KIT & GEAR
FOOTWEAR CHOICES
something of a Lowa “ fanboy ” I decided that the Zephyr GTX could well be the replacement I was looking for and since I got my very first pair , they ’ ve proved to be excellent and have become a “ fave ”, not just with me but with many of the AA crew and other players as well .
As part of Lowa ’ s Task Force range , these boots are highly rated by both UK and US SF alike as a tactical lightweight desert boot . The Zephyr GTX fulfils the requirement for those operating in a lightweight role who require a Gore Tex lining . They feature a slip lasted construction with an injected Lowa “ Cross ” sole ; more of that in a bit . The upper is a clever combination of suede leather ( 1.4 - 1.6 mm ) and Cordura and a full Gore Tex VISION 3LY inner lining ensures waterproofness . They weigh in at a meagre 1,120g per pair , with a very supportive mid height cuff ; the foot is held firmly in place courtesy of closed hook lacing .
The Zephyr also features Lowa ’ s innovative MONOWRAP ® 2 sole unit construction with a firm 7 / 8 TPU stabilizer is the most stable and offers optimal traction and perfect support with its high-quality surface materials . The system features a PU heel stabiliser , a PU-Frame , an additional plastic stabiliser and the “ Cross ” outsole . The plastic stabiliser element features in all Lowa multi-functional footwear , improving ankle and joint stability and torsional rigidity .
I ’ ve continued to wear them on an almost daily basis and have now subjected them to some pretty foul conditions . In all situations other than full , snow-on-the-ground winter , they have performed admirably . The Lowa Zephyr GTX is available in a number of different colours for use with UK MTP or MultiCam types of uniform and clothing but I have to say , given the sporty look of them in black / grey , they look pretty sharp with a pair of cargos or even jeans too . Expect to pay iro £ 130 for a pair from www . lowa . co . uk or most good stockists .
MERRELL ACCENTOR
Beloved of units like the US Rangers , Merrell boots from their outdoor line are certainly worth a look if you ’ re running a “ tactical athlete ” set of range gear and a trip to my local outdoor pursuits store showed me that Merrell definitely still have what it takes ! I recently invested in a pair of ACCENTOR GORE- TEX MIDS for summer and indoor wear and they look the absolute business if you ’ re running fast and light , especially in “ black kit ”!
With a waterproof inner to keep your feet dry and comfortable , the body has been designed so that water can ’ t get in , but moisture vapour can escape through the billions of pores in the Gore-Tex membrane . In addition , an Aegis antimicrobial , odour-fighting treatment keeps
your feet fresh for longer . Humidity isn ’ t a problem in these breathable boots either , as a membrane keeps your feet dry and a large bellows tongue keeps debris away from the foot . When you encounter slippery patches after rainfall , you ’ ll be thankful for two features , a mid-length cut that adds ankle support , and a durable rubber outsole for better grip . For more on these super-light yet supportive boots please check out www . merrell . com .
BATES SHOCK FX
My “ EDC ” boots of choice are the SHOCK FX from Bates . With a really cool look and a “ mid-cut ” cuff these are cracking-looking boots and come in three colourways to complement different uniform requirements but , in each case it would look just as good on a mountain trail or simply out and about .
I think these will be a real winner , not just for the UK market but globally as it most
30 MARCH 2021