KIT & GEAR
FOOTWEAR CHOICES
definitely sits in the “ tacticool athlete ” category and having a waterproof and breathable membrane inside means it will perform in most weathers too . As well as benefitting from the Bates EPS system , the SHOCK FX benefits from waterproof full grain leather and performance nylon upper with protective panels , a breathable waterproof membrane with moisture wicking lining to keep your feet dry , mesh tongue for added breathability , plus Bates anti-fatigue Endurance Performance System , providing you all day comfort and flexibility . A multi terrain slip resistant rubber lug outsole and a “ Cement ” construction provides a lightweight and flexible platform . I ’ ve worn these boots day in , day out whatever the weather and they ’ ve become trusted partners for all my outdoor adventures come rain or shine . You can check them out by visiting www . tactree . co . uk
LOWA MOUNTAIN BOOTS
As I mentioned earlier , last but by no means least are my “ winter specials ”, otherwise known as LOWA MOUNTIAN BOOTS ! If you were to visit any barracks in the UK , I guarantee that you would find a high number of guys wearing “ LOWAs ” and one of the most sought- after models has been the
Mountain Boot , to wear along with their
MTP . I ’ ve put a good number of miles under the soles of my LOWAs during the past few winters and at no time did they feel anything other than sturdy and solid . The
Vibram “ Tsavo ” sole unit has provided stability even on the worst days , with a nice high cuff giving excellent support around the ankle .
The boots are made from 2.4 / 2.4mm full grain leather which has moulded well to my foot and the Gore Tex Duracom inner has meant that my feet have stayed 100 % dry even in deep , soft snow or extreme wet weather . Open hook lacing means that you can set up the fit of the boot just as you like it and , once you ’ ve found your “ fit ”, everything stays locked down and in place . The foot is anchored solidly in place with no movement or “ sloppiness ” that will cause blisters . The boots are available in UK 3 – 15 including half sizes . Overall , this is one heck of a boot and I can see now why it has become the choice of the professional user . Whilst our lives may not depend on it , this is a fabulously well-made boot , put together with the very best of everything .
MAX PERFORMANCE !
I ’ ve chosen the boots here not because they are the cheapest out there but because , in my opinion , they offer great value for money and between them will have you covered all year round ( other than in mountainous areas in full winter ) and all will provide maximum performance for your money . For “ true winter ” you ’ ll need a more specialist mountain boot that is crampon compatible - and that ’ s a whole other ballgame !
Do bear in mind , however , that these boot models fit my particular foot-shape well and may not be so ideal for you but I hope I ’ ve given you an idea what to look for when you come to buy . And when it does come to buying boots , go to a specialist tactical boot fitter , or one of the top outdoor shops , who will be able to offer a very good service in relation to precise fitting when it comes to the civilian models . If you ’ re after a dedicated military model , then your local tactical store or airsoft shop is the place to go . Buy right , buy once even if you are “ Daddy Bigbucks ” - and if you ’ re usually skint , like most airsofters I know ( including myself !), then getting it right first time is a bonus ! AA
“ I THINK THESE WILL BE A REAL WINNER , NOT JUST FOR THE UK MARKET BUT GLOBALLY AS IT MOST DEFINITELY SITS IN THE “ TACTICOOL ATHLETE ” CATEGORY AND HAVING A WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE MEMBRANE INSIDE MEANS IT WILL PERFORM IN MOST WEATHERS TOO .” www . airsoftaction . net 31