Rather than placing padding underfoot in boots, Rugged Snuggs cushions the top of the foot in order to keep the foot from sliding in the boot to prevent blisters and bruised toes, pad the ankle from laces, and prevent foot fatigue from loose boots.
Archive for the ‘Boots’ Category
AUSA 21 – Rugged Snuggs
Friday, October 15th, 2021AUSA 21 – Michelin
Thursday, October 14th, 2021
Michelin is well known for their tires, but it was also great to see them showcase their footwear soles used in a variety of military boots.
SHOP Show Raeford – Deckers X Lab
Wednesday, October 6th, 2021As we’ve mentioned in the past, Deckers X LAB is the “skunk works” or Innovation Lab of the Deckers Corp; the parent behind such brands as UGG, Hoka, and Sanuk.
They’ve also developed a new line of tactical footwear and prototypes of their upcoming DX-G8 (AR 670-1 boot seen above to the left) which were worn by the winning team at this year’s Best Ranger Competition. To the right is the Deckers X LAB DX-M4, a maritime assault boot.
At SHOP Show, we got a look at what’s under development. The A6-MP (Max Profile) is intended for wear while bearing heavier loads.
Another model, the A6-LP (Low Profile) features a Fast Rope Guard and was created as an assault boot.
As you can see, the A6-LP incorporates the same sole as the water shoe.
DSEi 21 – La Sportiva Raptor Mid
Thursday, September 23rd, 2021
Brigantes showed off a couple of prototypes in their “On The Man” display at the front of their booth. One of the more discreet items was the La Sportiva Raptor Mid variant they are working on.
The final version will ditch the Gore-Tex lining and reflective trims of the commercial model.
DSEi 21 – Brigantes “On The Man”
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021This wedge at the front of the Brigantes booth demonstrated a breadth of soldier systems capabilities offers by Brigantes and was used extensively to walk DSEi visitors through a variety of options.
Manikins were set up for Mountain & Arctic Warfare as well as Jungle and Temeprate zones.
The fabrics are from Milliken and include Milliken TactX Stretch fabric in Multicam which is a durable base fabric for performance finishes and Milliken’s best-in-class printing and shade matching.
It is a lightweight 98% plain weave nylon with 2% spandex with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The elasticity of the fabric allows the wearer freedom of movement and gives more allowance in the action areas of the garment. The nylon face fabric offers great durability to the wearer who would be very often carrying and equipped with a heavy back pack and/or body armor plus the wearer will probably be carrying a weapon utilizing a harness/strap.
Additionally, it is highly breathable whilst at the same time providing a degree of weather protection. The garment can be used as part of a layering system or can be used as a stand-alone depending on the weather conditions. It’s a very tactile fabric and extremely pleasing and comfortable to wear.
GoRuck – Heritage Jump Boot
Sunday, September 5th, 2021GoRuck has expanded their footwear line with the upcoming Heritage Jump Boot which is a modern boot based on design cues from the World War II-era jump boot.
Built on their MACV-1 platform with its wide toe box, the 8″ upper is crafted from premium full grain leather that is Aniline Tanned. For lacing, look for a combination of eyelets and barrels. Like the classic, there’s a capped toe, but the Heritage Jump Boot goes one step further with a rubber toe wrap.
The Lightweight EVA midsole is paired with a -traction rubber outsole, featuring a 13mm heel-to-toe drop. You’ll also find drain holes like the on the jungle boot.
Sizes 4-15 with half-sizes stopping at 13.
Pre-order now for shipping in 1st Quarter of 2022 but better hurry because pre-orders close 7 September.
www.goruck.com/products/heritage-jump-boots
Made in Vietnam
La Sportiva Reinvigorates Several Iconic Climbing and Approach Shoe Models for Spring 2022
Friday, September 3rd, 2021La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain footwear, apparel, and ski hard goods, today announces that for Spring 2022, several iconic climbing shoe models are fully redesigned and updated for modern climbing. The Mantra, Katana Lace, Finale, Tarantula, and Tarantulace are all brand new. The updates continue in the approach category with new renditions of the TX2 Evo and TX2 Evo Leather and the introduction of the new TX Canyon. Kids also have new models with the TX Canyon, Tarantula JR, Ultra Raptor II Mid JR GTX, and Ultra Raptor II JR models.
