Berts are boots with laces, which are an element of army equipment. The main difference between ankle boots and boots is that the galenostop, when worn, remains movable and at the same time fixed, thereby reducing the risk of tendon stretching. There is a deep tread on the sole, as well as a high top that covers the ankle, protecting the legs from dislocations and various bruises. The ankle boots got their name precisely from the fact that they protect the tibia on the legs.
However, berets are not only military footwear. These are also boots that are widely used by the civilian population. The history of the origin of these shoes dates back to the Second World War, when shoes were developed for paratroopers, or more precisely for paratroopers. Laced high boots are excellent protection against injury during the landing process.
Berts have good consumer qualities, and therefore are indispensable for fans of extreme sports and tourists. It should be noted that it is very convenient to play paintball while wearing combat boots, since such shoes especially reliably protect a person’s ankles from impacts from stones and other things. In addition, such army shoes are popular among metalheads, goths and skinheads.
Do you need to buy military or casual combat boots? What is the difference?
The first thing you need to do is determine why you need ankle boots. Are you a military man and do you need boots for your service? Or want to buy tactical shoes for playing paintball? Or maybe you are purchasing comfortable boots for hiking or hiking? Different models will suit your specific purpose.
Therefore, determine a list of properties and advantages that boots should have:
- waterproof: do you need waterproof boots;
- high or small ankle: will you need protection from falling stones, branches and generally from damage to the lower leg, dislocations;
- oil and petrol resistance: will you be on a slippery surface;
- insulation: will you spend a long time in the cold;
- season: you need winter, summer or demi-season ankle boots.
These are the main parameters that you should determine when choosing boots. Army and civilian ankle boots are footwear that will be used for different purposes. They differ in both cost and quality.
How to choose the right ankle boots?
In NATO countries there is the concept of tactical or combat boots, and in Russian all shoes with fairly high tops are called berets. There is no legalized standard for ankle boots in the North Atlantic Alliance, which all manufacturers are equal to, but there are certain rules that conscientious companies do not violate.
Upper material
Real ankle boots can be considered boots that are made of genuine leather (suede, nubuck), nylon cordura or cotton in various combinations. No leather substitutes can be used. Nubuck, which is made from cattle hides, undergoes a special abrasive treatment and looks like suede. To improve its hydrophobic characteristics, it is often treated with oil-containing substances and labeled “nubuck oil”. It usually costs more than regular leather.
Lining
In summer, lightweight models, the lining may be completely absent. If there is one, it is usually a porous three-dimensional mesh that may contain various membrane materials. For example, Coolmax®, a 100% polyester-based fabric that intensively removes excess moisture vapor from the foot, protecting the foot from overheating. If the membrane is declared as Coolmax® freshFX®, this means that the polyester threads contain active silver ions. Possessing a lifelong antibacterial effect, they prevent the development of fungal infections and putrefactive bacteria.
Membranes can also be completely waterproof. These are Gore-tex type fabrics or its analogues (Dryshield, Q.B Tex, SympaTex). The difference between 2- and 3-layer membranes is that 2-layer membranes are rolled only onto the outer fabric, while 3-layer membranes are rolled between the outer fabric and the lining. In any case, it is advisable to wear ankle boots with thermal socks, which significantly improves the microclimate of the shoes.
2-zone lacing is required
Only it allows you to reliably fix and support the ankle joint on the most problematic surfaces. Zippers, buttons and other types of fasteners can only be present as elements that speed up putting on shoes.
The tongue of ankle boots must necessarily be so-called “soldered”, i.e. the tongue is integral with the ankle boots. This factor is important, since the ingress of water into the boots is minimized, and the foot will remain dry.
Insulation materials
Can be made from natural or faux fur. Modern insulation of the Thinsulate or Holofiber class warms better, they are durable and lightweight, but will cost more.
Sole
Most often made from vulcanized rubber or artificial rubber. Polyurethane models are allowed. How to choose ankle boots for a hike? Mandatory taking into account the expected category of complexity, which is determined by the characteristics of the soil. The harder the expected operating surfaces (rocky soil, for example), the harder the sole should be.
Top 5: Best Tactical Combat Boots
The average man's job does not involve chasing criminals, kicking down doors, chasing prey, dodging insurgents, or any
others are among the many obstacles that soldiers, law enforcement officers and professional hunters face every day. The type of boots you need will depend on your environment. If you plan to wear them to work in the city, you'll need a pair with a stiffer shell to protect your feet from the asphalt jungle. If you plan to hike in the mountains, you will need increased leg support and flexibility to cope with unusual terrain. If you'll be wearing boots on a construction site, they need to be durable on the outside and ready to withstand rough handling. However you choose to use your tactical boots, one of our top 5 picks is sure to meet your expectations.
