The importance of comfort simply cannot be overstated when it comes to military exercises. It doesn’t matter how rugged or durable a pair of boots are, if they are not comfortable then wearers will not be able to perform optimally. In fact, finding boots uncomfortable makes their practical features less effective as wearers will take steps to reduce their discomfort. A good example of this would be tying laces loosely, which may reduce pain but also stability and water resistance and therefore increase the risk of injury.
The first thing to think about is the cold, wet climate typically found across Europe, which is where fabrics like GORE-TEX® come in. GORE-TEX® fabric is a high-performance material that is not only durable but waterproof, weatherproof and breathable too. A large range of LOWA Tactical and Military boots utilise it in their designs; including the LOWA Zephyr GTX® Coyote Op, LOWA Recce, and LOWA Combat Boots. There are risks that waterproofing and breathability alone won’t be able to solve, however, which is something that anyone who has been to the Sennelager, Grafenwoehr, Bergen-Hohne or Poland will be able to attest to.
Twisted ankles and sprains are a common injury when trekking through forests and across mountains, so finding boots that offer proper support is essential. The LOWA Mountain Boot is a fantastic choice in these instances, especially the LOWA Mountain GTX® Black Boots, which integrate GORE-TEX® lining with full grain leather. Their strong, durable uppers make these hard-wearing boots as sturdy as possible, while their Vibram® "Tsavo" soles ensure wearers don’t have to worry about their footing as much when traversing terrain.
In many exercise areas, you’ll find yourself weighted down with belt kit, a Bergen and or a daysac. Anyone walking, tabbing, or running while carrying this kind of weight needs proper ankle support. The length of time these exercises last in addition to their intensive nature increases the risk of rolling an ankle and causing a sprain. You then end up with an injury that delays the completion of your training and on physio or rehab when you get back to camp. Once again, boots like the LOWA Mountain boot are a superb choice when it comes to preventing this kind of injury. The Achilles flex panel in the heel allows a natural movement, thereby minimising the risk of injury and ensuring the wearer’s safety.
While built to be practical, comfort is of the utmost importance for all LOWA combat and tactical boots. Everything from upper material, insole design, boot width, construction method, membrane linings, etc. contribute to the comfort of LOWA boots. Even the way in which laces are applied factor into this experience. While X-Lacing helps hold a boot’s tongue in place by preventing slipping, it’s LOWAs 2 zone lacing that really comes in handy on exercises in the various European training areas. Found in the LOWA R-6 GTX®, this lacing system allows for independently adjustable lacing zones, one on the forefoot and one on the upper. This allows for an improved individualised fit and better adjustments for personal comfort and different foot anatomy.
The LOWA Z8S GTX is a great example of a military boot that is lightweight yet stable. Inspired by feedback and requests from military personnel, SF and law enforcement, this hybrid boot sits somewhere between combat boots and multi-functional military boots. The stabilizer within improves ankle and joint stability and torsional rigidity. It also comes with a MONOWRAP® 2 sole unit construction with a firm 7/8 TPU stabilizer which offers perfect support and stability.
