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)
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?
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."
Military Boots in the Mainstream
Oakley S.I. Assault Boots
If you've seen the new Terminator Salvation, it's hard to miss Christian Bale's badass Oakley S.I. Assault boots. These boots are adapted from the same ones used by the U.S. special forces. They retail for $175, and can be purchased directly from Oakley.com, or any authorized Oakley dealer.
These assault boots made such an impact that they were even called out by Entertainment Weekly in the Style Hunter section of their June 26, 2009 issue.
And for you soldiers, you'll be glad to know that the desert version of these boots comply with US Army Uniform Spec 670-1.