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.

In the digital age, expressing your opinions (the good and the bad) is almost a requirement. And when you mix in social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, the opinion-less can easily be overshadowed by a billion other oh-so-sassy Tweets.

Magnum Boots is seriously embracing this trend. So much so, it’s launched an area on its site totally dedicated to this type of interaction. It allows customers to not hold back and tell Magnum what they *really* think about their new boots. Seriously.

One of the first reviews we read on the site from Matt Prochaska said “I loved these boots but did have some issues with them. The zipper kept getting caught and I would have to take the boots off to fix it. I wish that the boots were waterproof.” Now, that’s honesty!

The reviews are meant to help customers with purchasing decisions, but it will also assist Magnum designers with future innovations. Because how are you supposed to know what someone wants when you don’t provide an open forum for them to do so?

With more than 24 products already reviewed, Magnum has just tapped into what could be an excellent resource for both them and boot fans circling the globe. You do have to sign up to be a field tester. But once you’re in, you can leave reviews, testimonials and videos on any product. Field testers also have unique pages that display each tester’s reviews, testimonials, comments, videos and photos.

Moreover, Magnum rewards the best field testers with free gear as well as the title of “Official Field Tester.” Here is a sample of an excellent product review video — the precise thing a superstar field tester would submit.

Whether you’ve scaled the mountains of Afghanistan or weaved your way through the chaotic streets of Iraq, chances are the boots you wore during those times hold some sentimental value. And if they do, you might want to preserve and maybe even display them.

By bronzing combat boots, your former footwear transforms into a keepsake that can be passed down for generations. The process keeps the boot from disintegrating and gives it a polished antique look. It also creates something that can be put on display for many years to come.

So, where does one go to get boots bronzed? There might be some local shops that specialize in creating these items.

The ABC Bronzing Co. makes it easy to get boots bronzed online. You just mail your boots to the company, and six to eight weeks later you will receive a perfectly bronzed pair. For adult boots, it costs $199.95 per pair (or $102.95 unmounted) and a little extra if the boot needs shoe laces.

And for those DIY-ers out there, you can also try to bronze the boots yourself, though it might be a little on the messy side.

You can care for your bronzed boots by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth. ABC Bronzing Co. recommends not using polish on cleaners as they will destroy the layer that preserves the finish. Although this video (below) isn’t about bronzing combat boots, it takes you through the same step-by-step the boots undergo. And it also has marvelous background music.

(Image via Flickr)

Nowadays you’ll be hard-pressed to find something there isn’t an app for.

Wanna quit smoking? How about warming up those hands? And then there have been apps that do absolutely nothing.

Well, the Army has high hopes there’s still some untapped innovation out there. They’ve launched an app challenge called “Apps for the Army.” Open to all soldiers and Army civilians, the contest is seeking the best mobile applications developed by and for military personnel.

“Digital natives have arrived in the Army, and what we need to do is give them an opportunity to show their skill set; show their capabilities,” Lt. Gen. Jeff Sorenson, the Army chief information officer, was quoted by Stars and Stripes as saying.

By participating, you not only get to assist your peers, you get a chance at winning cash awards — the total prize pool is $30,000. However, the Army is limiting enrollment to the first 100 applicants. So, if you want to compete (and have the software development skills to back it up), click here.

(Via Not Your Average Brooklynette)

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 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.”

The song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” is the most well-known tune about boots. And you know how we feel about boots (especially those of the military variety!). It became a quasi-feminist anthem in the 1960s when Frank Sinatra’s daughter coyly sang “One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you!” and that legendary bass line kicked in.

Since that time a countless number of musicians and “musicians” have decided to stomp on Nancy Sinatra’s signature hit. From sweet-as-sugar Jessica Simpson to scare-your-parents Megadeth, here’s a list of seven artists who decided to walk all over it.

1. Jessica Simpson – One of the most recent and most worst (yes, that’s right, MOST WORST!) is when Daisy-Dukes wearin’ Jessica Simpson took a stab the song — and killed it. And not in a good way.

2. Amanda Lear – She might be a French singer, lyricist, composer, painter, TV presenter, actress and novelist (according to Wikipedia), but Amanda Lear probably should have just stuck with one of those careers — preferably not the one where she sings. We can’t decide what’s worse: The skin-tight, high-waisted spandex brown pants, her husky, man-like voice, the amateur karaoke performance or the bizarre-o background effects.

