Security Summer Gear 1 – Cool Boots!
Summer isn’t really here yet, we realixe that, but it’s gonna be here before you know it. So, you better get ready for it right away.
We usually focus on winter gear around here, since many people seem lost as to how to manage the cold, and we’ve got some experience in that area. This year, however, we’re going to step it up a noth and let you in on a few secrets on how to stay cool in the summer – not just looking cool, but staying comfortable when the temperature starts to rise into the red.
We’re thought we’d start from the bottom and work our way up, with something that concerns just about any security officer or LE officer out there – footwear. Nothing can really surpass a good pair of boots, and if you manage to keep your feet comfortable, that will brighten any day considerably. Sounds,crazy, we know, but it’s true. Ever had wet boots all day long? No fun at all. We guarantee you were pretty grumpy. Ever had blue toes from standing around in the snow all day? Been there, done that. Just like those two, crazy hot, sweaty feet can be uncomfortable as hell, to be blunt about it, and it can also lead to some embarassing moments if you’re forced to take those boots off…
Anyway, here are some stellar choices in boots that will absolutely keep your feet cool and breathing all day long, almost no matter how hot it gets (yeah, we said almost… that goes a long way, though).
Let’s get on with the list, shall we?
Number 1: Rocky S2V Vented Military / Duty Boots.
There are boots and there are boots, and these are definitely some tough summer boots. Ventilated, US made for both military and civilian use, they’ll make sure your feet are as comfortable as possible when the heat starts to set in. Drainage vents pull moisture out, while keeping dirt and crap out, which is a good thing. Here are some specs:
- Leather
- Genuine Suede-Textile Upper and Man Made Sole
- 8″ Soft Toe Boots
- Made in the USA, Berry Compliant
- 1,000 Denier Cordura in Sides and Panels in Treated PTFE Coat for Flame Resistance
- Aegis Microbe Shield Prevents Bacteria and Fungus Growth, the cause of Rot and Foot Discomfort
- Drainage Vents Move Water Out and Prevents Debris from Entering and Enhancce Breathability
- Leather
- Rubber sole
- Color: Black
- Material: Leather Upper and Man-Made Outsole
- Measurements: 1.25 Inch Heel
- Width: M
Number 3: Wellco Men’s Imported HW Jungle Combat Boot
Now, these are a special treat. Even though they’re branded as combat boots, they’re exceptionally good looking, and fits right in with your daily uniform. They’re a little lighter and a little taller (9″ tall) than the other two, relying more on Cordura than leather, in order to keep the weight down and the breathability up.
If you’re looking for low price quality, this is definitely the boot for you – after all, they’re made for jungle use, some of the warmest, muggiest climate around, so they’ll absolutely manage to keep your feet dry and comfy when the temperature climbs.
Again, some particulars:
- Leather and cordura
- Rubber sole
- Slip and Oil Resistant
- Full Grain Leather and Nylon Upper
- Direct Molded Sole Construction
- Puncture/Spike Resistant
- Wellco Panama Outsole
Remember that the soles are a little softer than the others, since they’re not really made for street use, but that just makes them that more comfortable. Also, they’re still puncture resistant! And what about price, you say? Well, depending on your size, they’ll cost you from $70 to $120. Very nice!
Number 4: Magnum Men’s Response II 8” SZ Boot
It’s really just a fact – you can’t go wrong with Magnum boots. Don’t misunderstand, you might still get lost, but at least your feet will be comfortable in the process.
We’ve written about Magnum boots before, and the only negative point has been their soft soles, that wear down a little faster than we would have liked, but that adds to the comfort of these 8″ workhorses. Comfort is one of the things Magnum focuses on, and they’re getting exceedingly good at it. Also, these boots have a steel shank (sounds scary, no?) gives you a little more bounce in your step.
Magnums aren’t usually the cheapest of the bunch, but these are pleasing for the wallet as well, selling at $74 – $105, which is a nice surprise for boots of this caliber.
Some particulars from the makers themselves:
- Leather and textile
- Rubber sole
- Comfort controured removable sock-liner
- High-traction slip-resistant outsole
Lot of talk about the soles there, but rest assured – these babies have the same ability to transport out that nasty foot “moisture” that we’ve all come to expect. Also, they have the side zipper! (You guessed it – that’s what “SZ” stands for…)
Number 5: Bates E02263 Men’s 8-inch Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip Boot
And the award for longest boot name goes too…
Anyway. We thought we’d include a pair of boots for those of you who’re required to have some sort of hard toes on your shoes. These have composite toes, which means that they’re still light, while they’re as good as steel toed boots when it comes to protection. Also, they’re that much harder if you feel like kicking some…uh…thing. Something. That’s right.
These puppies look as hard as they are, and fits well with just about any uniform, and are vented with Cordura on the sides, to both let a little air in, and a lot of moisture out. As for the other boots, here are a few particulars, straight from the horse’s mouth:
- Leather – Nylon Upper
- Full grain leather upper with 1680 denier nylon
- YKK nylon side zipper
- Non metallic composite toe ASTM F2413-05 rated
- Slip resistant rubber outsole
- Athletic cement construction
“Athletic cement construction”, you ask? We have no idea. It sounds really fancy, though, and from what we hear, it’s supposed to make these boots just as comfortable to wear as a pair of sneakers. We don’t know if running track is recommended in these boots, but we’re pretty sure it’s possible. These things will cost you from $85 – $125.
Gear up for summer! The first bullet on anyone’s list should be summer boots, making sure that you keep those toes nice and cool and dry. Dry feet = healthy soldier, after all.
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