Danner Acadia combat boots - skull crusher
Pros: durable
Minuses: expensive
These are serious combat boots that go beyond their tactical name. There's nothing subtle or subtle about the Acadia's design, they're made for kicking down doors and escaping from POW prisons. They are aggressive, and have an equally aggressive price tag. An exceptionally stable sole will help both Weaver fans and adherents of the “Israeli” system maintain a confident stance on the shooting range or shooting range. This exceptional traction and balance is provided by Kletterlift Vibram technology. The boots are 8 inches tall with full-length laces, meaning they're tall and snug, and are designed specifically to support your feet. The extra weight will keep you moving at a slower speed, but the extra protection is ideal for tackling dangerous streets or serious outdoor adventures. Gore-Tex lining helps enhance breathability and wick moisture for greater comfort inside. U.S.M.C. Approved (US Marine Corps) is all you really need to know.
Price: 16,500 rub.
Rothco Deployment tactical boots – best value for money
Pros: durable and inexpensive
Minuses: heavy
At a relatively low price, Deployment boots are made to withstand rough handling. The thick sole and steel instep support are designed to reduce shock and increase support, even during a forced march, even during a leisurely hike or jog around the training ground. The boot's deep tread on the sole works similarly to the sole of a kayaking shoe, helping you traverse wet rocks or oily pavement. The downside is that they are a little heavier and, compared to other options, feel more like boots than sneakers. This isn't uncomfortable, but it does mean they aren't as quick or easy. So if speed is a priority for your activities, you'll have to look elsewhere. The inside sole is soft, so staying in shoes for a long time does not cause fatigue, and the mesh upper promotes ventilation, and throughout the day your feet will not feel like they are in a steam room. The side zipper allows you to quickly take the boots on and off, but slightly reduces water resistance.
Price: 4200 rub.
Under Armor Valsetz Boots - Speed Freaks
Pros: designed for running
Minuses: insufficiently equipped for suburban conditions
They barely made it under barbed wire to make the tactical boot list because they look almost identical to some winter running shoes we've spotted. Under Armor's ClutchFit technology allows the boot to wrap around the foot like a second skin for maximum support with very little snug, good for speed and even better for stealth. The Micro G foam midsole softens any landing—even from high jumps—and springs back to keep you planted or give you explosive acceleration off the takeoff. The molded polyurethane arch support gives a little stiffness in the middle, but this boot definitely sacrifices support for speed. If you're going to be doing a lot of running, these boots are ready for it. Conversely, if you're hoping for more protection or durability, they won't give it to you. The Valsetz are ideal for urban conditions, but not so great for trail running or rough terrain.
Price: 7400 rub.
Tactical boots Magnum Spider 8.0 – complete comfort
Pros: good at any time of the year
Minuses: wear out quickly
They can easily be called the most comfortable tactical boots, ideal for long hours of wear. The Spider's mesh lining allows your feet to breathe without feeling too light or airy. The upper is made of leather and mesh fabric. It hugs the contours of your calves and ankles to keep them from flopping around inside the boot, even when walking long distances over patchy terrain. You can be sure that the boots will not rub or rip your skin into blisters. The sole does not interfere with tactile sensations, so the boots serve well as motorcycle boots. For highway travel, they have the padding, protection and ventilation you need. The EVA midsole flexes when compressed to fit easily with minimal break-in time. The only downside to extreme comfort is that if you really use the boots to their fullest, they will have a relatively short lifespan.
Price: 5300 rub.
Bates GX-8 GTX Tactical Boot - Anytime, Anywhere
Pros: very versatile
Minuses: take a long time to wear out
Bates today is one of the richest in models and sought after by buyers of tactical boots. With a comfortable, waterproof shell that's available in lightweight and weighted versions depending on your needs, the boots perform well in just about any conditions. They can be your work boots, your hiking boots, your winter boots, they can serve absolutely any purpose without costing a fortune. The EVA inner sole brings comfort, while the outsole is suitable for a wide variety of terrain or flat, hard surfaces. Bates is a company that helps Merrell, Wolverine, Hush Puppies, they even work with Harley-Davidson shoes. So there is no doubt: whatever you want from boots, they will
capable of taking on a challenge. The water-repellency and Gore-Tex lining only add to the fun.
Price: 6200 rub.
Caring for boots
Caring for boots, like any shoes made of genuine leather, involves more than just cleaning and lubrication. Let's look at this in more detail.
