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Archive for the ‘Boots’ Category
2025 Salomon Forces Catalog
Wednesday, January 29th, 2025SHOT Show 25 – Salomon Reelax Break Forces
Monday, January 27th, 2025
Porting over from the outdoor line this summer, Reelax Break Forces is a very comfy recovery slipper from Salomon. Featuring a 6mm drop, the Rx Break integrates an EVA midsole for a comfy footbed.
www.salomon.com/en-us/lp/g/forces
SHOT Show 25 – Belleville
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025Coming in March, the Mini Mil shoe from Belleville’s Barefoot series.
Look for zero drop and a wide toe box. More info soon!
OTB Boots Takes The Next Step With The Pirate
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025Introducing the Pirata Mid and Low by OTB Boots
(Pronounced Pee-Rah-Tah which isItalian for Pirate)
Let’s address the obvious: yes, the Pirata draws design inspiration from Altama’s Maritime Assault shoe. And there’s a solid reason for that. Dan Ellis, the founder of OTB Boots, is the original designer behind Altama’s Maritime model. In fact, Dan owns the design and licensed it to them from the very beginning—a Shark Tank-style deal, if you will.
Now, meet the next evolution: The OTB Pirata
We’ve taken everything great about the original and made it even better in a 2.0 version.
The Pirata features:
A wider, more forgiving fit – for superior comfort.
A contoured, water-draining footbed– built to withstand wet environments.
OTB’s Future Foam midsole – delivering unmatched cushioning and support.
The real game-changer? The integrated knit sock, which acts as a barrier against sand and debris—modeled after the proven performance of our Abyss boot.
The Pirata isn’t just an update; it’s a leap forward. Built for those who demand more, wherever their mission takes them.
See them firsthand in booth #40751.
OTB Boots – New Styles for SHOT Show
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025NEW FOR 2025!
T-KOOL MID in Brown Suede & Black Suede – This low-viz, high-performance boot delivers the traction and support needed to tackle operational conditions. The low-viz design makes it an equally perfect boot to wear to the gym or for running around town at the end of the day. Featuring a lightweight EVA midsole, the T-Kool rides like a running shoe with the support and durability of a tactical boot.
T-KOOL MID in Black Leather – This low-viz, high-performance leather boot delivers the traction and support needed to tackle operational conditions for both military and law enforcement personnel. The low-viz design makes it an equally perfect boot to wear to the gym or for running around town at the end of the day. Featuring a lightweight EVA midsole, the T-Kool rides like a running shoe with the support and durability of a tactical boot.
M-CARBON 6 – Everything you love about the M-Carbon 8 in a 6-inch boot! Featuring OTB’s carbon fiber propulsion plate, the M-Carbon 6 is OTB’s follow-up to the game-changing 8-inch carbon-plated boot that has been winning both tactical competitions and rave reviews from customers. The marathon inspired carbon plate delivers incredible spring, support, and enhanced forward propulsion to maximize athletic performance.
See these new additions as well as the entire OTB Boots line in booth #40751 during SHOT Show, January 21-24 in Las Vegas.
The Multi-Component Boot System
Thursday, January 2nd, 2025Yesterday, I was way down the rabbit hole of reviewing the library of photographs taken by Natick Soldier Systems Center over the years when I ran across this photo. I knew immediately what it was and it got my mind to racing.
I had read an article on a boot system used by the Rangers over 30 years ago in Infantry magazine. In fact, I adopted some of the concept as my own during my time at Bragg.
I did a little online research and found the article in the online Infantry magazine archive at Fort Moore’s website. It was in the March-April issue of 1989 but I know I didn’t read it until at least Fall of 90.
Unfortunately, the older issues are all PDF scans and whoever did it didn’t do a very good job. Consequently, the pages I’m going to share aren’t the best. For instance, one of the pages was scanned upside down. I have tried to rectify them as best as possible, and hopefully you can read the article.
I had recalled that one of the authors was a physicians assistant with 2/75, and at the time they were Warrant Officers, and not commissioned officers like today. When I went back and reread the article, the co-author really stood out: CPT Peter E Blaber who at the time the article was written was the XO of A Co, 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regt. Yeah, that Pete Blaber. Obviously, the name would not have resonated with me in 1990, but COL Blaber definitely made his mark on the Army during the ensuing years.
But I find even more remarkable is that he took the time to write an article about footwear and foot care for Infantrymen.
