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| Footwear 6/7/05 - I created this new section (Footwear used to be under the 'Protective Gear' section). Footwear is one of the most important choices that will affect your performance in the field, whether it be hiking, hunting or soldiering. A good pair of boots can make the difference between a manageable tab and mile upon mile of agony. Since I don't go for 20-mile forced marches with full gear, I haven't any good advice about which boots are best for that purpose. Ask the real operators. My experience is limited to civvie hiking/backpacking, or shooting and scrambling around in the desert. |
6/27/05 (Initial writeup) - Lowa is a well known name in the outdoor and mountaineering arena, hailing from Munich, Germany. Lowa boots are made in Europe and are familiar to most members of the military forces there, but less so in the U.S. From Lowa's Task Force line (Military and Law Enforcement) is the Seeker Desert PT boot, leather/cordura lightly padded boot. My first impression of these boots is that they felt LIGHT! Weighing them on a scale confirmed my suspicions - my size 9 boots weigh 1lb 6oz each (2 lb 12oz a pair). In comparison, my Wellcos (shown below) weigh a full 10oz more per pair, and I thought they were light. The Danner Desert Acadias, are the heaviest of the bunch, weighing a full 28oz (per pair) more than the Desert PTs. That's almost 2 lbs of additional weight where it makes the most difference! The Desert PTs are lightly padded around the ankle and calf, similar to the Danner Deserts. However, they feel like they provide slightly more lateral support than the Danners. The Wellcos have no padding and practically no ankle support. The leather tongue is gusseted and also padded for comfort. Overall colour of the Desert PTs is very close to the Danners, and darker than the Wellcos. The shade of cordura is very close to Eagle Industries' "MJK". The Vibram® Vialta sole is non-marking, and the quietest boot sole I've worn. The compound is not as hard as that of the Danner Vibram Sierra sole, and I found to give excellent traction. The flip side to that coin is that a softer compound is probably going to wear faster. I brought this up to Lowa and was informed that "The Vialta has been used on our ATC collection of outdoor footwear for 3 years and has held up very well. It is softer than a backpacking sole but not so soft that it will prematurely wear or flake apart on hard surfaces. It should also have solid grip in wet conditions and self clean thru most mud and dirt." I didn't think the sole was resoleable, and Lowa confirmed that "The injected construction is not resolable. The injection provides a bond between the sole and upper that completely tears apart when one tries to remove it. The sole unit and upper should have a similar life expectancy." The boot is relatively flexible along its length, so I'd put it in
the lightweight to medium hiker/moderate load category (I'd recommend
boots with a stiffer midsole/support for the more serious mountaineering
activities). The softer polyurethane mid sole provides shock-absorption.
I replaced the standard foam insole with green Superfeet® for more
support, something that's becoming a habit for me. Specs:
8/12/05 - The Seeker Deserts continue to be the desert boots I find myself wearing instead of the Wellcos or Danners, as they're lighter than either of them and more comfortable. I've done some light ruck workouts in them, and they do provide more ankle support than the other two. Again, they're not really suited for dedicated hiking boots, and not designed as such, as a lower boot would probably be more suitable. One thing I didn't mention before is the little almond-shaped cutout behind the achilles tendon. This has some softer material that allows the boot to flex at that point without creating a fold that digs into your achilles tendon when the foots is flexed downward, as on descents. On other boots without this cutout, I find the fold uncomfortable at times. Shooting on range with a lot changes in positions from standing to kneeling and prone made appreciate the comfort of the boots when the ankle is flexed in different postitions. The good padding around the ankles and upper part of the boot came in handy when sitting and in prone, where the inside and outside ankle bones are sometimes subjected to pressure and impact.
