Photos of a high top version of the upcoming Desert Zephyr have shown up several places on the internet with a lot of associated conjecture about availability. However, according to Lowa USA they are still only prototypes at this point.
The prototype in this picture feature Gore-tex. Originally, the mid-cut Desert Zephyr was only going to be offered in an unlined version but now both lined and unlined variants will be available in May.
NuShoe offers footwear refurbishment programs for several commercial vendors including Belleville, makers of the Marine Corps Hot Weather boot. It just so happens that NuShoe offers a special boot resoling program for specifically for Marines to repair the issue Hot Weather boot.
The before and after picture provided by NuShoe shows an actual pair of boots that they have resoled and repaired. Advantages to resoling include lower cost than purchasing new boots as well as avoiding the need to break them in. NuShoe will resole a pair of hot Weather boots for $50.00. What’s more, local cobblers cannot replace polyurethane mid-soles so the two to three week turn around time is very quick.
To learn more about NuSHoe visit them on the web at www.NuShoe.com.
This family of boots has been kicking around for at least a year and a half. Consisting of specialized designs for Urban, Jungle, Desert, and Mountain climes, the entire line is offered in a variety of color schemes to match environments as much as personal preference.
They successfully commercialized the Mountain Force boot with US Cav and BQM that Fall and Timberland recently transitioned the remainder of the line from their skunk works to the Pro Force sales team.
The entire line was on display at SHOT Show and we will be introducing the entire line over the next few weeks but the Desert Force Mid Boot in Coyote Brown Camo caught our eye as the most likely for our readers to put to immediate use.
Timberland Desert Force Mid Boot in Coyote Brown Camo.
Features:
-Cut-resistant, breathable mesh collars
-ÆGIS Microbe Shield® anti microbial footbed
-Quick-drying pull-out linings
-Fire resistant outsole, midsole, waterproof leather, SmartWool® collar lining
-Meets NFPA 1971, sec. 5-4.5 FR requirement
-Puncture-resistant flexible composite lasting board for underfoot protection
-Blister Guard® by Friction Free® to reduce risk of blisters
-Optional water drainage system (punch holes through if needed)
-Timberland® PreciseFit™ system for custom fit
-Convenient quick-speed lacing system
-Over-the-toe rubber bumper and wrap up outsole
-Low-profile tuned outsole with cantilevered lugs for whole body stability
A network of retailers will be released soon.
As our readers know, we are big fans of Darn Tough Vermont and so is the US military. Several of their products are issued through RFI and they recently developed a Sock Kit for a US customer. It covers everything a foot craves; comfort and warmth.
Socks are described below and are in order from Left to Right.
This five sock system was developed with members of the Special Forces community to offer a family of socks to cover any mission in any climate. Darn Tough Vermont socks are known for their long term durability and comfort. The fine gauge Merino wool used in these socks is naturally anti microbial, fast wicking/fast drying and will keep the wearer warm even when wet. Dense terry loops for cushioning without bulk and heavily re-enforced heels and toes are just two of the features that make these socks unique.
1493 Merino Wool ¼ Sock Mesh
68% Merino Wool, 28% Nylon, and 4% Lycra® Spandex
Color: Graphite
Category: Physical Training
The ¼ Sock Mesh is a light weight PT sock with reinforced heels and toes. The cuff breaks approximately 2†above the ankle. These socks have open mesh knitting on the top of the foot for greater breathability and no cushioning on the bottom of the foot for a performance fit.
1418 Merino Wool Nordic Boot Ultra Light
60% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, and 7% Lycra® Spandex
Color: Graphite
Category: Tactical Boots
The Nordic Boot Ultra Light is a light weight ¾ height tactical socks that is approximately 7†tall. The heels and toes are reinforced and there is no cushioning on the bottom of the foot for a performance boot fit. The leg is a rib knit construction.
1466 Merino Wool Micro Crew
67% Merino Wool, 29% Nylon, and 4% Lycra® Spandex
Color: Graphite
Category: Tactical Boots
The Micro Crew is a ¾ height tactical sock that is approximately 6†tall. The leg is a flat 5 x 1 rib construction with resilient terry loop cushioning on the foot bottom.
1403 Merino Wool Boot Sock Cushion
67% Merino Wool, 29% Nylon, and 4% Lycra® Spandex
Color: Graphite
Category: All Condition Boot Sock
The Boot Sock Cushion is a mid calf sock that is approximately 9.5†tall. The foot bottom and leg is surrounded by resilient terry loop cushioning.
1405 Merino Wool Boot Sock Full Cushion
67% Merino Wool, 29% Nylon, and 4% Lycra® Spandex
Color: Graphite
Category: Cold Weather Boot Sock
The Boot Sock Full Cushion is a mid calf sock that is approximately 9.5†tall. The foot and leg is surrounded by densely knit terry loop cushioning. The heels and toes are reinforced.
