Belleville Boots is the first company to integrate a Berry Compliant version of Vibram’s Arctic Grip Wet Ice Tech.
Initially introduced the commercial market at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market a few years ago, the sole offers stability on ice as well as oily surfaces. The active components are a slightly darker brown in the photo below. The first boot with this sole will be the C775ST, a Cold Weather, safety toed boot with 600 grams of Thinsulate.
Coming 4th Qtr 2018 from www.bellevilleboot.com.
Visit Belleville Boot Company at ADS Warrior East in Booth #1517 to take the Ice Bridge Boot Challenge.
This year at the ADS Warrior East Expo, Belleville Boot Company has partnered with VIBRAM® to introduce the new groundbreaking outsole technology specifically designed for wet ice to be used on Belleville’s newest cold weather boots.
Designed with a thermochromatic lug that senses when temperatures drop to 32°F / 0°C, Vibram’s Arctic Grip technology provides superior grip on slippery wet ice.
To test this advanced cold weather gripping system yourself, Belleville invites you to booth #1517 to “walk the walk” and take the Ice Bridge Boot Challenge!
As Kryptek works on their new tactical line, they’ve introduced some new technologies from several materials suppliers. For example, this bi-component kneepad which was developed under a cooperation between Vibram and D3O. Vibram is now working as D3O’s Berry partner to manufacture their shock absorbing foams here in the US.
Here, you can see how the Vibram kneecap is applied to the trouser. The D3O pad is placed in a pocket in the knee of the trouser.
Here is the reverse of the two knee pad components.
I know these are wild looking but they are Vibram’s Furokishi footwear. The name comes from the Japanese word “to wrap and carry items with cloth” and that’s exactly what these do. Stretchable wraps extend off of the Vibram rubber sole to secure the fit with Velcro. This high top model is boot height but there are mid and low variants as well. The high top is lined with fleece for cold weather wear.
eu.vibram.com/en/products/furoshiki-black
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
I keep hearing about Navy Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek and everything I hear is good. The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency comes across as a no-nonsense leader who cares about the men and women he serves and the equipment they use. He asks pointed questions about the supply chain and has been out in the road taking a look at just what they do. This report about the Director’s visit to the Quabaug Corporation comes to us from their partner Vibram brand who provide the soles for combat boots.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS PARTNERSHIP WITH INDUSTRY
DLA Director Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek Recognizes Vibram USA’s Critical Contributions to U.S. Armed Services During Tour of Quabaug Corporation Manufacturing Facility
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA, September 11, 2014 – As part of his ongoing effort to partner with industry leaders, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Director Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek and his senior staff visited Quabaug Corporation, the U.S. manufacturing partner of Vibram, USA. As DLA Director, Harnitchek oversees the acquisition and supply of commodities, clothing, textiles, and other equipment for the Department of Defense. Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world’s greatest climbers and athletes. In addition, Vibram is the only U.S. manufacturer providing high-performance soling products to all branches of the United States Military.
During his visit, Vice Admiral Harnitchek was provided an overview of the spectrum of products manufactured in North Brookfield, including soling for combat boots, military dress shoes, jungle boots, and the new domestically manufactured athletic training shoes. Joined by Quabaug Corporation CEO Kevin Donahue and Vibram USA Vice President Bill Ells, Harnitchek toured the manufacturing plant and company development laboratories to see the advanced manufacturing processes used by Vibram to build their world class products.
Vibram USA Vice President Bill Ells said, “We appreciate Vice Admiral Harnitchek’s interest in learning more about the products manufactured in North Brookfield that directly support our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Every man and woman who serves our nation in the military wears a Vibram sole, and we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the Armed Services, especially on today’s solemn anniversary. On behalf of our employees, I thank Vice Admiral Harnitchek for DLA’s support of our domestic manufacturing.”
At the conclusion of the tour, Harnitchek addressed a gathering of Quabaug employees, including a large number of military veterans. The Vice Admiral’s remarks touched on the critical importance of the employees’ work manufacturing the most essential component of any military ensemble. He reflected on the added significance of this work on the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attack on the United States.
GSS is holding a 40% off Vibram sale this week, Monday through Saturday only in their pro shop at 1569 Diamond Springs Road
in Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Late last month, the US Army officially banned the wearing of Vibram’s Five Fingers and other similar barefoot running brands that feature, “five separate, individual compartments for the toes,” as they, “detract from a professional military image.”
This edict was passed down from on high through an ALARACT (241/2011) message.
SUBJECT: MODIFYING WEAR OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU)
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO MODIFY THE EXISTING WEAR POLICY FOR THE IPFU.
2. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AND WEAR. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, ONLY THOSE SHOES THAT ACCOMMODATE ALL FIVE TOES IN ONE COMPARTMENT ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR. THOSE SHOES THAT FEATURE FIVE SEPARATE, INDIVIDUAL COMPARTMENTS FOR THE TOES, DETRACT FROM A PROFESSIONAL MILITARY IMAGE AND ARE PROHIBITED FOR WEAR WITH THE IPFU OR WHEN CONDUCTING PHYSICAL TRAINING IN MILITARY FORMATION. THIS CHANGE WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE NEXT UPDATE OF AR 670-1.
For uniformed Five Fingers fans this must come as quite a blow. Fortunately, Vibram, makers of the famed Five Fingers foresaw issues with their unconventional footwear and developed specialized soles that mimic the benefits of their compartmented models. Currently, both New Balance and Merrell have released numerous barefoot running models. For instance, the Minimus from New Balance comes in a very Army-esque Black and Yellow. What’s more, they have a reflective logo. How could a 1SG say ‘No” to that?
In spite of the Army’s decision, you can still wear Five Fingers while training out of uniform. Additionally, you can always explore alternatives.
Finally, while I support the Army’s decision for the sake of uniformity, once again, it’s yet another case of the Army’s leadership ignoring their institutional process of change (the Army Uniform Board) and making unilateral decisions about the uniform. From a leadership standpoint, this just doesn’t cut it. You don’t put a process in place and then ignore it when the mood suits you. How can you discipline Soldiers for doing the same thing? The new CSA and SMA both need to both conduct an azimuth check and take a look at the message they send when they ignore the “rules.”