3. Geri Halliwell – Most adults didn’t really care for the Spice Girls as a plural, so when it turns singular, you know there’s gonna be trouble. And while Geri Halliwell (a.k.a. Ginger Spice) performs “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” to a screaming crowd (screaming for her, not because of her), the goofy-looking backup dancers pretty much ruin the show.

4. Lil’ Kim – We understand that Lil’ Kim is better known for her rap and dance skills. However, the fact that this cover was the intro to Growing Up Gotti is utterly repulsive. We apologize to any fan(s) of that short-lived reality show, but we never made it past the opening credits.

5. Billy Ray Cyrus – Before Billy Ray was riding on the coattails of his daughter’s success, he broke our achy break hearts over and over (and over and over…). A hidden “gem” from that album is this cover of ‘Boots’, which makes ears bleed only a little. Again, a sincere apology to Cyrus fans out there, but this one has to go.

6. Megadeth – Comprised mostly of instrumental, ear-piercing guitar riffs, this cover will have you headbanging in your boots (as opposed to walking). And if you’re down with that sort of thing, you’ll love it.

7. Eurythmics – OK, “horrendous” might be too harsh a word to describe this Eurythmics cover. Or is it? We can’t decide, but they definitely get an “E” for effort … and for electronica.

• Read Jake Wood’s riveting blog from Haiti where he and his four-man team have brought supplies and medicine. (Milblogging)
• Haiti from 15,000 feet. Things look OK from far away. (Line of Departure)
• The infamous military dating scam: Learn it so you can avoid it. (A Soldier’s Perspective)
• Stop boo-hooing about missing the SHOT Show and start reading all about it. (Gun Holsters Blog)
• Get out your Crayolas! Not you, silly. These coloring books are for kids. (Her War, Her Voice!)
• Instead of rifle grips or mounts, Magpul gives us … iPhone cases? Yup. (Gear Scout)
• Find out what life’s like in the military as a senior non-commissioned officer. (Bouhammer)
• What’s a ‘virtual surge’ and how can it fix Afghanistan? (Danger Room)
• What did the Marine Corps ship to Haiti? Find out. (Defense Tech)
• Caption Contest: With moves similar to Lady Gaga. (Military Times)
• The Air Force names its male and female athletes of the year. (Flight Lines)
• Winter fun? Doesn’t look like it to us! (Line of Sight)
• SHOT Show blast from the past: Booth Babes of 2009. (OPFOR)
• Strike – Hold! clears up a search traffic mix up once and for all. (Strike – Hold!)

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)

• The Navy’s new Type III camo looks a lot like an early variant of Woodland MARPAT. (Soldier Systems)
• Is it OK for a U.S. Marine Captain to criticize Australian women’s dress standards? OPFOR doesn’t think so. (OPFOR)
• Stranger than Sci-Fi: See 10 weapons too cool to be real but are. (Danger Room)
• Win an ITS Tactical Blow Out Kit by giving it a new name. (ITS Tactical)
• Military blogger Michael Yon documents his scuffle at the Seattle airport via Facebook. (Milblogging)
• There’s a TV show seeking veterans looking to reconnect. Interested? (A Soldier’s Perspective)
• What does Bouhammer have to say about the Army’s social media division? Find out. (Bouhammer)
• Does Afghanistan need a big Army? (Democracy Arsenal)
• Watch The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart interview Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen. (Scoop Deck)
• What’s so bad about reflective belts? OK, OK … sorry to have asked! (FlightLines)

• A video review (above) tells us constitutes a good gear review. (Tactical Gearhead)
• The Air Force is looking to buy 2,220 Sony PlayStation 3 consoles. But why? (Information Week)
• Another milblogger bites the dust. Goodbye, Andrew Exum, editor and author of Abu Muqawama! (Abu Muqawama)
• Guess what is on the Special Operations Command’s holiday shopping list. (Danger Room)
• PHOTO: Thanksgiving dinner was flown in for troops overseas. (Line of Sight)
• Air Force General Craig McKinley tells us why he tweets. (Federal Times via Milblogging)