US Army searches for new boot to overcome aching feet

Feedback from US soldiers in the Middle East has encouraged Army chiefs to track down the best possible boot to withstand the weather while providing efficient cushioning during long treks on rough terrain.
Following a two-year research campaign, footwear project engineers at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in Massachusetts have been tasked with finding a solution to the average soldier’s primary complaint – aching feet.

Prototype boot submissions were received in 2011, and three potential manufacturers have now been selected. The US Army is reportedly looking for lighter, more durable and more comfortable footwear. The ability to cope with high temperatures is a big factor. Afghanistan, for instance, can regularly exceed 38ºC (100ºF) during the summer, so boots with good ventilation are deemed essential.

So far, the boots from the three companies have been tested twice – most recently by more than 200 soldiers at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in conditions very similar to those experienced in Afghanistan.

SATRA is currently undertaking comfort research based on different climates found around the world, to improve performance of military footwear.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 3 of the October 2013 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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