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| UK Gear PT-03 SC Running Shoes
9/30/07 - The first commercial product ever to be produced in association with the British Army is the UK Gear PT-03 running shoe and bears the Army's crossed-swords logo inside the tongue as a symbol of its endorsement. The PT-03 was developed by UK Gear over a period of 18 months, part of which instructors from the British Army's APTC (Army Physical Training Corps) advised on its design and tested it. It was designed as a high performance running shoe for use on track, road or trail. The PT-03 is available in two models - the 'NC' (Neutral Cushioning) for those who require less structured support, and the 'SC' (Structured Cushioning) for those looking for a blend of cushioning and support. I am an over-pronator, which is excessive motion of the arch lowering and ankle tilting inward (toes point outward). Supination is where the the motion of the foot tilts outward. Pronators and supinators need structured support in their footwear to correctly align the foot. Shown here is the PT-03 SC in grey/red/black. For a full technical overview .pdf of the PT-03 on UK Gear's website, click here. Here's an overview of some of the key features. Upper - The upper is mostly made of mesh fabric
for ventilation with synthetic leather panels that add strength, durability
and support in key areas. It's anti-microbial treated to inhibit the
growth of bacteria, and other odor-causing microbes. Lower - Solite EVA compound for 15% weight reduction of the midsole. S+S plates on the sides of the sole - these are Strengthening & Stabilizing polyurethane medial support plates for torsional support and added durability. A 2nd density EVA compound in the rear of the midsole helps avoid overpronation. The front of the sole wraps over the toe for traction and durability. The sole is made of carbon rubber for durability and on/off road traction. The sole also incorporates other technical features designed to absorb impact while providing motion control for the foot. Like many other manufacturers, UK Gear has a special name for each of these features, like 'NRG Reactor Pads' and 'Quadra Flex System'. Most high quality running shoes will have their own incarnation of features to provide cushioning and support. Impressions - The PT-03 is a good-looking shoe, in my opinion. The combination of light grey mesh with darker grey midsole and accents with a bit of red thrown in makes a smart, and not overly flashy running shoe. Overall quality looked on par with the other running shoes I have (Asics and Nike). Most of my footwear is size 8.5. The PT-03s have a little more room up front, not quite half a size bigger; more like a quarter size. I also get the impression that the PT-03 is designed for tougher use than a regular running shoe. As mentioned before, the tongue lace loops are designed to ensure that the tongue remain in place at all times. There are three loops, and each time the laces cross, they go through them. The lacing system uses loops, not eyelets, so the laces span a narrower area across the top of the shoe. That system, combined with the tongue loops, leaves almost no room to stick a finger in there to pull on a lace for tightening or adjustment. I found it very difficult to adjust the tension of the laces near the front of the foot without first loosening the ones up top. I got around this by only using the top tongue loop to keep it in place, leaving the laces exposed down below. Adjustments are much easier and I haven't noticed any shifting of the tongue. Let me preface this by saying that I'm not a high (or even medium)-mileage runner. I jog about three times a week, for about 3-4 miles each time at about a 7-1/2 minute per mile pace for general conditioning, so that's my frame of reference. It isn't far nor fast, but enough for me to identify any issues with shoes that I may have. I mostly run on asphalt and concrete (the street), and occasionally on a rubber or dirt track. I'm a medium to overt overpronator, meaning that I need a shoe that provides structured cushioning to maximum support to help control the degree of pronation. I found that I needed a bit more support than the PT-03 provided. Even though the sole of the PT-03 SC has a relatively straight last and support on the medial side (for pronators), I felt that my arch wasn't getting enough support from the PT-03s, which allowed my foot to pronate (unless I have a very supportive shoe, that's what usually happens). This was more of an insole issue. The heel cup fits snugly and there is no slipping or rubbing. The insole (EVA sockliner) that the PT-03 comes with is a standard foam insert that provides a bit of cushion but no support. I often find that I have to ditch the insoles in many of my shoes and replace them with green superfeet insoles, which provide a greater degree of support and as they also have a higher arch. I overpronate yet I'm not a flat foot - I've got a relatively high arch. I waited until I put about 20 miles on the PT-03s, to see if I still needed more support, then I replaced the sockliner with green superfeet and that did the trick for my support issues. This is by no means a deficiency of the PT-03 SC, just that my degree of over overpronation exceeds what the shoe was designed for. Mild to medium overpronators should be fine with the PT-03 SC. Cushioning/springiness is on par with my Asics Gel Kayanos (my normal running shoes). I've used these shoes over the past month and have not experienced any shoe-related foot, heel, ankle or knee issues or discomfort, so they're looking pretty good. If you're looking for a good running shoe that's tougher than a 'normal' running shoe, then the PT-03 is worth a look. |
| UK Gear PT-03 Desert Running Shoes 10/2/08 - One of the latest products from UK Gear is the PT-03 Desert running shoe, the Hot Environment version of the PT-03 featured above. UK Gear actually introduced two training shoes for extreme climates; the Desert and Winter Shoes. Both were designed and developed in association with the British Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) and were tested in the extreme heat of Afghanistan (for the Desert) and cold of Norway (for the Winter version). I opted to feature the Desert version here as I get much more hot weather than cold in my area. The sand proof PT-03 Desert running shoe is specifically designed for hot and arid environments with an optimal temperature range of +77 to +122°F. It took over a year to develop with the APTC before going through final testing with the British Army in the harsh terrain of Afghanistan. One of the more unique features of the PT-03 Desert is that it accomodates optional detchable gaiters to keep the sand out and protect the foot.
