Helikon-Tex displayed prototypes of a possible expansion into footwear. It’s a natural progression as they add more and more categories to their line. The current models are more focused on the LE amd security sectors than military customers, but if they do get into footwear, I’d expect them to add other models as well.
I’ve been impressed with the amount of new products coming out of Helikon-Tek these past few years. What do you think?
German footwear brand Lowa exhibited this new shoe in the Terrang MP-Sec France booth. It’s the Innox GTX LO TF, a Gore-tex lined shoe with a synthetic upper, which takes styling cues from the popular Innox. However, they’ve incorporated speed lacing.
The Maddox is offered in Black and Grey. Available early 2018.
www.lowaboots.com/mens/task-force-tactical
Although German brand Meindl’s X-SO Corium GTX isn’t a tactical shoe, it gets a mention here on SSD for its use of Gore-tex Surround technology. I have a pair of shoes from another manufacturer with Surround and I really like the membrane which offers venting out of the sides of the sole in order to cut down on the hot feeling many get while wearing footwear with Gore-tex.
Meindl refers to the color as Black, but its really a deep Grey hue. Sizes 6-12 UK.
A Gore-Tex Extended Comfort version of the Aku Pilgrim boot in Brown in now approved for wear by British military personnel.
Trade show lighting can be difficult, so I took a photo of the new variant next to the original two-tone Pilgrim DS to give you idea of the shade. Sizes 3-15 UK in Brown and Black.
Yesterday, I received this note from Military Morons.
As you may guess, the Altama Maritime Assaults have been my favourite everyday wear footwear, for many reasons.
A couple of months ago, I thought it’d be cool to have some Altama Maritime Assaults in an OD/Black colour scheme, inspired by the classic Vietnam Jungle Boots. I asked them about it and they liked that idea, and put in the order for the samples. I also requested that these come without the large pull loops in the back. They went a step further and put my militarymorons skull logo on my one-of-a-kind samples.
Whether these eventually become a collaborative special edition, or a standard colour offering from Altama, I thought you might like to throw these pics up on SSD.
So what do you think? Should they produce a run of these Military Morons special edition Maritime Assaults?
The biggest change you’ll note is the nylon webbing lacing bartels. The LT variant of this 8″ boot is offered in Coyote Leather and Nylon making it AR 670-1 compliant while the standard Gen 2, made from nylon and synthetic leather is available in British Khaki, Black and Sage Green. As it is a unisex design, sizing is 4-15 with half sizing to 13.
nike.com/us/en_us/pw/special-field-boot-collection/ch2
Belleville’s Glen Becker goes over the QRF line we previewed back in May.
Designed to address the infil & exfil operations of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team in mind, The QRF Series of boots offer a unique and purposeful option for when movement is essential. With design and performance influences from the outdoor trekking and approach shoe category, the QRF Series integrates an aggressive, lace-to-toe closure system; an integrated medial side fast rope channel with high friction rubber for controlled descent; and low drop soling system to enhance performance in multiple environments.
In addition, the QRF series includes:
-An exclusive long-wearing RAKKASAN rubber outsole for enhanced slip resistance and grip
-Removable, dual density Ortholite® footbed with high rebound memory foam and heel cup stabilizer
-An aero-spacer hydrophilic mesh lining for superior moisture management & breathability
The QRF Series is offered in 6 styles: 8” & 6” Coyote Brown; 8” Sage Green; 8” side zip, 8” waterproof & 6” Black.
You can check out the QRF line at www.bellevilleboot.com.
By Combat Flip Flops
{Issaquah, WA} With the mission to “Manufacture Peace Through Trade” Combat Flip Flops released the newest line of products to the offering–Shoes. What began in 2012 as a small line of flip flops grew into a product offering of American made bags, Afghan made shemaghs, and Laos made UXO jewelry–made in conflict or post conflict zones. The Unarmed Forces footwear line offers a full four season offering while satisfying those that “don’t do flip flops.”
Although you can move at a higher rate-of-speed and are more equipped to defend yourself in shoes–the tagline remains, “Bad for Running, Worse for Fighting.” Each pair sold funds a day of school for an Afghan girl through Aid Afghanistan for Education.
Manufactured in an artisan factory in Bogota, Colombia, the Unarmed Forces footwear line ranges from the $44.99 slip-on IN·TER·VAL to the $119.00 full leather TAN·GENT. Available men’s sizes 7 to 15 and women’s sizes 5 to 11. The UAF line is offered in a variety of upper and outsole colors–suiting the daily needs of the Unarmed Forces. Casual, business casual, or just straight business.
The UAF footwear is available for pre-order now and delivers Mid-November. All pre-orders wil receive a limited edition shemagh not available for purchase as a standalone product.
Shop UAF here: www.combatflipflops.com/collections/shoes
