training: Short runs, mixed terrain and getting up and over obstacles are all fine in them.
- Flawless Waterproofing: Garmont’s G-DRY waterproof membrane has been flawless for Will. It works so well that he forgot to mention it at first.
- Snug, Locked-In Fit: It’s a snug fit, and Will prefers it that way for rucking and tactical fitness.
The Not Good ❌
- Not a Stylish Boot: Will doesn’t think it’s a very stylish boot. If looks are a priority, keep that in mind. If function is your priority, he says it’s a great option.
- Snug Fit: It’s certainly a snug boot. Will didn’t size up and likes it slightly snug for how he uses them, but if you prefer a roomier fit, keep that in mind when you pick a size.
- Some Breathability Trade-Off: Like any waterproof shoe, it gives up some breathability. Will feels the trade-off is well worth it for waterproofing this good.
Product Description
The Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry is a waterproof tactical boot that Garmont Tactical designs for quick-moving, agile operations. Garmont describes the Nemesis family as a lightweight, protective waterproof tactical boot, built with a highly abrasion-resistant synthetic mesh upper and its erGo-last and Double Damper technologies for an ergonomic fit with shock absorption.
Garmont lists G-DRY waterproofing, a soft Lycra collar and a rubber toe cap, with a weight of 490 g per half pair in a US size 9. Its spec chart marks the shoe height at 4 inches. Garmont Tactical offers the Nemesis 4 G-Dry in coyote and black. Will’s pair is the tan (coyote) colorway in size 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry fit?
Snug. Will wears a size 11, didn’t size up, and prefers the slightly snug fit for how he uses them. He says it’s more comparable to a very rugged shoe than a true boot.
Does the Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry need a break-in period?
Not for Will. He says break-in was seamless, with no break-in issues or hot spots.
Is the Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry good for rucking and tactical fitness?
Will thinks so. He wears them for rucking, tactical fitness and some range days, and says they were a big improvement over the hiking shoe he used before. Short runs, mixed terrain and getting up and over obstacles are all fine in them.
Is the Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry waterproof?
Yes. Will says the waterproofing is flawless. It works so well that he forgot to mention it at first. Like any waterproof shoe, it gives up some breathability, but he feels the trade-off is well worth it. Garmont Tactical lists G-DRY waterproofing and a highly abrasion-resistant synthetic mesh upper.
How much does the Garmont Nemesis 4 G-Dry weigh?
Garmont lists 490 g per half pair in a US size 9, and its spec chart marks the shoe height at 4 inches.
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