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

Specialists in on-the-soldier equipment with particular expertise in the realm of extreme cold weather operations, flip flops may not seem like the most obvious segway for a company like Brigantes, the UK-based supplier of technical equipment and apparel for NATO military, government, and elite police units. However, this is no ordinary flip flop company, as is evidenced by anyone who has spent time in the company of Combat Flip Flops co-founder, Matt Griffin (Griff).

Bad for running, worse for fighting
Born out of a dream to “bring some good vibes to the world” Combat Flip Flops was founded by former US Rangers, Matt Griffin and Donald Lee, along with Andy Sewrey, during a post-military trip to Afghanistan in 2009. Inspired by their time in the military, their range of footwear, shemaghs and jewellery accessories embody comfort, practicality and style. Crafted using high-quality materials in small-scale factories in Colombia, Afghanistan and Laos, their products aren’t tactical, but they are seriously good.

Combat Flip Flop’s goal is simple: to inspire peace, relaxation and to make the world a better place. A mission which they pursue through the causes that they support. From an early endeavour to deliver vital education to girls in Afghanistan, to their current support of One More Wave, an organisation that provides customised surfing equipment for wounded and disabled veterans. Combat Flip Flops are defined by their commitment to delivering high quality products whilst simultaneously bettering the lives of people around the world. By uniting individuals from both the military community and conflict-affected regions, Combat Flip Flops brings together these seemingly disparate groups for a common purpose.

A Shared Mission
Two organisations with closely aligning values, Combat Flip Flops and Brigantes also share a lot of common history. Both founded by military veterans who served on tours in the Middle East as well as several other global conflict zones. An extensive past of military service has ignited for both companies a shared desire to give back, both to the regions in which they served, as well as the armed forces community. Brigantes is the official equipment sponsor of the Invictus Games Foundation, an organisation which facilitates sporting events and adventures for wounded and sick veterans, and so a partnership with Combat Flip Flops, a company distinguished by their passionate core purpose and philanthropic endeavours, makes sense.

The agreement between the two companies will see Brigantes assume responsibility for all UK and EMEA sales of Combat Flip Flops products. From their bestselling AK 47 flip flop, crafted from premium leather with an ergonomic footbed and injection-moulded arch support, to the Shadowban High Top, designed with durable fabrics and featuring a leather toe cap and tongue, their collection embodies a military veteran’s unique take on timeless footwear styles. Despite the name, these shoes are most certainly not designed for combat. Their motto: “bad for running, worse for fighting” says it all. But for those in search of high quality, thoughtfully crafted pieces, inspired by military service and in aid of a valuable global cause, these really are second to none.

For more information or to discuss placing an order, please contact Brigantes: brigantes.com/contact