An Cosantóir

5 NOTICEBOARD NOTICEBOARD NEW ISSUE BROWN BOOTS UNIFORM SERVICES Medal Mounting Service: Competitive prices, contact Murty Quinn 087 939 4680 Lanyards made to measure: Competitive prices, contact Brian 087 297 1982 They had been around since the foundation of the State but the traditional black army boots are a thing of the past. Modern, hi-tech, brown boots are now the order of the day; some 9,000 new pairs have been ordered by the Army and were issued for official use on the 1st of February. The old black boots were heavy and uncomfortable – they were 10 inches high – inappropriate for modern warfare and service situations, particularly in warm weather overseas postings, such as Lebanon. Following regular complaints from personnel, the Army's Clothing Procurement Section procurement section set about finding a suitable alternative, testing many different types before deciding that the Haix Scout boot was best. "We tested them out in all sorts of situations – snipers, recce, mountains – and these ones came back with a good report from those who wore them, explained Company Quartermaster Sergeant Derek Stafford, who added: "The feedback was very good." Derek was able to test the boots for himself – he wore them on a tour of duty in the Lebanon which ended last November. "I found them very comfortable and much better in such a hot environment", he said. Working with Capt Cathal Daly, they run the Ordnance Equipment and Clothing Procurement operation for the Office of the Director of Ordnance at McKee Barracks in Dublin. This includes buying everything from food and equipment to clothing and footwear for the Army. "There were a lot of complaints about the old black boots", explained Derek, "black is not a good colour, it's not cool in a hot climate and they were big and heavy." He explained how the traditional black boots were very unsuitable in places like Lebanon or Syria. "They got very hot and heavy and this new brown boot is much better for those conditions", he said. The new brown boots are shorter – 7 inches as opposed to 10 inches - and lighter, plus they don't have to be polished! They are also waterproof, more flexible and more comfortable to wear. "We were the first to try out these new boots, before France and the UK", said Derek, "They are more suitable all round, particularly in overseas missions such as Lebanon etc." Boots, of course, are one of the most important parts of a soldier's kit and therefore have to be not only durable, but comfortable. And they have to last. "It all depends on who is wearing them. A soldier sitting in an office all day will have very little wear on them. However, a soldier out training in the mountains or elsewhere will be making more demands on their boots and they won't last as long", says Derek. Of course, different elements of the Defence Forces have different boot requirements. "The Air Corps and the Navy as well as artillery and others would need a different type of boot, so these are for general Army personnel", he said. The Haix Scout boot is made of Nubuk leather and is waterproof and breathable with GORE-TEX®. It has highly abrasion- resistant lining with fleece mid layer: optimised climate comfort for all year, seasons and excessive use. The foot bed is anatomically formed, exchangeable and washable, plus has very good moisture absorption and dries quickly. Its sole is rubber/PU walking sole with proven street/terrain tread, wear resistant and non-slip traction; large, bevelled contact surface and superior bending comfort. It has oil and gasoline resistance and non-marking characteristics and is also heat resistant compliant with EN ISO 20347:2012. The HAIX® Climate system uses the pumping movement, which permits air circulation with every step – warm air is released through the Micro-Dry lining at the top of the boot leg. The Two Zone Lacing System enables a separate adjustment of the boot to the foot and leg area. The boots have a quick lock and lace pocket. The lacing system has eyelets permitting smooth movement, pulling strap, manually applied rubber sidewall on the front and back of the shoe for a better durability. by Tony O'Brien

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