Belleville is poised to launch the new Tactical Research brand. Belleville is the oldest and largest supplier of military specification boots in the US having supplied boots since WWI. They were also instrumental in bringing the Infantry Combat Boot to the market almost 15 years ago. That boot, with slight improvements over the years as evolved into the Belleville 390 and is on the feet of hundreds of thousands of America’s Warriors. Priding themselves on their Made in the USA lineup of boots, they began to consider what the nest step was. Certain manufacturing techniques are currently unavailable in the US and the costs associated with domestic manufacture are relatively high. In order to provide lower price for individual sales and to introduce new construction techniques Belleville launched the Tactical Research line. They spent the last year refining designs and working with America’s most elite military units to develop a unique product line. Belleville also wanted to ensure that the quality of the product would remain strong and have worked diligently to enforce strict quality assurance standards.

The first boot to be released is the Kiowa. It is a high top with an assault boot feel. While the top doesn’t look very high it is actually high enough (8″) to meet AR 670-1 standards. Interestingly, when Belleville took the boot to the most recent Sergeant Major Academy conference at Fort Bliss, Texas, the attendees overwhelmingly showed interest in the Kiowa over other issue styles. I think that is about as close as an endorsement as you are going to get. The uppers are a combination of suede and Cordura atop a low overlasted sole. The final piece to this unfolding story is the TR-1 High Performance Insole. There will be a full article on this product next week but it is important to say that Belleville didn’t skimp on the insole.

Initially the Kiowa will be available in Sage, Tan, and Black but keep your eyes peeled for a surprise soon. While I know that most of our readers have a “Belleville Size”, order the new Tactical research line true to your normal boot size. The Kiowa will be available for orders beginning Monday, 15 June from www.bellevilleshoe.com

The DesertLite and JungleLite Boots from OTB are now available for pre-order from Tidewater Tactical.

Both the DesertLite and JungleLite share the same production features but each includes a slightly modified color scheme to suit the environments it is intended for. Inspired by the classic US GI Jungle Boot, the stain resistant Microfiber Suede upper with breathable nylon panels hearkens back to a time tested design modernized with the latest materials and construction techniques. Mesh ventilation ports are sewn directly into the boot and won’t fall out or corrode. Likewise, the reinforced fabric lace loops aren’t prone to failure or corrosion and the Variable Sausage Laces stay tied the entire mission.

As with all OTB footwear special attention has been paid to the footbed and sole. The bedrock of the boot is the high traction non squeak outsole and molded EVA midsole unit. Siping on each outsole lug produces a series of thin slits across a rubber surface to improve traction in wet or icy conditions. Additionally, reinforced climbing rubber inside toe helps when scaling walls. A full length composite molded shank provides support for carrying a heavy loads and the dual density cushioned footbed is lined with mesh for increased wicking and foot comfort. These boots are well suited for wet environments as even the footbed is perforated to allow water drainage.

The DesertLite comes in Tan and the JungleLite is available with a Black heel/toe and either Black or OD upper.

Tidewater Tactical is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business providing quality tactical equipment to the military, civilian agencies, and other select customers. They maintain a presence at Naval Operations Base – Norfolk’s Serve Mart in order to provide direct support to US forces located in the Tidewater of Virginia and can be found on the web at www.tidewatertactical.com.