Study Finds Custom Shoes Do Little to Prevent Injury
Promises of extra stability, motion control and added cushioning can be found in footwear advertising everywhere. However, does that pledge of added protection actually pan out?
A group of doctors including several from the U.S. Army and Navy decided to find out.
In June, The American Journal of Sports Medicine published their study that took a closer look at injury prevention based on shoe customization. They wanted to know if specialized shoes sold by footwear manufacturers really worked.
For the experiment, they outfitted 722 Marine Corps recruits in shoes—one group received specialized shoes based on arch height among other factors, and the control group laced up the same stability shoe. For the following 12 weeks, recruits were observed via the Defense Medical Surveillance System.
The results? The doctors found little difference in injury risk between the groups.
"Simply measuring the foot morphology with (this type of) technique is not sufficient for prescribing footwear if your objective is to prevent injuries," Dr. Bruce Jones, an investigator on the study at the U.S. Army Public Health Command, told Reuters Health.
While one study alone can't completely dispel customization based on plantar shapes, it certainly makes you think twice before buying footwear solely based on that type of technology. Your best bet? Select boots that feel the most comfortable on your feet.
(Image via Wikimedia)
Boot Photo of The Day
Our friends at Free Military Photos alerted us to this breathtaking picture of military boots during a Memorial Day ceremony in Afghanistan.
Held at Camp Eggers in Kabul, the ceremony featured Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell discussing what it takes to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He expanded his speech to include those who serve in other countries as well.
"Let us all use this day to focus our thoughts and prayers to cherish the memory of those loved and lost in the defense of our nations," he said.
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?
Wanted: Magnum Boot Field Testers
In the digital age, expressing your opinions (the good and the bad) is almost a requirement. And when you mix in social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, the opinion-less can easily be overshadowed by a billion other oh-so-sassy Tweets.
Magnum Boots is seriously embracing this trend. So much so, it's launched an area on its site totally dedicated to this type of interaction. It allows customers to not hold back and tell Magnum what they *really* think about their new boots. Seriously.
One of the first reviews we read on the site from Matt Prochaska said "I loved these boots but did have some issues with them. The zipper kept getting caught and I would have to take the boots off to fix it. I wish that the boots were waterproof." Now, that's honesty!
The reviews are meant to help customers with purchasing decisions, but it will also assist Magnum designers with future innovations. Because how are you supposed to know what someone wants when you don't provide an open forum for them to do so?
With more than 24 products already reviewed, Magnum has just tapped into what could be an excellent resource for both them and boot fans circling the globe. You do have to sign up to be a field tester. But once you're in, you can leave reviews, testimonials and videos on any product. Field testers also have unique pages that display each tester's reviews, testimonials, comments, videos and photos.
Moreover, Magnum rewards the best field testers with free gear as well as the title of "Official Field Tester." Here is a sample of an excellent product review video -- the precise thing a superstar field tester would submit.
Bronzing Your Military Boots
Whether you've scaled the mountains of Afghanistan or weaved your way through the chaotic streets of Iraq, chances are the boots you wore during those times hold some sentimental value. And if they do, you might want to preserve and maybe even display them.
By bronzing combat boots, your former footwear transforms into a keepsake that can be passed down for generations. The process keeps the boot from disintegrating and gives it a polished antique look. It also creates something that can be put on display for many years to come.
So, where does one go to get boots bronzed? There might be some local shops that specialize in creating these items.
The ABC Bronzing Co. makes it easy to get boots bronzed online. You just mail your boots to the company, and six to eight weeks later you will receive a perfectly bronzed pair. For adult boots, it costs $199.95 per pair (or $102.95 unmounted) and a little extra if the boot needs shoe laces.
And for those DIY-ers out there, you can also try to bronze the boots yourself, though it might be a little on the messy side.
You can care for your bronzed boots by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth. ABC Bronzing Co. recommends not using polish on cleaners as they will destroy the layer that preserves the finish. Although this video (below) isn't about bronzing combat boots, it takes you through the same step-by-step the boots undergo. And it also has marvelous background music.
(Image via Flickr)
Gerard Butler’s Boots
It's not often that a pair of military boots shows up on the cover of a magazine. Aside from the usual suspects, glossy mags usually prefer Prada or Gucci to Danner or Oakley.
Yet that didn't stop Scottish actor Gerard Butler (300, P.S. I Love You) from striking a pose on the April issue of W Magazine in a pair. Wearing Bates U.S. Navy DuraShocks Steel-Toe Boots, Butler promote his most recent flick The Bounty Hunter with costar Jennifer Aniston.
Hat tip to @batesfootwear for the picture. Watch The Bounty Hunter trailer below, which will be in theatres this Friday.
New Boot Alert: Oakley’s Water Shoe, Tactical Research’s MultiCam Kiowa
With every passing year there are more and more new military boot styles and colors, and this year is no different.