Notice, all of the socks in the kit are manufactured from Merino wool which provides a myriad of advantages including comfort, inherent FR properties as well as being anti-microbial.
For more information contact Darn Tough Vermont. Additionally, the entire Darn Tough Vermont line is available on GSA.
ITW Tactical Products
ITW has added yet another color to their product line. The new color is Sand (middle) and joins Foliage Green and Tan.
Ares Defense Systems, Inc.
The shape of things to come? The Modular Sporting Rifle prototype may be just the thing if threatened weapon bans are enacted. Designed to fit any AR-15 style upper receiver, the MSR looks as if an M4 mated with an 870. It certainly hides some of those menacing “assault weapon” features such as pistol grips, collapsible stocks, and external mag wells. When combined with a flat top upper, you can barely tell the rifle is a black rifle.
Rocky Boots
From Rocky’s civilian line comes the Broadhead designed for bow hunting. I took one look at these lightweight stalkers and knew that their would be tactical interest. So did the duty wear division of Rocky and they plan on offering them as a cross over piece this summer.
Crimson Trace
Laser grip manufacturers Crimson Trace unveiled their new MVF-515 foregrip for the M-16 family. Designed to attach to a Mil Std 1913 rail, the MVF-515 combines a vertical foregrip, laser and light into one package. Dual pressure switches allow the shooter to choose laser, white light, or combination. Modes include constant on, momentary or strobe.
OTB Boots will unveil their latest creation at SHOT Show; the Bootistan named in honor of the environment it was designed for. The Bootistan is a true mid to heavy weight hiking style boot that from what we have seen so far, is worthy of being in any high end mountaineering store and/or REI. Unlike many militarized hikers, the Bootistan was designed from the ground up for combat. It will easily make the transition to the civilian market. This boot is going to take OTB to the next level.
It features:
-Waterproof Suede and Cordura upper
-Sympatex lined for 100% waterproof construction
-Full rubber rand encompasses the entire boot for rocky environments
-No hooks on the boot allow for jumping
-Looped wool and Ortholite dual density footbed
-Vibram sticky rubber Outsole
Additionally, OTB will have their JungleLite and DesertLite Fall line at the show. They both feature a new proprietary treatment that makes the boot 100% Hydrophobic. Think of it as Nex-Tec for footwear. This means no water will be absorbed by the boots. You can dunk and submerge the JungleLite or DesterLite boots in water, weigh them after submersion and there will be NO weight gain. By the 3Q of 09 all of OTB’s water products (Abyss, SAR, Odhin) will have this treatment.
If you are going to be in Orlando be sure to visit OTB’s Booth number 7986 at SHOT Show.
The February 2009 issue has a pithy little featurette on bogus stuff inspired by the SEALs. While their heart might have been in the right place their facts weren’t.
Take a look at the photo below which shows the article in question. There is no mistaking the OTB Boots Leader model. Granted, the Leader isn’t an issue item in the Teams, but some of the other models are.
We are big fans of OTB Boots and I personally jumped a pair of their pre-production prototypes on a water jump of the coast of Florida. While I am not a SEAL, many SEALs do in fact wear OTB footwear. They are the real deal.
Excerpt from the Feb 2009 issue of Outside Magazine.
RP Tactical has commissioned a Grey version of Salomon’s Quest boot (Part number 590606) to be available for sale March 1st 2009.
The Quest is also available in Orange (Part number 278432) at most outdoor stores.
The boot is built on the same last as the Salomon XA Pro 3D running shoe; their most popular footwear model and is a beefed up “light hiker†that is intended to protect the wearer’s foot in harsh terrain, even while carrying a heavy load. The sole uses Salomon’s “4D Chassisâ€. The outsole has an ascending lug pattern in the front of the sole, and a braking pattern in the rear. Beneath the foot is a cushioning pad, while the “chassis†protects against twisted ankles, and then an additional cushioning pad to absorb rocks and roots underfoot (4 layers= 4D). The Quest’s upper features a full Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing. Aside from fit, what will strike you most about these boots is their ultra light weight.
As the boot is based on the XA Pro 3D and there is also an Orange version available commercially, checking the fit should be possible if you have access to an outfitter. I wear Salomons about a half size up. The toe box is generous in all sizes but I prefer just a little extra room for thick socks. Please remember these are available in Grey exclusively from RP Tactical and there is already one unit who loves them.
Here are a couple of comments from SOF testers, deployed in theater:
“They have saved my ankles on more than one occasion. I was walking the other day and I slipped off a rock right into a hole. let me tell you if i had anything else on, my ankle would be f@#$% up right now. But because of the boots I received a semi mild sprain. Well like I said how can I order 4 more pair when I get home?”
“Dude the boots are f@#$% amazing. everyone wants them. I’m afraid to leave them at the team”
For more information contact:
RPT Consulting LLC
Ph 757-963-0742
sales@rptactical.com
Photo of Orange Quest from Salomon.
