And now you will wonder: Is this a 0'20 or Runner's World issue? It is not, you are still holding a copy of 0'20. Over the last few years we can see photos of special forces operators wearing boots and even shoes of well-known mountain and sport brands. Of course, this trend was also copied in airsoft shortly after and many players got rid of their classic military-style boots to make room for some more off-road boots that provided +10 points when posing for pics. While Adidas and Salomon have already landed in the world of airsoft, which do we pick?
ADIDAS
Adidas is a German multinational company founded in 1949, specialised in the manufacture of footwear, sportswear and other sport related products. Well, with its over 900 million products I am sure you have heard of it.
You may be surprised to see this brand offering this kind of sports equipment, but it is not something new. It has been several decades since the GSG-9, the special German police anti-terrorist unit, asked them to develop boots to fit their needs. After which they have continued to develop their "GSG9 Tactical Boot" model, which we have seen in SWAT teams and even in films like The Expendables 3 (check Jet Li’s boots, the actor plays the team’s hand-to-hand combat expert, Yin Yang).
But a couple of years ago the German giant stormed into the mountain activities market. And when they put together everything they knew about mountain sports and their experience developing boots for tactical units, they created a product that stands out, that is here to stay and that is increasingly seen in our hobby. ;)
SALOMON
The Salomon Group is a sports equipment manufacturing company founded in 1947 in Annecy, at the foot of the French Alps. So, as you can see, it carries the mountain in its heart.
It entered the 21st century with the launch of its Raid Race, the first XA (mountain shoes) in the market knew along with its winter clothes line. It was a success that did not go unnoticed among operators and that evolved until 2015 when they released their Forces range.
It was a range of boots and sneakers designed for the needs of special forces operators, without neglecting the characteristics that are the hallmark of the French footwear brand. This range offers three series: Assault, Mountain and Extreme Cold Weather. The models from these series are somewhat more complicated to find, so we will talk about models more accessible to the general public.
SHOES OR BOOTS?
The trekking shoes (we could include the most resistant trail running shoes for ultra-marathons) are obviously very comfortable and light. Designed for walking or running long distances on the mountain without carrying any extra weight. And they usually go up just below the malleoli (yes, you also have those, which are the bones that protrude from the sides of the ankle), unlike the running shoes that rest on them. This provides ankle support, less than that of a boot, but they are protected, which is what we are looking for.
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Hiking and trekking boots, on the other hand, are less light and less agile, but they provide more protection, and stabilise us when we carry weight on our backs. The shaft of a boot not only protects the ankle; it also protects us from the harsh weather conditions (mud, rain, snow, humidity, etc.), preventing them from entering the foot. While it should be mention that there are different shaft heights, and calf-length boots (of which we will speak in this article) are a true all-in-one that stands between both worlds to.
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1-Average length shaft
Through this type of shaft, the ankle is much more protected while it prevents the typical twists. That being said, the lightness and flexibility of the boot stands out; they will allow us to run as if they were running shoes.
2-Moulded insole
The first thing we notice when putting on a boot or shoe is whether the sole of the foot fits well inside. These boots provide a level of comfort difficult to find, thanks to the moulded insole. This also helps to hold the foot inside the boot and prevent blisters.
3-GORE-TEX and durability
Thanks to the technical mesh, synthetic reinforcements and Gore-Tex, this boot is very resistant to wear and tear while being also waterproof and breathable, it could be argued that it is almost an indestructible boot.
4-Wet lands
This rubber sole has great traction and a very good grip in wet and steep terrain. In addition, Traxion technology provides a perfect grip in all directions of the boot.
SCORE: 8
-Flexibility: 9
-Protection: 8
-Breathability: 8
-Impermeability: 8
-Sole: 8
-Durability: 7
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1-Average length shaft
With this type of shaft, the ankle is better secured and we avoid sprains and accidental twists especially if we are prone to suffering them. And they are still one of the lightest trekking boots on the market. Designed for long journeys, preventing the foot from tiring excessively. They are perfect for multi-day events.
