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)
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.
Footwear Technology: How Do Your Boots Compare?
With the technology revolution in full swing, companies are constantly patenting and updating ways to make things work better and more efficiently, especially when it comes to footwear. Check the glossary of boot technology terms below to see how your boots measure up.
Aegis - This environmentally friendly microbe shield prevents odor by controlling bacteria and fungus growth. It bonds to the surface and stops unsightly stains and product deterioration.
Gore-Tex - Perhaps one of the most talked-about breathable waterproofing materials, it's seen on many boots (combat, hiking, etc.) as well as outerwear and gloves. Most all the major boot brands use Gore-Tex.
YKK® Zipper - Considered the gold standard for zippers, YKK is featured on some boots like Belleville's Men's Hot Weather Tactical Side Zip Boots and Wellco's Tactical Side Zip Safety Boot.
True-Flex Technology - Gives optimal flex where you want it by providing dual anatomical formed PE and PPE lasting board with an integrated composite shank as seen on some Smith and Wesson boots.
SBR Bioform Tongue - Another technology used on many Smith and Wesson boots, this material made out of rubber controls how the tongue sits on your foot, allowing for absolute comfort.
Vibram - A material often seen on hiking boots, Vibram has spent seven decades perfecting its rubber soles . Its patented FiveFinger system builds strength, range of motion and enhances proprioception.
SympaTex - Another type of waterproof fabric that is deemed breathable. SymapaTex is a membrane that is laminated to the inner surface of fabric or placed in between two fabric layers.
Dri-Lex - A climate-control fabric that is extremely quick drying, breathable and, like Aegis, resists odor and mildew.
Cordura - Mostly seen on luggage, backpacks and boots, this ultra light-weight fabric is three times more durable than standard polyester.
(Images via Wikimedia Commons)
7 Ways to Make Your Boots Last Longer, Look Sexier
Combat boots are hot.
You love your boots, don't you? (Well, we certainly do since we run a blog entirely dedicated to them.) So, assuming your adoration runs as deep as ours, you should want to care for them like they were your first and only child … or something along those lines.
Here are seven tips for you, gleaned from the experts themselves -- the people who make them! (Note: Some of these tips apply to only full-grain leather, while others only to suede. Read closely for specification.)
1. Brush 'em. Just like your teeth and hair, your boots need a good bristle lashing to get their cleanest. For full-grain boots, some advise using a stiff brush to remove dust and dirt on a regular basis, while Danner and Belleville both suggest a softer brush. For suede boots, pick a metal bristle brush and lightly stroke the boot -- no heavy scrubbing! Doing so can be damaging to the leather and possibly to your boot-cleaning reputation.
2. Clean 'em. Instead of a brush, you can use a wet rag on full-grain leather boots. Danner offers its Cleaning Gel, which can remove even the tiniest particles of grime and helps with waterproofing. Apply the gel sparingly to wet leather. On the other hand, suede boots should be wiped down only on the inside with a wet, soapy cloth. If your boots have Cordura nylon fabric, that can be tidied up with warm water but NOT polish.
3. Polish 'em. Note: This only applies to certain types of full-grain leather. Utilize a polish containing silicone to keep the leather soft. Wellco suggests you use mink oil, and rub a small coat into the leather and seams with a cloth or dauber. To give them that super-glossy, rock-star look, make sure you buff 'em, too.
4. Waterproof 'em. Even if your boots are awesome enough already to have Gore-tex waterproofing, you still need to treat the leather. If you have a problem with that, consult Danner's Boot Care page, because that's what they say. Apparently water can get in between the leather and Gore-tex liner and create ugly water spots. And nobody wants that. The solution? They propose Danner Waterproofing Gel as a proper solution, which should be applied after boots are cleaned. Once you massage it onto the boot, allow some dry time and then wipe away any extra gel hanging around. However, they do warn: Do not use Danner Waterproofing Gel on nubuck, suede or rough-out leather boots. Instead, use our Danner Waterproofing Spray, which will help maintain the original texture of those products. Whatever you say!