Main Features The PT-03 Desert shares the same basic features and sole construction as the PT-03, with some differences to optimize it for warmer temperatures and a sandy environment. It comes in a desert colour scheme of tans and browns. Upper - The Desert upper utilizes a synthetic tan
canvas-like, sand-resistant yet breathable material for hot environments,
rather than the more open mesh fabric of the PT-03. The lower synthetic
leather panels (both solid and perforated) are suede-like rather than
the vinyl-like panels of the PT-03. The side panels are the same vinyl
-like material as the PT-03. These panels add strength, durability
and support in key areas. The shoe is anti-microbial treated to inhibit
the growth of bacteria, and other odor-causing microbes. Lower - The lower is essentially identical in design
to the PT-03 with the exception being the materials are optimized
with new EVA densities for hot environments. Solite EVA compound for
15% weight reduction of the midsole. S+S plates on the sides of the
sole - these are Strengthening & Stabilizing polyurethane medial
support plates for torsional support and added durability. A 2nd density
EVA compound in the rear of the midsole helps avoid overpronation.
The front of the sole wraps over the toe for traction and durability.
The outsole sole is made of heat-resistant gum rubber for durability
and on/off road traction. The sole also incorporates other technical
features designed to absorb impact while providing motion control
for the foot, like the bio-flexible underfoot bruise plate. One of
the more common physical training injuries in rugged terrain is bone
bruises. The light-weight protective plate helps spread the load when
landing on sharp stones and rocks. Gaitors - The PT-03 Deserts are unique (as far as
I've seen) by being able to accomodate optional gaiters (they're called
'gators' on the UK Gear website). They're available in both long
and short
versions. I've shown the short version here.
Impressions/observations - The PT-03 Desert fits pretty much exactly like my PT-03 SC, unsurprisingly. I don't notice any difference between them in how they feel when running. So, in my experience, they perform exactly the same - read my writeup on the PT-03 above for more details. Due to my over-pronation and tendency of my foot to roll to the inside, I need more insole support than the insoles that are provided with the PT-03 SC and PT-03 Deserts, and had to switch out the insole in the Deserts with Green Superfeet which provided the support I needed, just like I did with the PT-03 SC. At the time of this writing, I heard from UK Gear that they have a new, more supportive insole in the works, which should address that issue. I'm pleased to hear that and I'll update this writeup when I get more information. I found the speed lacing eyelets easier to adjust on the Desert than the webbing loops on the PT-03 and I'm glad that they switched to only one tongue loop instead of three. I can stick my finger down there now and pull. The gaiters were very easy to attach to the shoes - slip the tabs through the webbing and secure. This is done before you put the shoes on. The gaiters are held tight against the side of the shoe without any slack. The shoes are then put on as normal, then the gaiters zipped up and the top drawstring cinched up and tied off. I chose the short gaiters instead of the long ones because at a glance, they look more like high top sneakers instead of go-go boots (no offense intended to UK Gear or those who run in go-go boots). Once of my concerns was that the gaiters might add heat around the ankles, but that didn't happen. I didn't notice any difference in how warm my ankles or feet got when I went running with only one gaiter on, for comparison.
I headed down to the beach on a dreary morning to try out the PT-03 Deserts in the sand; both soft and firm. I was reminded why I don't run in soft sand too often - it's tiring! No visions of 'Chariots of Fire' here. I ran up and down the beach in both dry, soft sand, and the firmer sand. Kicked the soft sand around as well, making sure the the gaiters were had sand on them. They worked very well, keeping the sand out of the shoes. Unless you purposely pour sand around the gaiter tops where they seal around the ankles, little or no sand will work its way in as long as they're cinched around the socks and ankles. No sand made it into the shoe from the bottom, either, although a little made it into the bottom of the lace area from the front. It didn't migrate up. Unless you're running up and down sand dunes immersing the entire shoe and ankle in sand, the gaiters will do their job at keeping the shoes sand-free. The PT-03 Deserts are a pretty neat concept, especially with the lightweight gaiters, and should work well for training in sandy environments as well as for some mild trail running to keep the little rocks and pebbles out of the shoe. |
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I've been a Danner boot user for at least 12 years - ever since I picked up a used 'Danner bob sole' pair at a gun show. I liked the way they felt, fit and how well constructed they are. The only drawback to some of the models is that they tend to be a bit heavy. But they're built to last, and they seem to.
