Big Boots for Big Feet
The average shoe size for a man is 10 to 12. This explains why many military boot manufacturers only make boots up to size 14.
And you know what big feet mean? Even bigger problems while boot shopping.
Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal wears a size 23. And if he's shopping for combat boots, unfortunately he'll have to go the custom route. But if you wear a size 17, you're in luck.
Magnum makes a military boot that goes up to a size 17 regular. The Magnum Stealth Force ($99.95) is a black soft-toe boot. With full-grain leather and a ballistic nylon upper, the side-zipper boot is large and in charge. Along with a Cambrelle moisture-wicking lining and Agion antibacterial treatment, the compression-molded EVA midsole creates a comfortable wear for men and women.
Still curious about the Stealth Force? Watch a full review on the boot.
If you're a size smaller, look no further than the Men's Belleville 300 DES ($111.99).
The tan steel-toe boot has Vangaurd running sole construction. The upper material is a full-grain tan cowhide; the outsole is Vibram. Don't forget the Polyurethane removable inserts—a very nice touch indeed. This boot is available in a size 16 regular and wide.
And then there's the world's largest boot...
Even Shaq himself would look puny next to this gargantuan tower of boot. Erected by Red Wing Shoes, the work boot is a size 638 and a half. It weighs in at an astounding 2,300 pounds. To fit into this boot, you'd need to be 12 stories tall. Ready to test it out?
Poll: What’s Your Favorite Boot Brand?
For some, the choice is difficult. For others, it's not. But the task at hand? It's more than simple.
We want to know all about your favorite brand of military boots.
You've got to have at least one. There has to be something about the certain way those boots hug your feet. Or maybe it's the extra ankle and sole support. And then there's the ability to take on ultra-rugged terrain when other boots fail.
So, what boots brand has served you best? Why did you buy that certain boot? What made you pick one over another? We're curious to find out.
(Image via Flickr)
Magnum Donates Boots for Haiti
From major celebrities to average joes, it seems like just about everyone has pitched in to help Haiti recover from the 7.0-magnitude earthquake. Magnum Boots is lending a helping hand, too.
The manufacturer donated 900 pairs of boots and shoes to Soles4Souls, an organization that is distributing footwear to earthquake victims, helping to fulfill a basic safety need.
"Our hearts go out to our Haitian neighbors as we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, and we cannot forget how important basic necessities -- such as shoes -- will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Bill Berta, chief executive of Magnum Boots USA, in a prepared statement.
"We deeply appreciate the work of Soles4Souls and encourage everyone to look into their own closets in support of this tragedy."
Founded in 2005, the Nashville-based charity has given away more than 5.5 million pairs of shoes across 125 countries. During the Katrina aftermath, the organization was able to send more than 1 million pairs to those in need.
The "Hope for Hati" telethon, a huge televised charity event, was another way people helped out. Check out Jennifer Hudson's moving performance of The Beatle's classic "Let It Be" from the show.
Magnum Boots Put to the Test
The Fire Critic with New Magnum Boots
A few weeks ago, we talked about Magnum’s ion-mask waterproofing. Now we’ve discovered that Rhett Fleitz over at The Fire Critic is putting a pair of ion-mask boots to the test.
Mr. Fleitz has been in the Fire/EMS service for about 15 years and has probably been through his fair share of boots.
Only after 8 hours of having the boots in his possession, he was ready to give the world a preliminary glance at his Magnum Elite Force boots.
“I have had the boots on since 8am (4pm at time of post)," he writes. "I had to get through a short break in period this morning where it seemed as though the hair on my legs was being ripped off, but I made it through ok."
He notes that the Magnum boots won’t replace his current firefighting boots. However, he said he might wear them on calls.
Look out for The Fire Critic’s full review in two weeks. For now, check out a video of Medic999, who also reviewed the Magnum boots, testing out the ion mask waterproofing feature.
"Overall, this boot is one of the best I have seen, and worn, so far," the blogger at Medic999 writes about the Magnum Elite Force boots. "It is lightweight, looks cool, is cool – i.e. it doesn't make your foot feel like its in a heater, and the Ion Guard feature really does seem to work."
On the Dry Side: Ion-Mask Waterproofing
Magnum 5298 with Ion-Mask Waterproofing
Introduced early this year, Magnum’s ion-mask waterproofing technology is continuing to repel just about anything.
Ion-mask is a patented liquid repellent developed by P2i, a United Kingdom technology company. The plasma-based material permanently alters the surface of a product at a molecular level. This keeps out not only water, but the kind of stuff you definitely don’t your boot to absorb—harsh chemicals, blood pathogens and other bodily fluids.
While the layer of waterproofing is said to be only molecules thick, its strength is apparent in this demonstration video. When liquid smacks the surface, it instantaneously beads up with an appearance similar to mercury.
Magnum was the first to bring this technology to tactical footwear. Because of its extensive waterproofing, the boot will remain the same weight in wet or dry conditions. Ion-mask also keeps boots looking tidy for longer and is more environmentally friendly than dip applications.
If you’re interested in learning more about how P2i applies this technology to Magnum military boots and other products, watch a video that explains it all. In addition to footwear and accessories, P2i uses a product similar to ion-mask called Aridion on consumer electronics.