You’ve probably heard of Palladium or at least seen their boots in old photos of the French Foreign Legion. Over the years lots of guys have used these boots for maritime as well as desert and jungle operations. They’ve teamed up with Crye Precision to offer the classic Pampa boot in MultiCam, Tropical, Black and Arid. Coming January, 2016.
Arc’teryx debuted a groundbreaking footwear line in summer 2014 and just released it for sale a few months ago but a major focus of this summer’s OR booth is the expansion of their offerings for Spring 16.
This is Arc’teryx Footwear Product Line Manager Federico Sbrissa with the Acrux AR, the boot that started the whole process several years ago. Although this double mountaineering boot concept actually came first, Arc’teryx introduced low-cut approach shoes (Alpha2 FL) and mid-cut Hiking and Light Trekking boots (Bora Mid) first, while the more challenging design matured. It’s ready now and will be available not long after the new year.
As you can see, the new Acrux AR is fully crampon compatible. Although similar in construction to the Bora, in that the liner booty is removable, the Acrux AR incorporates an integral gaiter design with a waterproof T Zip which makes uo the outer portion of the boot.
This double boot also has a PE preformed inner shell which laces tightly over the removable Gore-Tex booty and offers adaptive fit. The Vibram mountaineering outsole is part of a six component sole system which also includes carbon fiber, EVA midsole and TPU heel and toe cups.
One product that consumers have been clamoring for is a leather version of the Bora Mid and as you can see, Arc’teryx did not disappoint.
In addition to expanded color options for the existing Alpha2 FL and Bora Mid, Arc’teryx announced the Acrux SL and Arakys shoe models, in both men’s and women’s versions. The Acrux SL’s approach shoe design won’t incorporate Gore-Tex and is very light at 300 grams per shoe.
The Arakys has an interesting aesthetic and is billed as an ultralight bouldering and single pitch shoe. The heel of the upper is collapsible so that you can shove your foot right into it for causal use and the closure system can be used one-handed. Finally, it has a leather footbed for barefoot comfort.
On a wall of Black boots, the UA Tac Fat Tire really stands out. In fact, the Fat Tire won gear of the show for the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015.
Announced during SHOT Show, the UA Tac Fat Tire incorprates a full Gore-tex upper, Boa lacing system, Under Armour Charge cushioning mid-sole and a Michelin Wild Gripper outsole engineered specifically for UA. Additionally, it features a Cupron insole that has been EPA approved kills foot bacteria including athelet’s foot.
This model is coming 1 January but commercial and hunting models are hitting the market this month including a version featuring the Ridge Reaper Barren Camo pattern.
The Concept: Furoshiki in the Japanese culture, refers to the tradition of wrapping, holding and carrying various objects with cloth. Vibram has created the first wrapping sole.
Multi Size: Due to the anatomic shape of the sole and the stretch upper material, Furoshiki will comfortably fit all foot types.
Easy On: The wrapping Vibram sole with stretch fabric upper material, and a unique closing system will ensure a fast, secure fit.
Multi Use: With a top quality Vibram outsole – Furoshiki will guarantee comfort in any environment. Whether walking in the city, through an airport, or relaxing by the beach, Furoshiki will comfortably wrap around your feet.
Color: Black
UPDATE: Apparently, these items are made with genuine fabric but not under official license. For example, some of the design features infringe on Crye Precision patents such as the kneepad interface.
FORHONOR is a Brazil-based tactical clothing company that has produced a line of combat uniforms, with patterns including MultiCam, MultiCam Black, and MultiCam Tropic, and are manufactured using US materials.
The combat shirt features a mandarin-style collar with a 1/4 zip. The sleeves are made from 50/50 NyCo ripstop, including bicep pockets and Velcro loop fields for ID and morale patches; the wrists also feature Velcro straps. The torso is composed of FAVO (Honeycomb) 528 fabric developed exclusively for FORHONOR, which facilitates moisture absorption and quick evaporation. This material also offers UVA and UVB protection, as well as being anti-odor and anti-bacterial.
forhonor.com.br/combat-shirts/combat-shirt-multicam
FORHONOR’s Tactical Operational Pant is made of 50/50 NyCo Ripstop fabric. It features 6 pockets: two front pockets, two hindquarters pockets, and two thigh side bellowing pockets. The knees are double reinforced, and accommodate removable kneepads. The waist features 5 belt loops with a 5cm opening, facilitating the use of a tactical belt.
forhonor.com.br/calca-f3-multicam-f3-13
Airstep Army, possibly under the same parent company as FORHONOR, has also produced a MultiCam Combat Boot. The boot features a MultiCam leather and 1000D cordura nylon upper, with a nylon aerated system lining, which enables internal cooling. The camouflaged sole is made of anti-slip rubber, with traction grip at the front and rear and a structure of ribs that prevent aquaplaning.
botamilitar.com.br/bota-militar-multicam-8990-13
Credit for the discovery goes out to Multicam-inside.fr
The Aku NS564 Bosco has been a great militarized trekking shoe for the last decade. Unfortunately, supply here in North America has been difficult. Today I met up with the North American distributor. In addition to Rampart International in Canada, they are available in the U.S. Through Procurement Specialists.
Above, is the NS564 Spider. It’s a slight modification to the classic model (which is still available), adding a rubber rand along the edge of the toe in order to counter wear. The NS564 family has a tighter toe box than Aku’s Pilgrim models which were introduced a couple of years ago. This is because of their use as an approach or urban climbing boot.
Feel free to inquire through www.akuoutdoor.com.
The current U.S. Issue Vapor Barrier Boot is very labor intensive to produce and can currently only be made by a single factory in Canada. It so happens that the firm that can produce the VB boot, AirBoss Defense, also makes the Candian Forces Extreme Cold Weather Mukluk. This Mukluk protects the feet to the same temperature as the VB Boot (0 to -55 Deg C) is lighter weight, features a removable liner and insoles and is also taller.
