How to Dye Military Boots
If your military boots are already jet black, there's little hope for it to undergo a color change.
Dare to dream, though, and one day your boots shall shift colors as often as those Emerald City horses in Wizard of Oz. That's certainly another extreme.
Let's try a more plausible scenario: How about turning leather desert tan, brown or sage green boots to a nice shiny black. Or experiment with a rainbow of colors, keeping in mind that the lighter the boot, the lighter the dye will appear.
Materials
- Deglazer
- Boot dye
- Sponge brush
- Top Coat
- Mink Oil
1. Before slapping on some dye, make sure, at the very least, you clean the boot's surface. For best results, we suggest using a deglazer like Fienbing's Deglazer with a damp cloth or sponge to really take off all the dirt, wax and other protectors that likely accumulated through the years. Once you get it fully stripped, you're ready to move on to the next step.
When it comes to dying leather, there are plenty of color choices.
2. When you get ready to apply the boot dye, be certain that you've mixed it well. You can do this by shaking the bottle for about 30 seconds. There are many tools you can use to paint on the dye, whether it's a cloth, brush, wool pad, spray or spray gun, though we hear a sponge brush works best.
3. Apply using a figure-eight or swirly pattern, and allow it to completely dry between coats. You should apply at least three coats.
4. Once the third coat dries completely, apply the top coat, which can give it a matte, satin or gloss look. You can also use mink oil to seal and waterproof your military boots.
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)
U.S. Military Boot Contracts
Wellco Men's 8" ST HW
Last week the U.S. Department of Defense announced five new contracts with military boots manufacturers including Belleville, Altama, Wellco and Rocky.
Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co. picked up a $24.3 million contract for hot weather Army boots. The Illinois-based company, who has been working with the U.S. Military for nearly a century, will make the boots for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
Altama Footwear has also been tasked to deliver hot weather boots with similar contract for a $19.8 million.
Meanwhile, Wellco Enterprises picked up two contracts at $18.2 million and $14.7 million for temperate weather Air Force boots and hot weather combat boots, respectively.
Rocky Shoes & Boots will also be making hot weather boots at the tune of $6.1 million. Last month Rocky secured another contract for $3.2 million to product 45,000 pairs of boots.
Defense Industry Daily has been tracking boot contracts since 2007, and the list includes all of the manufactures mentioned above along with McRae Industries.
Weekly Drill Down: Lady Gaga, Dating Scams and More
- Need long-range shooting assistance? You guessed it: There's an app for that. (Kit Up!)
- The most ridiculous headline of the week: "Lady Gaga's Threat to National Security" (Under the Radar)
- Battling PTSD? There's an app for that, too? Well, not yet. (Danger Room)
- ITS Tactical receives a letter from the Governor of Texas. (ITS Tactical)
- Drama over a United States Special Operations Command contract and FNH USA continues. (Soldier Systems)
- Ironically enough, ASP's CJ gets caught up in a military dating scam. (A Soldier's Perspective)
- USMC and Propper International partner up for a new 3 Season Sleep System. (Gear Scout)
- FOX News digs up info on missing Afghan soldiers. (Milblogging)
- Review: Army documentary Restrepo is a must-see. (Vet Voice)
- #MilitaryMon gets its own Facebook Fan Page. (Facebook)
How to Stretch Your Military Boots
There's nothing more frustrating than a boot that fits perfectly in all but one area. However, there are steps you can take (comfortable ones, we promise) to ensure your feet's well being.
If the overall fit works for your feet, you'll want to try a boot stretch. There are several options on how to acquire a boot stretch: You can buy one, take your boots to a shoe repair shop or make your own boot stretcher.
There's an assortment of stretchers that are used for shoes, heels, and boots, so be sure you pick up the correct one. If you know exactly what area needs stretching, you can even find specific models for either men or women that can both widen and lengthen the boot in different areas.
Have a lot of boots that need stretching?
You can purchase your own shoe or boot stretcher for $20 to $60. The only downside is that you can only stretch one boot at a time—so it will take about 48 hours to get both boots up to snuff. But if you roll up to a shoe repair shop, it will cost on average $25 to $30 for the same service.
In the video below, Joe Siracuse from Shoe Care Supplies demonstrates how to stretch a cowboy boot, which is similar to stretching a combat boot. Before you do any stretching, use an aerosol shoe stretch spray or a shoe stretch liquid on the desired spots of the boot.
Once you fit the stretcher completely in the boot, crank the lever until it gets snug. Be sure to crank it three or four more times after that, too. Set it aside over night, and you're on your way to better-fitting boots in no time.
Have you ever stretched your military boots before? What's your secret to improving a boot's fit? Share your experiences and tips!
(Image via)
The Year of the Military Boot
Rihanna wears combat boots. Do you?
When one of the biggest pop princesses prances around town in military boots, you know they're hot.
How hot?
Well, we at the Military Boots Blog predict that 2010 will truly be the year of the combat boot. Not since the '90s have we seen so much of this black leather, in-your-face footwear marching down runways.
And when all of the fashionistas swap gladiator sandals for lace-up military boots this fall? It's on.
While this isn't the first time Rihanna geared up, it certainly won't be the last—especially with Jessica Alba and Ashley Tisdale lacing up right behind. Even several combat boot look-a-likes were spotted at New York fashion week. To top that, Teen Vogue listed out 30 ways for young hipsters to get that military look under $100.
Perhaps it all has something to do with that new All Saints store in New York.
Female trendsetters are not alone in their military boot fixation. Earlier this year Women's Wear Daily reported that an updated version of the men's combat boot dominated the catwalks of both Milan and Paris.
So, what's our favorite battle-inspired shoe?
Definitely Christian Louboutin's Toggle Ankle Boot. And with a price tag of more than $1,400, we guarantee it won't be in our closet anytime soon.
What do you think about military boots breaking into the mainstream? Should models, celebrities and fashionistas wear 'em with pride?
(Image via @francien8880)
Rocky Wins $3.2M Boot Contract
Things are going to pick up at Rocky's Puerto Rico factory very soon. Why? Because the U.S. government recently placed an order for 45,000 pairs of Rocky military boots.
The $3.2 million contract is a follow up to last year's $29 million blanket purchase from U.S. General Services Administration, or GSA. Rocky said it's currently working on the first half of the order that was placed in August 2009.
In addition to the 45,000 pairs of insulated boots, Rocky said it received a request from the U.S. Military for 8,000 pairs of hot weather boots. Hot weather boots feature drainage vents that move water out and allow feet to breathe.
Based in Ohio, the footwear company said it's looking towards the military segment as a major part of its future growth.
"We are optimistic that our ability to produce high quality boots for this market will result in further orders from the traditional contract and bid process as well as through our direct sales efforts," said Mike Brooks, Rocky Brands chairman and CEO, in a prepared statement.
Rocky manufactures combat boots at its factory in Moca, Puerto Rico.
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.
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!)