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)
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.
5 Pink Military Boots
Boot colors like desert tan and sage green help maintain low profiles on the battlefield. However, some might have a different strategy on their boot-wearing missions. Perhaps they'd rather turn heads instead of blending into the background. Sure, they might tip off the enemy, but maybe that's part of their strategy.
Or maybe they have no strategy at all. If that's the case, then they probably own a pair of pink combat boots. (We kid, we kid!) While none of these boots are military grade, they certainly make a statement. And, of course, pink military boots go quite well with other pink guns and accessories.
One of the most recent sightings of pink combat boots was in season one of fashion-forward Gossip Girl. Since that was about three years ago, we're guessing the trend of privileged teen girls stomping around upper Manhattan in colorful military boots didn't stick. Maybe this year?
1. Women's Pink Army Lace-Up Military Boots
With a starting price of £29.99, these light pink flat-heeled boots for sale on eBay come in sizes 5-10. Or you can take the boring route, and buy it in gray.
2. Vintage Pink Sparkle Doc Martens
Reminiscent of Dorothy's ruby red slippers, the glittery Doc Martens from the 90s were sold last month on eBay for $76, which means they're no longer up for grabs. Maybe if you click your heels three times, you can go back in time to bid on them. Just a thought!
3. Hot Pink Combat Zipper Boots
For $29.99, you could own a size 6 synthetic boot that looks strikingly similar to Doc Martens. That side zipper could make life a little easier, and with a color like that, you'll be spotted from blocks, even miles, away.
4. Hot Pink Lace-Up Sneaker Combat Boots
This is the first sneaker "combat" boot that's crossed our path, and frankly, we're a little perplexed by this boot-shoe mishmash. The seller promises you'll "freak out" when looking at the bottom of the boot because "it has screaming skull faces and winged skulls on the heel." Oh my!
Looking like it's been through hell and back (well, at least for a pink boot), this faux leather boot with a 1-inch heel is advertised as brand new. Must be like that holes-in-the-jeans trend where beat-up equals beautiful. And for $47, this can all be yours…
Women’s Dress + Military Boots = Kiefer Sutherland?
Kiefer Sutherland's combat boots
Why did Kiefer Sutherland wear such an atrocious ladies outfit on national television last week? We mean, the muddy combat boots he marched out in were mostly awesome, but what's with the awful woman's dress?
Apparently, the star of 24 lost a sports bet and had to wear an unflattering green dress on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Dave's reaction: "Wow, wow. Oh my god. Wow, wow. Oh ho ho. Oh ho my god. You're doing the remake of Beverly Hillbillies? You're granny? What's happening here?"
"Over the weekend I was so sure New England was going to win that I told a guy who used to be my friend that if New England lost, I would wear a dress on Letterman," Sutherland confessed.
"But I mean if you're going to commit to the dress, why not go all the way?" Letterman asked. "What about stockings and heels? Maybe a brooch? Maybe a necklace?"
"You shoulda seen me shopping for this thing today," Sutherland quipped. "Not looking really butch now, am I?"
Well, no. Except for those military boots. Way to keep it real while publically humiliating yourself. Watch the full video below.
(Via The Daily Dish)
Toddler Combat Boots
More Boots, Less Booties!
Have your heart set on outfitting your baby in military boots? Sorry to break the news, but you might have to wait a few years.
After an exhaustive online search for infant and toddler military boots, we've found that most manufacturers do offer smaller sizes that can be worn by children. However, those teensy, awwww-inspiring boots that you have envisioned don't exist. Sure, there are not-so-similar infant versions. But if you're looking for the real deal, you'll have to go with the smallest men's sizes.
A few brands make certain styles in smaller sizes, typically starting with a men's size 3 -- equivalent to kid's sizes after 13 (so, it will fit the average 7-year-old and up). Wellco's Hot-Weather Jungle Combat Boots start in a size 3 as does the Belleville's jungle boots line. Your best bet is to just shop around and see if any dealers offer special prices on kid boots (which, again, are just really small men's boots).
Or are you the one wearing combat boots with a baby? Then this blog is probably for you.
- A baby's foot perspires two times more than adults. Yuck.
- Baby feet will develop more rapidly in its first three years than at any other time. So, think before you pay the big bucks for baby Uggs or Burberry boots.
- Baby's feet have more cartilage than bone. Take that, ear!
- During the first 10 years, a foot grows 6 inches or 1.5 times the size at birth. Again, best not to invest too much in gazillions of shoes during that time.
- A child's foot will be fully mature at 18. (But their mind probably won't be … just sayin'!)
And now for a toddler who desperately needs some combat boots that fit...
Vintage Military Boots
Vintage WWII Jump Boots
What's one of the best ways to remember the soldiers who fought before? Picking up a pair of vintage combat boots will certainly do the trick.
Boots from another era pours on the nostalgia and forces you to remember those who served before every time you lace those puppies up. Even if you don't plan on actually wearing the boots, they can certainly make a great collector's item for any history buff or enthusiast.
But where can you buy older-than-dirt boots? eBay, of course!
Right now you can find more than 75 results when you search for "vintage military boots," though it definitely takes some sifting to find real gold.
Here is a pair of vintage WWII Jump brown boots that appear to be authentic, especially with a $600 price tag. According to the seller, these boots are excellent condition and were made in the USA. The boots, however, are strikingly similar to a pair of historic military Corcoran brown jump boots that retail for $159.99. This style of boot is said to have played a part in the Allies' success during WWII.
Vintage Vietnam NAM Jungle Boots
Jungle boots are another style up for grabs on eBay. Although they've been worn a few times, the vintage Vietnam NAM Jungle boots is spike protective and dated 6-66 on the top (which is a little spooky!). Jungle boots actually gained major momentum during the Vietnam era with troops climbing through heavy, damp brush doing their best to avoid booby traps and who knows what else. Here's another pair of vintage, Vietnam-era boots. However, to us, they look neither vintage nor like combat boots.
While buying vintage boots can be a fun hobby, we don't recommend entering any battles with old school boots. Boot technology has improved greatly during the past 40 years. Military boots now carry features such as side zippers and enhanced waterproofing. It's those little things that make life easier when you're on tour. If you own a pair of vintage boots already and just want to fix 'em up, look into getting them recrafted. They'll be shining like new in no time.
Rihanna’s Military Look
Counterculture groups like punks and goths have always embraced combat-style boots and dress. The look possesses that very extreme, fight-the-man edge, which typically scares the bejesus out of any little old lady crossing the street.
And then every so often the traditional soldier appearance mixes in with these extreme fashion statements, and it injects its sexed-up self into the mainstream. Such is the case in R&B star Rihanna's new music video for "Hard." She explained the music video's concept to MTV as "couture military. ... We have tanks, we have troops, we've got helicopters, we've got explosions."
In the video, the controversial singer sports an army-green mesh helmet and fatigues, aviator sunglasses, high-waist hot pants, military boots and what appears to be black Sonic the Hedgehog shoulder pads. While some of her outfits are very loosely based on modern soldier uniforms, the gold bikini, which appears later in the video, seems more likely inspired by Xena Warrior Princess or Princess Leia's infamous metal bikini.
What do you think of her Lady Gaga-esque military look? Would anyone serving our country actually wear any of these styles? We're gonna have to doubt it.
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...