Covert Threads: Specialty Combat Socks
In order for battle footwear to do its job, it's essential to be equipped with breathable socks that prevent blisters and promote comfort.
Sure, there are somewhat expensive socks on the market that can claim all of the above and more. However, none are as strategically designed as Covert Threads.
Founded by a former U.S. Marine and a sock designer, the business grew from meeting the need for a comfortable hot-weather sock. Since its initial sock—the Sand Military Boot Sock (pictured on the right)—the company has grown to carry more than six kinds of socks as well as various military garments.
The best part about the socks? They're fairly affordable.
With a price range of $6 to $20, the socks come in a variety of styles based around a certain climate. For example, the Rock Sock was created for those going on long-distance treks or carting around a lot of gear.
Most of the Covert Threads socks contain the following features:
- Achilles heel protection with extra padding or abrasion-resistant nylon.
- Blister prevention with special friction-reducing wool.
- Silver lining wards off infections and foot fungus.
- Built in arch support
- Instep Flexzone keeps socks from bunching.
- Specialty "Y"-shaped heel that fits the foot's contour.
Meanwhile, the Swiss are hard at work on high-tech "Sweat Management" socks for the military. The prototype wool and synthetic socks, which are said to absorb sweat and prevent blisters, were recently tested on 60 recruits.
Israeli soldiers are also playing guinea pigs for another type of socks—ones that can be worn for two weeks without smelling. Something tells us there's probably a market for those socks outside of military wear.
Moms in Combat Boots [VIDEO]
Thousands of mothers serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Why strap on military boots every day?
The 419th Fighter Wing posted an excellent video this week. They interviewed several enlisted mothers and asked that very question.
"Women have a natural maternal instinct to protect," one woman told the camera. "What does the military do but protect? So, if you really want someone who is dedicated to protecting their family and their homeland, you get a woman in there. "
Another mom shared her experience of tradition, explaining how her mother and father both served in the military. "I was proud of them, and I wanted to do the same thing."
Do you know many mothers in the military? What's the most challenging part about serving your country and being a parent at the same time?
Oakley’s Elite Assault Boots
Oakley's Elite Assault Boot
We've seen the Cadillac of tactical pants, but what's the crème de la crème of military boots?
Oakley's Elite Assault Boots, of course. The impenetrable, flame-resistant footwear goes perfectly with the ridiculously detailed trousers with 500 Denier Cordura knees and PALS webbing. The battle-ready boots have been tested in the most urban and most remote environments—up mountains, across deserts, through jungles.
What's more, the outside of the boot juxtaposes USA-made leather with panels of CarbonX CX, a groundbreaking material that combines heat/flame protection and stainless steel woven wire. There's a gusseted tongue that keeps out rocks and other debris and a rubber outsole that prevents oils, fuels and other chemicals from sinking in.
Released last fall, the Elite Assault Boot is still turning heads with its Carbon X lining that deflects heat and won't ignite even at temperatures of 2600° F for more than 120 seconds. Now that's cool. Lenzing® material makes up its sole. What does that do exactly? When you're out on the field, it will keep hazardous materials like glass and nails from penetrating the bottom of your boot.
So, what's it cost to look this cool? $500. Yes, a hefty price tag, but it will be well worth it if you ever find yourself walking through the Door to Hell.
Elite Assault Boot from OAKLEY on Vimeo.
How much would you pay for these super-awesome boots? What military boots, in your opinion, are the best value?
Army Scopes New Mountain Boot
According to Kit Up!, the Army is testing three versions of a new mountain combat boot. The blog says that the new test boots are similar to the Danner Combat Hiker.
Pictured above is one of three versions of the boot, this one is Danner's Mt. Combat Boot. The other two are from Wellco and Belleville. We don't want to steal Christian's thunder, so head over to Kit Up! for the full story.
The new crop of boots do indeed look like Danner's Combat Hiker Military Boots. Those boots feature a tough full-grain leather and Cordura upper to guard against abrasions and tears and rubber rand for further protection. It also touts Vibram Fifida outsoles and Gore-Tex lining.
In other boot news, there was an interesting piece in The Sydney Morning Herald chronicling Australian soldiers' struggle with ill-fitting military boots. Several hundred soldiers have logged official complaints about the Terra combat boot, the newspaper reports.
''Mark 3 combat boots never seem to fit,'' one soldier wrote. ''I resize every time to show my size hasn't changed, but every pair of the same size seems to be different. It takes a good deal of my blood to soak into the leather to make them more comfortable, then by that stage the sole has worn and broken away or eyelets fallen out, meaning I must change for a new set and start again.''
The Herald even revealed that the boot, which is said to have an unstable midsole, didn't test any better than the boots it replaced in 1999.
Does anyone have experience with uncomfortable issued boots? What actions did you take to improve your footwear condition?
(Image via Kit Up!)