Bates developed both the Tora Bora Alpine Boot and M-8 Tactical Boot to support Special Operations Forces requirements.
The Tora Bora Alpine Boot offers ultimate protection for advanced mountaineering and high altitude operations and was engineered in partnership with the US Special Operations Command. This USA manufactured boot contains 200 grams of Thinsulate™ insulation and a GORE-TEX® lining, as well as a multi-terrain Vibram® rubber outsole for compatibility for crampons, skis, and snowshoes. It is quite a feat that this boot is Berry Compliant. Bates made a serious investment in building the infrastructure to build a technical mountaineering boot domestically.
The Bates M-8 Tactical Boot provides enhanced durability, stability, and traction in urban and field operations. Also manufactured in the USA, the M-8 features a Vibram® Mutant outsole for traction on wet as well as dry surfaces. For maximum cushion and durability, the M-8 features a direct-attach construction. An anti-bacterial, abrasion-resistant Dri-Lex® Camo lining delivers enhanced moisture management to ensure feet remain cool, dry, and comfortable. many do not know that the M-8 was actually developed to satisfy a SOCOM requirement for an assault boot. Bates answered the call with a modified version of their popular M-9. In addition to some minor modifications including a slightly shorter upper, Bates had to be prepared to produce the boot in various color schemes in order to support SOCOM’s individual service components.
You can see these and the entire line of Bates boots at the Soldier Equipment and Technology Expo and Conference November 17-18, 2009 at the Crown Convention Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
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