- After you have bought new shoes (high boots or boots), immediately make sure that their size matches your feet. If you find that your shoes are a little tight, don't be discouraged. Stretching new genuine leather shoes to size is not difficult and can be done at home. Moisten a cloth or napkin with medical alcohol, wipe the inside of the boots and put them on immediately. Walk around in them for a few minutes, then take them off and stuff them with damp newspapers. Leave it like this overnight - this will ensure that the shoes stretch almost to size.
- It is better to lubricate shoes made of genuine leather every day and only at night. This is necessary so that the boots have time to dry before the morning and do not lose their shape when walking. Before lubricating, ankle boots or boots must be wiped with a damp cloth. It is highly not recommended to wash leather shoes under running water. It is better to apply lubricant with an old toothbrush or special brushes.
- As a lubricant, you can use either a ready-made cream for natural leather (transparent or coloring), or glycerin, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or shoe store. The applied lubricant must be rubbed into the skin of the boots with special napkins or tampons and left in this form overnight. It is advisable to polish your shoes in the morning - after polishing, natural leather acquires a unique shine.
- In winter, it is advisable to lubricate ankle boots or military boots with lamb fat. Lamb fat retains heat well and allows the use of genuine leather shoes at lower temperatures. In addition, lamb fat well lubricates (fatifies) the leather of shoes, which protects it from brittleness in the cold. On top of the fat, you can also repeat the procedure of regular lubrication with glycerin or cream.
- After rainy weather, leather shoes should be immediately wiped with a damp and then dry cloth. You should not wait until salt stains appear on your shoes - salt is very harmful to the skin. After bad weather, stuff the inside of your shoes with dry newspapers to absorb moisture. If the newspapers quickly become wet from the skin, replace them. After wiping with a cloth or napkin, lubricate the boots - this will ensure their durability.
- If you notice that the boots have begun to leak moisture along the seams, you can contact a shoemaker or fix the problem yourself. In the latter case, make a composition based on 30 grams of paraffin, 50 grams of BF-6 glue, 100 grams of drying oil and 50 grams of turpentine. Melt the paraffin in drying oil, add glue and turpentine. After cooling, use this mixture to go over the leaking seam. Waterproofness is guaranteed.
- It is recommended to lubricate the top of the beret with vegetable oil once a week (especially in winter). This gives the upper leather elasticity. And once a month it is strongly recommended to wipe the inside of the shoes with vinegar essence, then air them. This is necessary to prevent fungal diseases - any skin tends to rot from the inside.
Following these simple rules for shoe care will allow you to wear combat boots or hunting boots for more than one season.
Popular questions
How to achieve increased waterproofness from ankle boots?
If you want to achieve increased waterproofness from your boots before the first use, lubricate all seams with wax; this procedure should be repeated 4-5 times, after each outing. Almost every specialized store or shoe repair shop sells a special wax cream, the best option not only for shoe care, but also for an increased water-repellent effect.
A very good way, but ambiguous: this is to lubricate the boots after each outing with ordinary Castor oil, which can be bought at any pharmacy. But there is one nuance, since castor oil is an oil, after several lubrications, the boots acquire increased elasticity, which is not very healthy, and in some cases, depending on the material of the boots, they increase in size quite a bit.
Hiking boots or inexpensive boots for sports and tourism?
If you need ankle boots for fishing, hunting, walking in the forest and for other similar purposes, inexpensive options from Zenkis, Mc Allister or Mil-Tec will suit you. Such models last a long time with normal, infrequent use.
Do you travel often? Do you need ankle boots for hiking and backpacking trips? Do you need to choose an option for airsoft, paintball and similar purposes? Ideal options are Lytos, Max Fuchs, Original S.W.A.T., Bates, some Mil-Tec options. For non-daily use, these brands will provide you with long service.
What are the best tactical combat boots for military and special forces?
Are you a professional military man? Do you need very reliable and durable boots for combat operations? Pay attention to: 5.11, HAIX, Belleville, Magnum. At the same time, you need to understand that these models are ideal specifically for serious military operations, for anti-terrorist operations; they are often used by special forces units, etc. Manufacturers promise that they will reliably serve for several years even with rough and daily use.
What are the best tactical military combat boots as a budget option?
If you are just a conscript and need combat boots for everyday use in normal conditions (for example, security, police, duty, training), feel free to choose the Mil-Tec brand, which produces good-quality budget options, but without compromising quality. They may not last as long as the famous boot brands, and they may not look as stylish as branded military boots, but they will get the job done. You will be pleased with the price/quality ratio of this company's shoes.