2-Gore-Tex membrane
The Gore-Tex fabrics are waterproof in a lasting lasting way and will keep the feet dry and also contribute to the evacuation of sweat. A rather useful feature for long games or when playing in places with high humidity. Do not be afraid to step on puddles!
3-Sensifit System
This lacing system ensures the support of the boot to the foot and prevents the foot from sliding inside the boot, so which we will avoid the typical blisters from the friction (at least in my case). And the EVA heel contributes to (the spongy material) that offers a better heel support and a greater padding to offer the foot a greater comfort.
4-Contagrip Sole
We will have better traction on the ground, especially if the soil is wet or loose stones. It also makes the sole more durable. Thanks to the Advanced Chassis, Salomon’s lightest and most advanced at present, which has been placed between the sole and the midsole, energy management is maximised and provides a great response and stability. It is part of the invisible magic that these boots have.
SCORE: 8´3
- Flexibility: 7
- Protection: 9
- Breathability: 8
- Impermeability: 9
- Sole: 8
- Durability: 9
1-Low shaft
Thanks to the lower shaft we will enjoy greater agility when it comes to moving around the battlefield. A very versatile design where comfort and flexibility prevail, and with its 340 g you will truly fly.
2-Ripstop fabric
The upper part of the shoe is made of ripstop fabric, which makes the shoe more resistant and lighter. Breathability is also increased thanks to the nylon parts of the upper part. A very interesting option in the summer time or in warm climates since it will provide greater comfort despite having to travel long distances.
3-EVA midsole
A lighter and more durable shock absorption thanks to this material, protecting against friction and absorbing impacts in a stable way. This makes the shoe perfect for those weighting around 75 to 90kg.
4-Traxion sole
This sole provides a perfect grip in all directions of the shoe, with which to avoid slips on wet and damp surfaces. Which allows you to step with more confidence and focus your attention on what is in front of you instead of what you have under your feet.
SCORE: 8
- Flexibility: 9
- Protection: 8
- Breathability: 7
- Impermeability: 6
- Sole: 9
- Durability: 9
1-Advanced Chassis
They have more padding in their back or chassis so they provide great comfort and great support for the heel. Salomon’s system will help us to better manage energy and have a more efficient step. Very useful for mountain descent areas, as they will provide greater stability and response.
2-Premium Wet Traction Contagrip
This type of soles can be better tested on wet terrain. Improving the Traction Contagrip sole and making it a specialist for wet terrain. The sole is designed with birectional studs to provide greater momentum and a great grip on each step. Northerners, this is your shoe.
3-Salomon flexibility designed
with GORE-TEX
Equally as important as a good grip on wet terrain, it is to keep the feet dry. This is where the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear membrane comes into play; superior waterproof protection with high breathability.
4-Quicklace lacing systemce
If the laces come undone in the midst of battle it can be dangerous, so either you use duct tape as the Delta of Black Hawk Down or you trust a system like this, minimalist, practical and resistant, which guarantees a safe and personalised fit. With a pocket to hide the laces on the tongue and asymmetric lacing. A tongue that, by the way, is reinforced, the bridge that connects the tongue with the blade prevents mud and stones from entering inside the shoe.
SCORE: 8´1
- Flexibility: 9
- Protection: 8
- Breathability: 8
- Impermeability: 8
- Sole: 8
- Durability: 8
CONCLUSION
It is hard to choose between two big brands or between two types of footwear like these, but since we do not have four feet, you will need to choose one of the options. For us, when playing in an environment where the ground is firm and regular like that of a CQB or a built-up area, we prefer the shoes since they allow us to run much more comfortably and are incredibly lighter. However, when playing in the open, we do not hesitate to choose the boots for the obvious extra protection they provide. So maybe we should keep both pairs and actually change the question to, where are you playing this time?