From now until Saturday January 5th 2013, use discount code “T800” to receive the Garmont T8 Tactical Jungle Boot for only $100 when combined with another $100 purchase. The purchases must be made at the same time and you must use the discount code to receive the discount.
Combat Flip Flops has asked is to share this message with you. I have spoken at length with the CFF crew discussing the challenges of economic development in what amounts to a combat zone. While things are better economically in Afghanistan than they were 10 years ago, challenges remain.
SSD Community,
We started Combat Flip Flops with the mission of supporting a growing Afghan economy. Our goal to manufacture in Afghanistan is anchored in the belief that a strong economy will sustain the gains made over the last decade.
While our mission hasn’t changed, some things are out of our control. As international forces prepare to withdraw in 2014, the mature Afghan National Army and Police are taking the lead. Afghans are making the best financial decisions to sustain the army and police created alongside coalition forces. Footwear manufacturers in Kabul depend heavily on military contracts, so any decrease in volume has a huge impact on sustainable operations. Unfortunately, the decline came faster than expected and the CFF plant could not sustain operations on supplemental flip flop volume. We received word earlier this month that our current factory would be closing its doors on December 31 due to a lack of military boot contracts.
Although the military manufacturing sector is slowing down, the economy in Afghanistan is on the rise and we’re amazed at the progress we’ve seen over the past few years. Small businesses are booming, schools are creating empowered Afghan youth, and the most professional security services in Afghan history are in place. This wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunity created by the US military and international forces.
So what to do with 3,400 pair of raw materials? We’re bringing it home.
We’ve paid attention to the emails, blog postings, and phone calls asking, “Why don’t you make them in the USA?” Roger that. With a foundation of predictable U.S. production, CFF can withstand the delays, setbacks, and difficulties of doing business in post conflict areas. The shop will be set up in Issaquah, Washington and will begin manufacturing in January 2013. Combat Flip Flops will resume production in Afghanistan and offer a full line of U.S. and Afghan made products to our customers in the near future.
We truly appreciate our customers’ faith and support over the last year. Thank you for sticking with us and we look forward to having regular inventory for delivery this Spring.
Respectfully,
Andy, Griff, and Lee
Combat Flip Flops. Bad for running. Worse for fighting
www.combatflipflops.com
www.facebook.com/businessnotbullets
Yeah, I know. It sounds crazy doesn’t it? Well, it’s not crazy of you have a pair of new Rocky S2V Substratum Direct Attach Hikers.
To make a fire, just remove your boot and pull out the foot-bed. In a recess beneath the footbed rests a firesparker and wetcubes from Ultimate Survival Technologies. .
The Sparkie is a one-handed emergency fire starter that weighs less than one ounce. It also comes packaged with two WetFire tinder cubes.
But these aren’t just a vessel for a cool firestarter. Unveiled at Summer OR, Rocky offers an upper made from nubuck leather and ripstop nylon with a polyurethane rand wrapped around the toe and heel. They’ve also included 550 cord laces for additional survival applications.
The Substratum Direct Attach Hiker also features a moisture-wicking lining and Hydro IQ (waterproof/air circulation). Additionally, it is insulated with Aerotherm® Aerogel insulation and PrimaLoft® insulation in targeted sections of the boot. Here’s another cool survival component. The antimicrobial insole has been made in a bright, fuchsia color; not only will it suppress odors and cushion your feet, but can also be used to signal for help.
AKU NS 564 Bosco tactical boots haven’t been available in the US for some time. Now, Morrison Industries is bringing this popular boot back that was developed in conjunction with US Special Operations for a wide variety of missions to include HALO, amphibious and mountain operations. It’s a rugged multi-purpose boot that does NOT use a waterproof breathable liner meaning great breathability. After becoming a favorite of select US SOF units it is now quickly becoming a favorite with the British Armed Forces.
The NS 564 is constructed with a rugged and breathable AIR 8000 synthetic upper. They feature a 360-degree abrasion-resistant rand to minimize wear and tear. They have a Vibram SWOT outsole that makes them great for scrambling as well due to the sole’s edging capabilities and a flat area at the toe for toe point climbing. The internal Sanifit lining wicks away moisture produced by your foot at a very fast rate. Although the NS 564 has a slim-line midsole Aku’s internal midsole keeps your feet comfortable mile after mile, and the tough Bycast Rand offers great protection from rocky paths.
Now that we’ve gotten all of the technical stuff out of the way, let’s talk turkey about these boots.