5. Condition 'em. On this one, if you own nubuck, suede and rough-out leather boots, you're in the clear. What does that leave? Full-grain leather! If your boots are made out of full grain, condition them with a boot dressing product to prevent the leather from flaking, cracking or just from looking generally unattractive. Really work in the conditioner with all your might, and let it dry overnight. (And we promise that we didn't plan to have that rhyme. Because that would be awfully trite!)
6. Dry 'em (naturally!). Your best bet, unless you own a professional boot dryer (which, let's face it, you probably don't), is to let those puppies air dry. It will be really tempting to get out a hair dryer or head over to the nearest Wal-Mart bathroom and stick it under a hand dryer, but DON'T DO IT! All that blistering air could put your feet's best friend in critical danger. It's best that you let the sun or air at room temperature take care of it. Plus, that's less work for you, right?
7. Restore 'em. If you've been a neglectful boot parent, it's OK. We forgive you. Although your boots won't until you restore them to their original beauty. No matter how much you've mistreated them in the past, there's a way for you to get those handsome boots back -- but it will cost you. Danner's Recrafting service runs between $45 to $160 and includes repair stitching, hardware and sole replacements, new laces and, of course, a good cleaning and polishing. In the end, it will be well worth it and very "green" of you to do instead of tossing the old pair.
Now forget everything we just told you, and see how a 7-year-old (well, he's definitely young) polishes his military boots...
Soleful Dog Chew Toy Supports Military Veterans
Dog Tags Chewy Shoe
Next time you shop for Fido, invest in something that will not only keep him entertained for hours but also supports military veterans.
Like this red, white and blue chew toy from My Good Dog, pictured on the left.
Created from the same molds used for military boot soles, the Dog Tags Chewy Shoe toy ($16) is made out of natural rubber in the U.S. With every purchase, $2 is donated to the Dog Tags program, which teaches puppies how to become service dogs for soldiers overseas. Additionally, other dogs such as Labradors or golden retrievers are trained to assist disabled veterans back in the States.
"I have learned a lot about dogs and even more about the human spirit through our program," said Gloria Gilbert Stoga, founder and president of Puppies Behind Bars, in a statement.
"The joy that comes from working with these dogs -- both for the inmate trainers and the eventual companions -- has been incredible to witness,” she added.
Service dogs learn how to open and close doors as well as assist in grocery shopping. Others, specifically trained for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, are able to alert companions to take medications and help them cope with anxiety.
First launched in May 2009, the program has since made more than $36,000 in donations for Dog Tags, a program that is part of Puppies Behind Bars.
"Every sale of our red, white and blue Chewy Shoe toy is a thank-you from us and from pet owners to our courageous men and women in the military," said Luke Pfeifle, vice president of sales for My Good Dog, in a statement.
"We look forward to continuing our support for Dog Tags and our veterans."
(Via Unleashed)
Roots: Back in the Boot Game
Roots Desert Suede Boots
Roots is going back to its, uh, roots. The Canadian shoemaker has reissued a line of classic desert boots that were made when the company started in 1973.
While its not the first shoe Roots made (the first was one with a negative heel), the desert boots ($173) are constructed with 100% latex rubber, which makes it slip resistant, as well as with flexible, vegetable-tanned leather. Desert boots are handmade in Canada, of course, like everything else Roots produces.
In addition to the desert boots, Roots is also launching a “Tuffer” brand boot ($218), which will feature the identical rubber soles from Soucy Baron Inc. that can be found on Canadian military boots, as well as a sheepskin boot ($288) specifically for women.
"We feel it's the finest sole we've ever had," Michael Budman, the company’s co-founder, told the Canadian Press. "We think we have something nobody else has on the commercial market.”
Let’s hope that along with footwear, Roots brings back this A-mazing ad campaign from 1983 shown below. Saxophone solo, anyone?