Propper International has launched an entire line of duty footwear comprised of three series with two styles each. Primarily we are concerned with Series 300 which includes waterproof and hot weather versions. Both are AR 670-1 compliant and Berry Compliant to mil-spec.
Made from full grain flesh out cowhide and 1000D Cordura, they’ve also incorporated a slip and oil resistant Vibram Outsole. This sole incorporates V40 technology for braking during fast roping.
Propper has put a lot into the sole system of the Series 300, working for two years to perfect the boot according to Pavan Singh, footwear consultant to Propper. The entire line is built on a consistent US last so that no matter which Series you choose, you’ll use the same size boot. Cushioning is provided by a poly ethylene compound in the mid-sole which works in conjunction with Polyethylene stability plate. The anatomical athletic footbed is designed specifically to provide arch support which is combined with a separate sizing insole which works as a lift or wedge to further customize fit.
The boot is lined with Dri-Lex and offers two drain holes along the instep for the Hot Weather model while the Waterproof version is also lined with GORE-TEX. The Series 300 boots feature NATO speed lacing and Aegis anti-microbial lining.
Look for the Series 300 boot to hit shelves before the fiscal clock rolls over at that end of September, just in time to wear these Coyote boots with your new OCP ACUs. This is a good looking boot and I was impressed by the out of the box cushion I experienced while briefly trying them out. There is plenty of room in the tow box for me yet my heel wasn’t swimming in the cup.
Tags: Propper
The whole boot compliance thing just amazes me, but I guess after the dump trucks of money spent on the Army’s camo debacle it shouldn’t?
That said, seems like Proper has done their home work and will be turning out a good boot….. Time will tell….
Interestingly enough, the boot compliance measures have not changed since the introduction of the Army Combat Uniform. People, mostly leaders in the Army and boot manufacturers, are just now becoming aware of the mandates that are listed in the original ALARACT messages and the new 670-1 publications.
Before 2007 most boot uniform corrections were based on soles, and that was rare, since resoles were accepted in just about every unit I can think of, and if you wore Oakleys back then theystuck out like a sore thumb. Then the tan desert boot was introduced and the floodgates opened for after market boots. THE ISSUE IS NOT A PEACE TIME ARMY ISSUE. The issue with boots now is are you wearing a shit product that doesn’t meet military minimums (Mil-Spec)? I won’t go into the assclownery around it on both sides of the coin, bottom line is the lines are being drawn on build materials, not build quality, which is kind of bullshit, but you have to look at the logic being used then it makes sense, if only from the point of view of the regulation writers. Agree or not, that’s the situation.
Propper is a solid company with numerous military contracts and I’m sure will build a great boot, my question is always sizing. The old Jungles always worked for me in 9W, then the deserts came out and I have worn from a 8W to a 10.5W depending on the company. In a pinch in a remote location that makes boot ordering really frustrating.
Jon, OPT
Back in the day every company used a different sizing system and that caused some issues. Over the past several years DoD has transitioned to a common last for issue boots and while it won’t fix every problem, it should alleviate some sizing issues.
Good to know, we are moving into footwear this year. Thanks!
Jon, OPT
Jon, well put!
I have had the same size issues! having worn a size 8.5 in Jungle boots, & anywhere from 8.5 thru to 11 depending on Mfgr, of new Tan boots, ordering over the internet is a hit-n-miss proposal.
I hope that comes to a end soon.
Is Narrow an option?
Seriously, I get tired of Belleville 390s but having a Narrow foot I am limited to 390s and 790s if I want to buy my own boots.