I’ve had a pair of the AKU NS 564 Bosco “urban approach shoes” for years (going back to before I retired). When they first came into the country they were billed as an “urban approach shoe” which could be used for light trekking. The “Bosco” has been marketed as a Navy SEAL boot in Europe but nothing could be further from the truth. A customer asked a US distributor of the Italian brand AKU to have them create a special model from the upper from one boot and the sole from another. Then they slapped a new, subdued paint job on the thing.
This is a low topped, lightweight boot at 2 lbs, 6 oz a pair. The NS564 Bosco offers true sizing so no need to order a size larger or smaller. As mentioned, there’s no waterproof breathable liner. So consider that when you choose these. If you are in a wet environment your feet are going to get wet unless you use a waterproof breathable sock. If you need to go that route, take that, as well as your other socks (such as heavy socks), into account in sizing. The up side is that they are going to breathe very well and dry more quickly than boots with extensive lining systems.
The color is quite interesting. It’s a three tone boot consisting of a Light Brown suede paired with a Green nylon upper and a Black rand and sole. What’s interesting about the Green is that I’ve noticed over the years how adaptable it is. It appears more Brown when in a Brown environment and more Green when in a Green environment. Plus, as you use it, you’re going to get it dirty. Note, they are also offered in an all Black model.
Also, note the generous rand that protects the boot and helps you get a hold if you end up doing a little climbing in these. Additionally, I’ve always loved the lack of metal hooks. Parachutists will appreciate this feature as well as anyone who doesn’t like catching a hook while in the back country. Also, they are literally made for 550 cord laces. With some footwear this sticks out, but not these.
Remember, under the hood, these are approach shoes. They are intended for hiking and climbing. The actual soles are grippy but a word of caution. They are thin. Not uncomfortably so, but if your day consists of standing around then that insole replacement is crucial.
They are a great boot and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Canipe mentioned them over the weekend. He’s had them as long as I have and I’d say spends a lot more time in them than I do as I end up trying out different brands and I regularly see him wearing his. Canipe swears by the AKU. My big feedback is to swap out the insoles but I’ll tell you to do that with most any shoe. No matter the footwear, consider this in sizing.
Now, here’s the best part. SSD readers take a $10 discount now through Thursday 6 December at Midnight using code Discount Code: SSD-001 at checkout through morrison-industries.com.
AMFO.com is currently having a 20% off sale on select Lowa Task Force boots. Save between $30-$85 per pair and receive free ground shipping. Just use promo code: TASKFORCE at checkout to apply the discount. This sale ends November 27th.
Belleville Boots’ Tactical Research has introduced the new Minimalist Training Boot. Part of the Mini Mil series, this boot features a 5mm “drop” between the heel & forefoot. It’s a quick-drying unlined boot weighs less than 2 lbs a pair and meets the requirements of AR 670-1.
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GARMONT Srl, an international producer of performance footwear for skiing, mountaineering, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, has announced the appointment of OUTDOOR TACTICAL ENTERPRISES, INC as distributor for GARMONT branded military/tactical, hunting and law enforcement footwear for the North American market. OTE will be responsible for brand distribution, product placement and support and will continue to assist in product development, product innovation, and testing for the GARMONT tactical collection.
“OTE has a proven track record in the distribution of tactical and outdoor gear and takes pride in offering brands that are innovative and set themselves to a higher standard than the norm.” commented Steve SIDERIAS, OTE President and CEO. “GARMONT fits the bill perfectly and we are very excited to be able to represent them in North America. Providing the best footwear to our heros and professional users can not be taken lightly so utilizing the best technologies , materials, and best manufacturing techniques to ensure optimum performance is what Garmont does best.
Additionally, GARMONT also recently announced a partnership with SCOTT Sports for the distribution of their line of skiboots and outdoor footwear in North America. Gian Luca FARINAZZO, Garmont Sales and Marketing Manager International, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Outdoor Tactical Enterprises to our international sales network and are certain that the addition of a dedicated resource of their caliber and experience will help position our Tactical collection to effectively and aggressively grow the business forward in this strategic sales channel.”
Winter is almost upon us. To help you prepare for the coming cold season Extreme Outfitters is offering a smoking deal on their exclusive Bates 400G insulated boots. Check them out. They don’t really look like cold weather boots do they? They actually contain 400G of Thinsulate insulation and are available in both 6? and 9? heights in Mojave and Tan. Now, the best part. They are only $79.99, regardless of color or model.
