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Archive for the ‘Boots’ Category

U.S. Patriot Announces Exclusive Availability of Bates Men’s OpSpeed Tall AR 670-1 Boots

Sunday, February 16th, 2025

Designed for military professionals who demand speed, endurance, and all-day comfort, the Bates Men’s OpSpeed Tall AR 670-1 Boots deliver stability and agility.

Lexington, KY (February 2025) –U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company and the nation’s largest supplier of military and related high-performance gear for professionals, is proud to announce the exclusive availability of the Bates Men’s OpSpeed Tall AR 670-1 Boots. Designed for military professionals who demand speed, endurance, and all-day comfort, these high-performance boots deliver stability, agility, and durability in the field.

Built to handle any terrain, the Bates OpSpeed Tall AR 670-1 Boots feature a lightweight yet rugged rubber outsole with a wedge platform for maximum stability, a shock-absorbing EVA midsole and insert, and a moisture-wicking lining that keeps feet cool and dry through long shifts and demanding missions. Featuring a rugged suede leather upper, an athletic last for superior foot positioning, and a supportive nylon shank, these AR 670-1 and AFI 36-2903 compliant boots ensure optimal performance for soldiers in the U.S. Army and Air Force to wear with OCP.

“The Bates OpSpeed Tall AR 670-1 Boots set a new standard for military footwear, providing the perfect balance of lightweight agility and durability,” said Josh Sandhaus, Vice President of Operations at U.S. Patriot. “We are excited to be the exclusive retailer of these mission-ready boots, giving service members access to footwear designed for peak performance in the toughest conditions.”

The Bates OpSpeed Tall AR 670-1 Boots are currently available exclusively in U.S. Patriot retail locations and on uspatriot.com in sizes 3 through 15 in both wide and medium widths in Coyote. MSRP $109.95.

For more information on U.S. Patriot and its commitment to veterans and military professionals, please visit www.uspatriot.com.

5.11 Tactical Taclite 2.0 8” AR 670-1 Boots Exclusively Available at U.S. Patriot

Sunday, February 9th, 2025

Lightweight without compromising durability, the 5.11® Tactical Taclite™ 2.0 8” AR 670-1 Boots deliver superior tactical performance.

Lexington, KY (February 2025) –U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company and the nation’s largest supplier of military and related high-performance gear for professionals, is proud to announce the exclusive availability of the 5.11® Tactical Taclite™ 2.0 8” AR 670-1 Boots. Built for service members who demand superior tactical performance and durability, these boots offer exceptional comfort, stability, and traction in a lightweight design. Crafted with durable suede leather and high-abrasion mesh upper, the Ortholite® insole provides exceptional comfort and moisture management.

The Taclite 2.0 features a rough-out leather and 1200D nylon upper, combining rugged durability with breathability. The Echo Lite high-rebound EVA midsole ensures cushioning for long hours on duty, while the multi-direction ASTM-certified slip and oil-resistant rubber outsoles provide outstanding grip in any terrain. Equipped with 5.11’s A.T.L.A.S. Technology Support Plate to enhance torsional stability, these boots deliver enhanced stability for high-mobility missions.

Fully AR 670-1 and AFI 36-2903 compliant, the Taclite 2.0 meets the highest standards for wear with MultiCam and Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms, making it an approved choice for both the U.S. Army and Air Force personnel. It is also GSA/TAA compliant, ensuring accessibility for military and government procurement.

“At U.S. Patriot, we know that having the right gear can make all the difference in the field,” commented Josh Sandhaus, Vice President of Operations at U.S. Patriot. “The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 2.0 was designed to provide warfighters with the durability, comfort, and support they need – without the extra weight. We’re proud to be the exclusive source for this elite tactical boot.”

5.11 Tactical Taclite 2.0 8” AR 670-1 Boots Specifications:

Height: 8”

Upper: Rough-out suede leather and high-abrasion mesh

Laces: Tactical-grade laces

Insole: Ortholite moisture-wicking insole

Midsole: Echo Lite EVA

Outsole: Slip- and oil-resistant ASTM-certified rubber

The 5.11 Tactical Taclite 2.0 8” AR 670-1 Boots are currently available exclusively in U.S. Patriot retail locations and on uspatriot.com in sizes 4R through 15W in Dark Coyote. MSRP $165.00.

For more information on U.S. Patriot and its commitment to veterans and military professionals, please visit www.uspatriot.com.

2025 Salomon Forces Catalog

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

Get your copy here.

SHOT 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, 2025

Coming in March, the Mini Mil shoe from Belleville’s Barefoot series.

Look for zero drop and a wide toe box. More info soon!

www.bellevilleboot.com

OTB Boots Takes The Next Step With The Pirate

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

Introducing 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, 2025

NEW 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, 2025

Yesterday, 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!