As we see more and more women on the battlefield, it’s good to see manufacturers step up to the plate and add women’s sizes. According to a report on www.militaryboots.com, Lowa is doing just that by adding sizing in two of the most popular Task Force styles. Make sure you go over and read the whole article.
In his monthly fitness training feature, Retired Marine PJ Roarke, discusses his concerns about protecting your feet during training. Interestingly, we were first introduced to MGunz, as he is known, by Bates Footwear and he is a steadfast supporter of their boots not only for duty wear but for physical fitness training as well. He doesn’t work for Bates, he wears them.
When it comes to information about health, diet and fitness the only thing that you can truly count on is that it will change. Guidance seems to travel in a big circle every few years. High carb, low fat, no carb, heavy weights, light weights, no weights, running, no running, etc, etc. One day this is the best way to train, tomorrow it’s no good. You have to use this new method, new supplement, new gear, or eat this and don’t eat this. For some reason people always think that they have to try something new to get results and they mistrust the basics? Now 99% of this stuff is just a fad that will quickly pass as some new nonsense comes along to take its place. However once in a while something comes along that (IMO) is not only silly but dangerous. What I’m speaking of here is the new fad of “Barefoot” running. Not just in truly barefoot, but the new “Barefoot” running shoes. Now if you are a person whose occupation has you shining chair with your ass for most of your time than this may not be a big deal. However if you are in the military, firefighting, law enforcement, construction work or any field that operates on your feet, than this barefoot training can put your livelihood in jeopardy. Your feet need to be protected, not only when your at work but when your training. In my book Corps Strength I wear and recommend boots for training. I don’t even think running shoes are sturdy enough for what you need, but they are 100x better than these new barefoot “slippers”. IMO they will surely lead to injury. Now don’t send me any scientific studies that were done by the barefoot shoe companies on college students and pro athletes. I live and work in the real world not in a lab. Just the thought of carrying a combat load, or even just running in those things makes my feet hurt. Not to mention what it would do to your knees and back. If you’re a working person do yourself (and your feet) a favor and get some Bates boots to train and work in (I use Dura-Shocks) and leave the “Barefoot Training” to the Cavemen. Did I mention that the average lifespan of a Caveman was about 40?
Good luck and Semper Fi
MGunz
I know it seems a bit odd that we would be downplaying MultiCam but the SHOT Show buzz surrounding Magnum’s new MultiCam footwear has kind of overshadowed their current offerings. So if you like the styles you saw in MultiCam or work somewhere that would not allow you to wear camo boots, you need to know that those same models are currently available in Black and Desert Tan.
Take for example this version of the Sidewinder HPi in Desert Tan. It has all of the features of its camouflaged brother that we wrote about before SHOT Show. They include the ion-maskâ„¢ hydrophobic surface enhancement, SuperFabric arch panel and an OrthoLite insole combined with a Vibram sidewinder outsole.
After what seemed like years in development hell, the Oakley SI Approach Mid is finally available. Prototypes have been seen for some time but as they continued development incremental improvements were introduced. The most recent was the inclusion of a puncture proof sole.
Made offshore and available now in Dune from USstandardissue.com for authorized customers.
During the PEO Soldier media round table earlier today, COL William Cole PM Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, stated that the Army has finally chosen a design for the Mountain Combat Boot from Belleville under the Soldier Enhancement Program. As the REF continued to purchase the Danner candidate boot, this news comes as a bit of a surprise since Danner looked like the “shoe in”. The boot is designed as a mid height alternate to the standard issue combat boot and better tuned for use in Afghanistan’s terrain where Soldiers often have to scramble up and down steep rock faced slopes. According to COL Cole a contract award for 25,000 pairs is forthcoming.
Spotted at the recent Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City is this example of an upcoming Keen shoe. So now you can have MultiCam Keens, but only if you’re a girl.
About two years ago, Salomon introduced the Quest 4D in Grey to a couple of specialized military units. Uber Group, US reps for Salomon took a look at Salomon’s international offerings and came up with the Cosmic in Grey, bringing it right into the US market.
The boots are somewhat similar so the bottom line is; the Quest is sewn construction and the Cosmic is glued. While both integrate running shoe technology, think of the Cosmic as the next step based on construction. In the photo above, you can see the Cosmic in the foreground and the Quest peaking from the back.
Now, this last bit is cool as hell. Rumor has it that the Cosmic is vegan. Now how awesome would it be to know that you are being environmentally and socially conscious while you are hunting down Islamo-fascist terrorists? I mean, you would totally score with the chicks if you let slip “Well sure I terminate with extreme prejudice, but I wear vegan footwear while doing it.”
Available VERY soon from purveyors of fine tactical equipment.
We’ve mentioned Bates Footwear’s Individual Comfort System (ICS) technology in the past but this video taken by TacticalGear.com at SHOT Show gives you a great idea of what it all means. Thanks guys!
www.batesfootwear.com
www.tacticalgear.com