In the wardrobe of young fashionistas who love to experiment with looks, you can find women's berets - tall, rough lace-up boots. These shoes were originally created for the military: comfortable fixation of the ankles protected against possible stretching of the tendons. In addition, thanks to the high sole, the likelihood of bruises and dislocations was reduced.
This shoe got its name due to the fact that it reliably protects the tibia. The ankle and shin are protected from external influences by a soft edging. Berts are all-season shoes; at sub-zero temperatures they are not cold, and at positive temperatures they are not hot. They are ideal for outdoor travel and will be appropriate in any weather!
Just a few decades ago, berets were exclusively men's shoes. American soldiers wore them. The shoes were durable and comfortable, and could withstand any challenge on rough and mountainous terrain. In addition to soldiers, it was liked by hunters, fishermen and tourists. Due to the corrugated rough soles, the boots did not slip on the ice. The high-quality genuine leather from which the boots were made did not allow cold and moisture to pass through, so even in heavy rain, the legs always remained warm and dry.
What is the difference between women's boots and classic ones?
To sew the former, softer, high-quality leather is used. In addition, their design is more elegant, and various accessories are often used for decoration.
Like, women's ankle boots are very popular among some subcultures - goths, punks, emo... These boots securely fix the ankle, which significantly reduces the risk of tendon strain. High and tight lacing tightly grips the ankle, so your legs don’t get so tired when walking.
Considering that ankle boots are becoming more and more popular among various social groups and subcultures, many shoe companies began to produce them. The main styles in which they are used are casual and. Boots come in high and low, have different colors and shapes.
The classic color is black, but there are models made in brown, gray and sand tones. Thanks to such variety, they are easy to combine with clothes. In autumn and winter, it is better to give preference to dark-colored options, and in spring and summer, light-colored boots are a favorite. Winter models are often lined with sheep fur on the inside.
Types of women's berets
There are several types of the most popular of this specific shoe.
- The Bundes are black boots with a military-style design. They are usually worn in winter. Thermoplastic materials are used to make the toe and heel.
- The jungle model is ideal for long hikes. They are very popular in places with high humidity. They are not afraid of downpours, and thanks to the use of special valves, the boots can dry quickly when walking.
- “Desert” ankle boots are sewn specifically for areas with a hot climate. They are made in beige-sand color from suede, leather, and cotton fabrics. Some models have a membrane - a thin film with microscopic holes, thanks to which excess moisture is removed. These shoes can be worn in any hot weather.
Classic authorized combat boots of the Russian Armed Forces
The army of the Soviet Union switched to military boots only in 2007, having previously been content with ordinary boots. For some reasons, the actual transition to this type of ammunition is still dragging on, apparently for financial reasons. Plus, due to harsh and cold climate conditions, the use of these boots is not possible in some areas.
Materials used
The upper part of the boots is made of chrome genuine leather. Leather is tanned using chromium, which is why it is called that. Since the materials are environmentally friendly, they are harmless to use and to the skin of the feet. This material is also quite light and soft. It ensures proper heat exchange inside the boots, allowing the leather to “breathe.” In addition, ecological leather means that the boots will last a very long time. Different materials are used for different climatic conditions. Let's say that durable and moisture-resistant fabric is intended for high temperatures instead of leather. The insole is made only from genuine leather. For winter boots there is a fur insole made of natural sheepskin. For some models there are no insoles at all, so that they can dry faster. The sole is rubber. This is due to practicality and resistance to loads, temperature and moisture.Peculiarities
The main feature that distinguishes ankle boots from ordinary boots is that the ankle joint can move freely, but the ankle itself is securely fixed in the shoe. Thanks to this, the ankle boots protect the leg well from injuries and sprains. Convenient lacing improves the fit on the leg and prevents any foreign materials from getting into the leg. Also, when compared with ordinary boots, the ankle boots are lighter, although they are not a bit inferior in strength and resistance to impacts. Berts are very practical, easy to care for and easy to use, which is probably why they have won so many fans. They seem brutal in appearance, but that’s how they should be! After all, they were designed for soldiers.Types of ankle boots
It is logical that the most popular combat boots are military ones. But now additional varieties have appeared for extreme sports enthusiasts - mountain ones. They are made from thick, thickened calfskin. Due to their practicality, combat boots have become popular among the civilian population. Tourist boots, women's boots, and children's models appeared. Ankle boots are more suitable than ever for hunting, fishing, paintball, and other outdoor activities. The aesthetic features and appearance of ankle boots are actively exploited by informals and skinheads. In addition to the military, they are used by internal troops and special units.
