Bates Footwear is set release their new Lightweight Hiker, designed specifically to fill a niche for those seeking a comfortable commercial-style boot for combat use. Unlike many hiking boots the Lightweight Hiker offers a great deal of torsional support along the footbed.
It features the Vibram Mutant outsole and integrates Superfabric side panels to help keep your feet cool.
I know it’s May and the last thing you are thinking of is insulated boots but Extreme Outfitters is offering a smoking deal on their exclusive Bates 400G insulated boots. 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 Mohave and Tan. Now, the best part. They are only $89.99, regardless of color or model.
Unless you’ve been living on Mars, you’ve heard about The Boot Campaign by now. Their motto is simple; “When They Come Back, We Give Backâ€. Founded by five Southern ladies from Texas who call themselves “The Boot Girlsâ€, The Boot Campaign provides a tangible way for Americans to show support of our troops and directly benefit our military through purchases of boots and other merchandise. Bates Footwear has teamed with them to add several footwear styles to the program. Proceeds from purchasing signature boots from The Boot Campaign are donated to their charity partners including the Lone Survivor Foundation, Not Alone, Wounded Wear, and Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Celebrities have taken up the cause and supporters range from country music stars Joe Nichols and Dolly Parton to TV and radio host Glenn Beck. Sports and Political figures such as The Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Cubs and the Governor
of Texas, Rick Perry have been spotted wearing the military fashioned boots to show their support. But they need everyone’s support if they are going to meet their goal of seeing one million Americans in a pair of Boot Campaign
“give back†boots. This isn’t just for uniformed professionals but rather for everyone and there are many styles to choose from.
As Ron Woznick, Vice President & General Manager for Bates, said; “Bates has the honor of providing footwear to thousands of Warfighters each year that selflessly protect our country. Their sacrifices and commitment are simply amazing. We are privileged to begin working more closely with The Boot Campaign, who has done a phenomenal job of drawing attention and supporting our military heroes.â€
To participate, mosey on over to www.bootcampaign.com
bates Footwear is looking for that 1000th Facebook fan. The lucky fan wins a free pair of boots. Visit Bates on Facebook to get in on the action.
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
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
Bates Footwear has announced they will be partnering with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit organization that supports thousands of wounded warriors each year during their transition back to civilian life.
WWP began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded servicemen and women has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover. Over 40,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury.
WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery. Whether through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services, or adaptive sporting opportunities, WWP empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.
Manufacturing quality boots and shoes to protect the men and women that wear them is part of the value that drives Bates to give back. “We are grateful to show our support and gratitude to warfighters who have honored our country with incredible sacrifice by supporting a worthy cause such as Wounded Warrior Project†said Ron Woznick, Bates VP & General Manager.