Last month Gear Scout posted a sneak peak of a new water combat boot from Oakley. The boot, which is not yet listed on Oakley's website, will join its Tactical Six ($130) and Elite Assault Boot ($500), both newer boots from the military/duty line. According to Gear Scout's sneak preview, the boot features strategic slits that allow water passage and improved traction. The boots debuted at SHOT Show, so expect more details in the coming weeks.
Oakley's New Water Combat Boot
The second isn't necessarily a new boot as much as a new boot color. For those already familiar with Belleville's Tactical Research combat boots know that it comes in desert tan, sage green and black. And you can now add MultiCam to that list. With the new color, the MultiCam boot still touts all the same features like an "over-lasted" EVA midsole for shock attenuation and a stabilizer strap for the heel and ankle.
Tactical Research MultiCam Kiowa
Introduced less than a year ago, the boots sport a low profile much like footwear seen in wrestling, Nascar and outdoor markets. This type of boot improves the grip and feel, said Glen Becker, president of Tactical Research for Belleville Shoe Company, in the video below.
UPDATE: Love these boots? They're now for sale at MilitaryBoots.com for $89.99.
Manufactured to meet U.S. Army Regulations, the boots come in two styles -- Paladin and Kiowa. "With the Kiowa pattern we are going after that market that is highly involved in light assault operations," said Becker. "The boot is tailored for U.S. soldiers involved in tactical operations where lightweight footwear is critical."
7 Horrendous Covers of Nancy Sinatra’s ‘Boots’
The song "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" is the most well-known tune about boots. And you know how we feel about boots (especially those of the military variety!). It became a quasi-feminist anthem in the 1960s when Frank Sinatra's daughter coyly sang "One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you!" and that legendary bass line kicked in.
Since that time a countless number of musicians and "musicians" have decided to stomp on Nancy Sinatra's signature hit. From sweet-as-sugar Jessica Simpson to scare-your-parents Megadeth, here's a list of seven artists who decided to walk all over it.
1. Jessica Simpson - One of the most recent and most worst (yes, that's right, MOST WORST!) is when Daisy-Dukes wearin' Jessica Simpson took a stab the song -- and killed it. And not in a good way.
2. Amanda Lear - She might be a French singer, lyricist, composer, painter, TV presenter, actress and novelist (according to Wikipedia), but Amanda Lear probably should have just stuck with one of those careers -- preferably not the one where she sings. We can't decide what's worse: The skin-tight, high-waisted spandex brown pants, her husky, man-like voice, the amateur karaoke performance or the bizarre-o background effects.
3. Geri Halliwell - Most adults didn't really care for the Spice Girls as a plural, so when it turns singular, you know there's gonna be trouble. And while Geri Halliwell (a.k.a. Ginger Spice) performs "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" to a screaming crowd (screaming for her, not because of her), the goofy-looking backup dancers pretty much ruin the show.
4. Lil' Kim - We understand that Lil' Kim is better known for her rap and dance skills. However, the fact that this cover was the intro to Growing Up Gotti is utterly repulsive. We apologize to any fan(s) of that short-lived reality show, but we never made it past the opening credits.
5. Billy Ray Cyrus - Before Billy Ray was riding on the coattails of his daughter's success, he broke our achy break hearts over and over (and over and over…). A hidden "gem" from that album is this cover of 'Boots', which makes ears bleed only a little. Again, a sincere apology to Cyrus fans out there, but this one has to go.
6. Megadeth - Comprised mostly of instrumental, ear-piercing guitar riffs, this cover will have you headbanging in your boots (as opposed to walking). And if you're down with that sort of thing, you'll love it.
7. Eurythmics - OK, "horrendous" might be too harsh a word to describe this Eurythmics cover. Or is it? We can't decide, but they definitely get an "E" for effort ... and for electronica.
Soldier Jogs into Guinness Book of World Records
Army 2nd Lt. Sophie Hilaire
Clad in military boots, an Army combat uniform and a combat helmet, Army 2nd Lt. Sophie Hilaire stomped her way into the Guinness Book of World Records last November. Surrounded by runners in white sneakers and airy, brightly colored Nike duds at the Philadelphia Marathon, Hilaire plowed through the crowd wearing 30 pounds of gear, according to North Texas e-News.
"I just happened to look at the Guinness Book of World Records for marathons," she told the newspaper, "and saw an entry for the fastest time with 'full battle rattle' -- Army combat uniform, boots, Army combat helmet and the protective vest with full body armor. A British soldier owned the record with a time of 5 hours, 11 minutes."
Although her original goal was to blow away that record, Guinness officials opened up a women's category instead. Her record? 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 54 minutes, which Hilaire set that sunny fall day.
Read more about her journey here.
Meanwhile, there are some other pretty amazing (non-military related) feats highlighted on the Guinness World Records' website:
- Greatest Distance Walked With a Milk Bottle Balanced on the Head
- Fastest Time to Eat a 12" Pizza
- Most Snow Angels - Multiple Venue
- Largest Human Logo
- Longest Lawn Mower Ride
- Side Wheel Driving Through Smallest Gap
And now, the world's fastest banjo player:
(Image via North Texas E-news)