Now, on to the meat of this trip down memory lane: the Multi-Component Boot System. The article lays out a project undertaken by Natick and 2/75 for a boot system based around the popular OD Green Jungle Boot which could be accessorized with various socks and a GORE-TEX gaiter to increase the temperature and climatic range of the boot so that the Soldier could rely upon a single pair for a mission which takes place during varied environmental conditions. There article also offers some great advice discussing foot care and boot sizing. As far as I know, no other units ever adopted the system.
I won’t steal anymore of the authors’ thunder except to say that it made a significant impression my me as young Sergeant, influencing my equipment choices, and it educated me that that metal foot size gizmo is called a Branock Device.
Enjoy!
Men’s KS86 Leather Sneaker by Keen
Sunday, December 29th, 2024Have t bought a pair yet, but I’m considering it. My experience with Keen footwear has been consistently good over the past 15 years or so.
It’s actually an older design, the A86 updated with newer materials and features. They promise lots of room in the forefoot, a foam mid-sole and high traction rubber outsole. Additionally, they are using a new PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent treatment and Eco Anti-Odor for natural, pesticide-free odor control.
Available in several color combos including the Dark Olive/ Black seen here in sizes 7-15.
Get yours at www.keenfootwear.com/products/mens-ks86-lea-dark-olive-black
Introducing Asolo Tactical: Renowned Bootmaker Partners with Military Equipment Specialist to Launch Exclusive Tactical Footwear Range
Friday, December 13th, 2024
The outdoor footwear industry is ever-evolving, with advancements in technology, materials, and construction methods constantly driving new standards in performance. From enhanced cushioning systems to breathable fabrics and waterproofing innovations, the sector propels rapidly, often outpacing the defence sector in terms of technological progress and performance quality.
Whilst outdoor brands certainly deliver high-performance footwear, many leading products are unsuitable for military use, with aesthetic limitations and operation-specific functionality often overlooked in their design and construction. To meet this need, leading military equipment specialist, Brigantes has joined forces with iconic Italian bootmaker, Asolo, to develop a new line of military-specific footwear. By combining Brigantes’ military expertise with Asolo’s rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation, this line will promise to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of military customers operating in complex tactical environments.
Bespoke Military Footwear
The Asolo Tactical footwear line marks a groundbreaking development in the defence industry, but these two companies are not strangers to collaboration. Brigantes and Asolo have enjoyed several years of successful partnership and have already seen significant success with the development of their flagship product, the Fugitive Tactical GTX boot – an adapted take on Asolo’s Fugitive GTX, with some key adjustments made for military customers. The expanded line of tactical footwear will encompass a broad range of environmental needs, offering six bespoke styles from approach shoes to high-altitude mountain boots, each precision-engineered to support military personnel to perform at their best.
Asolo’s Fugitive Tactical GTX boots have already seen huge popularity within the military community
Traditional Craftsmanship
Pioneers of innovation and creators of the very first Gore-Tex lined mountain boots, Asolo are an established brand who have been influential in shaping the outdoor footwear market. Founded in 1975, this family business has since expanded significantly, becoming renowned for their commitment to traditional craftsmanship, quality materials and cutting-edge innovation. A commitment which has earned them a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Military Expertise
Founded in 2014 by ex-military personnel, Brigantes are specialists in on-the-soldier equipment and a trusted supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units. With a product range spanning apparel, footwear, vertical movement, signature management, technology, mobility, and sustainment, Brignates unite decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise and keen industry awareness to deliver unparalleled solutions to their customers.
This partnership between the two brands, each experts in their field, will mean that military customers can tap into the best of both worlds when it comes to operational footwear requirements. Asolo’s timeless craftsmanship and technical ingenuity uniting with Brigantes’ extensive intelligence on the subject of operational intricacies. More than just a tactical colour change, the two brands are going in depth with the design considerations for the new line of footwear. The Asolo Tactical range will cover the full spectrum of operational capability, from 6000m Arctic boots to cold weather specific footwear, long distance styles and light and fast approach shoes. Each piece will be designed with the unique requirements of military personnel in mind.
Speak to us
The design and development of this exciting new line is well underway, with stock expected to be available as early as Autumn/Winter 2025. Asolo’s Fugitive Tactical GTX boot is already in existence and available to purchase through Brigantes. If you would like to learn more about this or any of their other equipment offerings, get in touch with them: brigantes.com/contact