The Blackhawk II's shown above are 6" boots with GoreTex liner. All leather exterior - I've had them resoled once. Only gripe is that they're a bit heavy and squeak. They'll last a long time, though. The Acadia uninsulated 8" boot to the right is a very popular choice amongst servicemen and LE personnel. Leather/Cordura exterior and GoreTex liner make them a great choice for wet weather. I've soaked them and haven't had a leak yet.
Danner Desert Acadia - Rough-out leather and 1000
denier Cordura. Dri-Lex lining - non-insulated and no Gore-tex (obviously).
Pull tab on upper part of boot. Two very fine mesh vents in the
arch, which do not open all the way into the boot, but into the
lining. Fit is actually slightly more comfy than my Acadias (my
initial impression) and they feel 'bouncy'. No Danner 'airthotic'
insole, but a cushioned insert instead. |
Wellco Desert Tuffkushions
Mel from Kifaru suggested I try the Wellco Tuffkushion desert boots - as a lighter alternative to the Danner Desert Acadias. My size 8.5W boots weigh 1lb 11oz each (3lb 6oz per pair). They've become one of my favourite boots for hot weather (until I got the Lowa Seekers above). The Danners provide more protection around the ankles due to the padding, but the Wellcos are lighter and cooler. It's a give and take. The Wellco's leather seems to get dirty more easily - not sure why. They're pretty comfortable, and the Tuffkushion sole lives up to its name - it provides good shock absorption. I tossed the insoles that came with them and replaced them with green Superfeet for the arch support. The boots provide no lateral ankle support, but they're not designed to. The speed lace eyelets on the ankle extend out a bit too much and end up meeting in the center, and I cannot tighten up the boots as much as I'd like around my skinny ankles. Salomon Expert Mids
Above are the Salomon Expert Mid Lightweight Hiking boots, as worn
by one of the soldiers removing the bodies of Saddam's sons - Uday and
Qusay -in Baghdad. Lightweight mid-cut boot, built for light to moderate
hiking, 1-3 day adventures on trail or low altitude rock. I was looking
for a pair of lightweight hikers and decided to give these a try. Very
comfortable from the start, but there might be some durability issues
with the upper mesh upper. We'll see. Specs:
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Merrell Sawtooth Boots
I was looking for a pair of midweight hiking boots to replace my Timberlands,
which were in sorry shape after a couple of years, and I had heard good
things about Merrell boots. I went to REI to check them out and tried
on the different offerings. I compared the to the Chameleon Ventilators
but the Ventilators didn't provide as much support as the Sawtooths.
The Sawtooth boots shown here are priced very reasonably ($90), but
has some of the design features of the more expensive, heavyweight hiking
boots. The Salomon Expert Mids reviewed above fall into the category
of lightweight hikers, or trail cross trainers. The Sawtooths are midweight
hiking boots, which are meant for hiking with heavier loads and rougher
terrain than lightweight hikers. I was very pleased with the torsional
rigidity of the midsole. I can bend the front of the Expert Mids backwards,
almost folding the boot in half, but the Sawtooths have a very stiff
(but not uncomfortable) midsole that provides some of the best stability
and support I've felt in a boot of this kind. My feet don't roll over
in this boot, and going off trail, the rigidity helps prevent rocks
and pebbles from being felt through the bottom of the sole and bruising
the foot. The under-arch bridge also adds to the feeling of stability
of the boot, and I don't feel like my arch is rolling inwards, like
with some others (I'm a pronator). The Vibram sole has a relatively
aggressive tread pattern. Update 6/7/05 - Worn these boots since March '04 and they're still providing great support, with barely any sign of wear. I'm very happy with this purchase. Specs (from Merrell website):
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Oregon Aero® ShockBlockers® Insole Insert
I was down at Pendleton for the Marine West Expo with Mel (Kifaru),
Desertdiz and GG. Oregon
Aero had a booth there and was showing off the newer MICH/PASGT
upgrade helmet pads (the ones that are black and OD) made of their visco-elastic
foam. This is a closed cell material that will not bottom out, unlike
other foams. It resists compression, while providing the correct amount
of shock absorption. To demonstrate, the rep put a helmet pad on the
hard table and invited Diz to punch it as hard as he could with his
knuckles. Diz did so, and the pad completely absorbed the impact, and
Diz's knuckles were none the worse from the experience. The material
responds to the impluse of the impact - like an oil damper - the faster
the impluse, the more shock absorption and decceleration.
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