This is a sneak peek of a Grey on Grey OTB Shoe collaboration we are doing with Altama.
Full details are coming soon but 200 pairs of these “Soldier Systems Classics” shoes will be offered for sale with all of SSD’s proceeds going to the Pararescue Foundation. During my Air Force career, I was assigned to several Special Tactics Squadrons.
Eric Graves
Editor
Reebok Duty has expanded the Sublite Cushion Tactical line with three new models. There is Sage Green for the Air Force and Coyote for the Army AR 670-1 compliant boot. Additionally, they’ve introduced Mid versions as more a tactical causal shoe.
Interestingly, they developed a special sole for the AR 670-1 boot.
It incorporates a rope guard and offers a full rubber outsole with additional abrasion resistance.
The other models (as seen above) have deeper flex grooves as well as targeted rubber at the toe and heel for weight reduction.
At the top of the younger there is a lace garage.
Finally, the footbed incorporates memorytech massage with massaging pods. Although hey come standard with the Sublime Cushion, these footbeds as an after market accessory later this year.
www.reebokwork.com/sublite-tactical
Textech Industries produces a wide variety of specialized fabrics. Their Puncturex product is used in the new Army Jungle Boot for Puncturex resistance, replacing the metal plate used in the original model.
The material is flexible and lightweight as well as thermally non-conductive. Additionally, it is Berry compliant.
Naturally, this material can be used for other applications as well.
Grunt Style collaborated with Altama to offer a special Red and Black version of the Altama OTB mid shoe.
Features:
Maritime Assault Boot for all tactical water operations
Fin friendly fit; fits just about any dive fins used by Militaries worldwide
High abrasion quick drying 1000D Cordura quarter panels
Air mesh linings help wick away sweat and other moisture quickly from your feet
Non-shine rust-proof lace hardware will not break on the battlefield
Low profile flat laces will not cause pain from fin wear on long swims
Full length one piece ABS shank provides stability and support when climbing a caving ladder
Ultron® PU contoured insole will not absorb water
Front non-metallic drain ports allow for water to drain easily when flexing the boot
SEAL Rubber sticky outsoles. The rubber compound was originally developed for rock climbing shoes and modified for wet tactical operations. SEAL Rubber is one of the stickiest, high traction rubbers on the market today. Designed for Specials Ops. Worn by the Elite.
www.gruntstyle.com/collections/men/products/high-tide-raid-shoes-black-red
It is with great pleasure to announce that OTB Boots will re-launch right after the 2018 SHOT Show, with new product delivering in early March.
The original founder Dan Ellis was able to acquire the rights back to OTB in 2017. Dan has been busy working on a 2018 re-launch of some of its coveted models; same outstanding quality products with a new updated logo.
OTB Boots was always known to introduce market-changing innovations into footwear categories void of upgrades or technical advancements. This was demonstrated in OTB’s original model of the Abyss water boot that was developed in conjunction with the US Navy SEALs. Soon after, the popular DesertLite and JungleLite were introduced as some of the lightest boots in the field.
The JungleLite model has been re-engineered to meet AR 670-1 regulations yet still retain the superior support, athletic fit, and breathability not found in any boot on the market today.
OTB Boots will re-launch exclusively in March with US Patriot Tactical through their network of forty (40) stores and accompanying website. Sales and distribution will be managed by Black Lions Partners, a marketing and distribution company affiliated with US Patriot LLC. We are accepting new dealer inquiries for the second phase of shipments that will arrive in early Fall 2018.
You can view the new line up at www.otbboots.com.
New dealer inquiries are welcome by contacting sales@otbboots.com.
As long as US service members have worn Salomon shoes, there have been complaints that they can’t wear them in garrison. Almost two years ago, Salomon began working on a new high leg boot that would answer these concerns. The new Guardian was designed from the ground up to be in compliance with the US Army’s regulation concerning the wear and appearance of uniforms, AR 670-1.
Offered in US sizes 5-15, the Guardian is 8″ tall and made from Coyote Brown rough out leather. It’s a lightweight shoe, at just 25 oz for a US 9. It features the Salomon Contagrip outsole features larger lugs designed to provide more penetrating grip as well as more contact with the ground to prevent slippage. The base of the boot is constructed with an EVA Molded Midsole and a protective cup-sole. A strong break in the heel of the sole should also help with climbing.
While the styling is definitely Salomon, it’s not so much that it would be considered faddish. For instance, they’ve utilized traditional eyelets and barrel lacing and toned down the side markings.
Additionally, the Guardian is TAA compliant. That means, although it wasn’t made in the US, it was manufactured in a Trade Act compliant country. This opens new options for procurement. What’s more, Salomon tells me this is the first boot in what will be a series of AR 670-1 compliant boots.
Coming March, 2018 from www.salomon.com/us/men/collection-forces or your favorite Salomon Forces dealer.
Although originally designed as a trail runner, the XA Forces Mid has become the heavy lifter in the Salomon Forces line due to its lightweight construction which offers a great deal of ankle support and foot stability.
When the Forces line first launched, they took commercial footwear which were popular with military and LE customers and essentially gave them a new paintjob. What they found over the past few years is that the Forces customer subjects the shoes to situations that they were not originally designed for. After analyzing the returns, Salomon designers embarked on a significant upgrade to this popular shoe. In a rare peek into the design process, Salmon shared this drawing with us. The final product differs slightly.
There are specific issues which have been addressed. For instance, they’ve introduced the same material used in the Quest 4D. Additionally, they changed the construction to introduce double and even triple stitching. They’ve also eliminated overlaps of fabric wherever possible because thenedges of fabric was getting caught while riding Quads and separating.
Here, you can see the new instep, designed to take more wear and tear while climbing ropes and fast roping.
Finally, Solomon improved the sole and introduced a wider toe box.
The XA Forces Mid is available with or without a Gore-Tex lining in US sizes U.S. 4.5 to 12.5, plus 13.5 and 14 in Black, Coyote and Ranger Green (GTX version only).
Below is their full press release.
Salomon has revealed a new, upgraded XA Forces Mid GTX shoe, the centerpiece of the brand’s Forces range. If you liked the brand’s XA Pro Mid, the earlier version of this shoe, you will appreciate the improvements made to the new XA Forces Mid GTX. Available beginning January 2018, it features several improvements over its predecessor, which was the very first shoe that the brand developed specifically for military use. In the GORE-TEX® version, it will be available in black, coyote brown and ranger green. The shoe is also available in a non-GORE-TEX® version offering a more breathable variant. The non-GORE-TEX® version is available in black and coyote brown.
Now in unisex models (available in half sizes from U.S. 4.5 to 12.5, plus 13.5 and 14.5), the design goal of the XA Pro Mid GTX was to improve strength and durability. It will use the same fabric found on the Quest 4D Boot, which is four times more durable compared to the previous fabric when it comes to tear strength, and has been put to the test in the lab and on deployment. To make it stronger, the shoe now has a single-layer construction, reducing the overlapping of materials. Formerly a single stitched shoe, the new version has double and triple stitching for stronger seem construction.
The outsole also has a more durable design. A new layer adds to the sole’s thickness and additional rubber with deeper lugs provides more contact with the ground. A break in the design of the heel helps with climbing, while a rubber pad on the medial side of the shoe aids in protection. The toebox has also been made slightly roomier than in the previous version.
Available soon from www.salomon.com/us/men/collection-forces or your favorite Salomon Forces dealer.