“La Sportiva is never content to rest on its past successes and is consistently pursuing innovations, even to models that are very successful,” says Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “La Sportiva enthusiasts often suggest that certain models are perfect and shouldn’t be changed but for Spring 22, the Mantra, Katana Lace, Finale, Tarantula, and Tarantulace all have major changes, as does the TX2, which has been the basis for our success in the approach category. Overall, La Sportiva continues to push innovations as far as possible and we’re confident that customers will embrace these new models as superior performers.”
For climbing shoe minimalists who enjoy dancing up the wall, the Mantra relaunch is a dream come true. This slipper combines La Sportiva’s No-Edge concept with D-Tech Technology, the sole wraps the shoe laterally for a total absence of edges. The deconstructed upper and reduced sole thicknesses improves sensitivity by bringing the foot closer to the rock’s surface. The Mantra weighs 5.2 ounces and carries a $160 MSRP. The Katana Lace is an all-day edging machine that performs well on slabs, thin cracks, and steep routes outside. Tubular construction provides comfort while a highly breathable tongue works in conjunction with the liner for moisture management. The Katana Lace is 8.8 ounces for men and 7.5 ounces for women and retails for $210. The new Finale is a shoe equally at home at the gym or the crag and with 40% of the shoe made from recycled materials, it reduces overall environmental impact. It is constructed from eco-leather that does not use heavy metals in the tanning process and is biodegradable. At 8.4 ounces for men and 7.9 ounces for women, it is $120. The new Tarantula, with its focus on comfort, is easy to use and get on and off. Yet, the slight asymmetry is aggressive enough to perform on steeper routes and trickier moves. The Tarantula is 8.4 ounces for men, 7.5 ounces for women and retails for $95. The best-selling climbing shoe in the US, the Tarantulace, is now even better, with an unlined leather upper, asymmetric shape, and roomier toe box. Updated aesthetics and design increase performance while maintaining the same fit and feel for $85.
La Sportiva Mantra
La Sportiva Katana Lace (M)
La Sportiva Katana Lace (W)
La Sportiva Tarantula (M)
La Sportiva Tarantula (W)
La Sportiva Tarantulace (M)
La Sportiva Tarantulace (W)
The extremely popular TX line gets a major upgrade with the ability to easily resole it. The TX2 EVO and TX2 EVO Leather are both lightweight approach shoes that stow easily thanks to strong C2 ComboCord and can be resoled to extend the life of the shoe. Vibram Idrogrip provides excellent traction on wet or dry surfaces at $139 for the TX2 EVO and $129 for the TX2 Evo Leather. Canyoneering shoes need to do it all and the La Sportiva TX Canyon offers support, flexibility, traction while wet or dry, and can shed water quickly. Recycled materials contribute to a reduced environmental impact and a larger, wider fit accounts for neoprene socks. The TC Canyon will retail for $169.
La Sportiva TX Canyon
La Sportiva TX2 EVO (M)
La Sportiva TX2 EVO (W)
La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather (M)
La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather (W)
Not to be left out, kids get three great new models including the Tarantula JR, a smaller version of the popular Tarantula climbing shoe. It’s neutral comfort and highly adjustable closure system will fit a wide range of kids and help them get into climbing for $75. The Ultra Raptor Mid II Mid JR GTX is the perfect choice for getting kids into hiking. It’s mid-height, Gore-Tex waterproof protection and quick-pull lacing system provide a capable boot for younger trail enthusiasts at $85. The Ultra Raptor II JR is an everyday trail walking, running, or hiking shoe to keep kids moving and enjoying the outdoors. Aggressive lugs with sticky FriXion rubber provides maximum traction on all surfaces for $75.
The entire footwear line for both men and women will be available at fine specialty retailers across the country and at www.sportiva.com in Spring 2022.