Women's boots
Lightweight army boots
How to choose the right boots
When choosing shoes, you need to start from where and how they will be used. In cold conditions, ankle boots with warm insoles and high soles are better suited. For traveling or rock climbing, choose boots with iron spikes and a high tread. To avoid getting wet, before putting them on, you need to rub them with wax, shoe polish or shoe polish, this way you will improve their ability to repel water and maintain a neat appearance. Buying combat boots today is not difficult. You can order them in an online store, study them more closely at a military store or at a hunting and fishing store.Video review of Russian army combat boots:
How to make berets:
UK army boots:
Boots are high lace-up boots that provide good ankle support. Boots were invented for paratroopers during World War II, since the military boots common at that time could not provide reliable ankle support, which is why paratroopers were often injured during landings. After the end of World War II, the US Army completely switched to combat boots as a more progressive footwear.
The complete transition of the American army to combat boots took place during the Vietnam campaign. Over time, other countries followed the example of the US military. The Russian army completely switched to ankle boots, abandoning boots, only in the 2000s. However, even now, due to climatic conditions, boots are preferred in some regions of the Russian Federation (in areas with low temperatures).
Today, many armies of the world provide their personnel with specially designed combat boots. In addition, there are also civilian versions of this popular military shoe. Due to the high demand for high-top boots, especially among young people, many well-known shoe manufacturers have mastered the production of civilian boots of this type. There are also new companies making military boots.
Civilian ankle boots are produced in two directions: “ceremonial” shoes for representatives of various informal subcultures (metalheads, bikers, goths, and so on) and tourist ankle boots (the closest in their characteristics to military shoes).
Boots differ in the following parameters:
- the material from which the boot top and sole are made;
- purpose (combined arms, for wooded areas, desert options, for the cold season, etc.);
- manufacturer;
- boot height.
The upper part of the boot type is made, as a rule, from genuine leather, cordura or gore-tex. Occasionally thick cotton fabric is used. The sole is made of rubber, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer and other durable materials. Often, to give the sole of the boots additional wear resistance and strength, it is reinforced with screws, rivets, etc.
Leather boots are considered all-season. For summer, lightweight versions made of cordura or thick cotton fabric are used. Cordura provides good moisture resistance and low weight. This type of nylon is lightweight and durable. Gore-tex boots are also in high demand. Membrane fabric allows the feet to “breathe”, while at the same time maintaining an optimal temperature in the shoes.
As mentioned above, leather combat boots are considered to be all-season, but they are also general military. However, in southern latitudes such shoes are too warm, and in areas where there is frequent rain and the percentage of humidity is off the charts, it will also be difficult to dry leather boots. Therefore, shoes made of Gore-Tex or Cordura are recommended for such regions. For desert areas, so-called desert boots are used, adapted to operating conditions. Insulated boots are being developed for cold regions.
The division according to the “origin” of military boots forms subgroups of American combat boots, British military boots, German, Russian, and so on. Civilian companies (for example, Mil-Tek) produce boots of their own design and replicas of military models. For use by informals, ankle boots are produced with different shaft heights, with additional buckles and decorations made of chromed metal. Military boots are usually made with 8–10 eyelets (or hooks), rarely with 12–14. Civilian informal military-style shoes can have up to 20 or more rows of eyelets or hooks, with a corresponding shaft height. Naturally, such shoes are not intended for use in harsh hiking conditions.
If you decide to purchase ankle boots, then in order not to waste your money, you should pay attention to several points. First of all, decide in what area and what climatic conditions the shoes are supposed to be used. If you are going on a hike in the mountains, boots with a high tread, with steel spikes or other reinforcement are more suitable for you. For cold weather, it is better to purchase high-soled boots with thick sheepskin insoles, perhaps an insulated version. For hiking in hot areas, you need lightweight ankle boots, and for informal get-togethers, spectacular chrome ankle boots with a high top are suitable.
The more severe the operating conditions, the more seriously you approach the choice of manufacturer. Real military boots are designed to be worn “to kill”, so many people choose just such shoes.
Don’t forget to properly care for your boots and they will serve you for many years! Before the hike, the ankle boots are rubbed with wax or special shoe polish (this increases the water-repellent properties). When stopping, if possible, dry your boots, let them “breathe” and give your legs a rest. Like any other shoes, ankle boots need to be broken in. Do not buy boots one size smaller or one size larger, as “experienced” people sometimes advise. This is the wrong decision. The boots should fit well on the leg and not rub in narrow places or on the tops of the shins.
Learn how to lace your boots correctly. Today, the most popular methods of lacing military boots are “zigzag”, “traditional lacing”, “cross lacing”, “straight lacing”, etc. For hiking, choose simpler and more convenient lacing. Don't forget to take a couple of spare laces with you when hiking.
