The Vocabulary of Tactical Boots

What is a midsole? Better yet, what is an outrigger lugged outsole? If you’ve been in the market for the best tactical boots and have been left wondering what it all means, this guide is for you. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top terms on footwear anatomy we get asked the most about here at Blauer. 

A boot opening strategically placed or designed for flexibility and comfort around the Achilles tendon area, reducing irritation and chance of injury in high motion performance.

Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, develops and publishes the technical and safety standards for products and services of nearly all large industries across the U.S. Learn more about the ASTM organization here. 

Founded in 2001 by Gary Hammerslag, the BOA® company specializes in developing innovative closure systems for footwear. They are known for their proprietary closure system, the BOA® Fit System, which replaces traditional shoelaces with a seamless integration of micro adjustable dial, laces and guides. Blauer utilizes the BOA® Fit System in various tactical boots geared for first responders such as the Beat Boot, Breach V2 Composite Toe Boot, Clash V2 and Assail Boot. Learn more about Blauer BOA® Tactical Boots here or visit the BOA® website. 

Footwear equipped with protective toe caps made from non-metal materials which insulate against heat and electricity. They are more lightweight than steel toe boots and do not set off metal detectors. The newest Breach V2 by Blauer features a low-profile composite toe for subtly visible protection, ideal for security or other first responders looking to avoid daily metal detection alerts. 

The shoe or heel counter is located at the back of the shoe, surrounding the heel. It serves as a structural element to provide stability and support to the heel and foot alignment within the boot.  It can also serve as protection against abrasion and delamination of the outsole at the heel.

The shank is the supportive structure located within the outsole for additional arch support and structural support when the boot touches the ground. An ESS shank is lightweight and durable, and disperses ground impact forces across the shoe making it ideal for all-terrain and tactical applications. 

A heel featuring a naturally curved edge. Common in driving shoes, a radius heel is rounded in two directions making acceleration and braking smoother and easier.  The rounded shape also allows for a smoother, more comfortable transition from heel to toe during running or walking movement.

Traction is the pattern and arrangement of lugs, grooves and channels on the outsole which provides grip on walking surfaces. Hybrid traction features multiple traction patterns across the shoe tailored to handle a variety of all-terrain activities on multiple uneven surfaces. Mud and debris are released more easily with hybrid traction boots and the thicker wear points on the high wear areas provide longer outsole life. 

The last of a shoe is the mold or form around which the shape of a boot is constructed. The Blauer last is based on a combination of the most popular hiking brand and a well respected tennis shoe brand as the movements in foot patrol and chase are most similar to that of a tennis player, and the supportive and protective nature of hiking boots are well known. 

A type of closure system in shoes and boots utilizing a mechanism that allows wearers to quickly adjust lace tension with a simple pull or release. Blauer uses this lacing system in the Crush Shoe and Crush Boot models.

The type of BOA® Dial featured in Blauer BOA® Boots. The M4 dial is pushed in to engage the specialized textile laces, turned to create a micro adjustable fit, and then pulled up for a fast lace release. 

The midsole is a layer of EVA foam between the outsole and the upper. It provides the cushioning that absorbs shock and reduces fatigue and stress when standing, walking or running. 

Protective materials on the lower portion of the boot just above the outsole and midsole which assists in keeping the boot dry, clean and comfortable in wet or muddy conditions. Having mudguards on your tactical boots increases resistance to wear and tear from exposure to harsh elements and protects leather components from contamination.

The bottom layer of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the ground. It is composed of a proprietary blend of carbon and rubber and provides traction, slip resistance, durability, and protection to the foot from ground impact. 

A style of outsole whose base laterally extends wider than the base of the shoe. Its wider design can be commonly found on basketball shoes, as it helps prevent ankle turns and improves stability and balance on uneven surfaces. 

A type of insole made from cold poured polyurethane foam. PU foam insoles are less prone to compression and deformation over long uses of wear, help distribute weight more evenly across the insole, and ventilate sweat buildup. 

The boot shaft refers to the upright portion of the boot from the heel up.  It is the portion of the boot which supports the ankle and protects the achilles.  It is important to shape the shaft proportional to the ankle for proper fit and to prevent heel lift and blister formation.  Blauer offers varied boot heights from 4” to 8”.

The upper of the boot refers to the materials that enclose the foot and extends upward to encase the ankle and lower leg. Cushioned uppers and tongue provide protection from injury and prevent irritation of the foot and ankle during high performance movement.

A brand of zipper renowned worldwide for its exceptional durability and quality, YKK coil zippers provide a smooth and strong closure, and are used in a number of Blauer uniforms and gear including the double zippered Rift 6" Boot and the Rift 8" Waterproof Boot. At Blauer, we’ve added a second zipper on the opposite side of the Rift which allows for a much closer fit and reduces the stress on both zippers versus a single zipper.

How Do You Waterproof Tactical Boots?
Some boots are made with membranes designed to be waterproof. Others are water resistant using leather treated to be waterproof. Treated leather can be damaged by oil, dirt, salt, and repeated water exposure, so it might be a good idea to take additional action to protect your duty boots. Use a silicone spray for new boots, or apply a leather wax sealant for boots that you've had with you on the job for a while.

Can I put my tactical boots in the washer?
You should never put your duty boots in the washing machine, especially with suede leather. This can permanently damage the boots.

How do you get the smell out of combat boots?
There are several DIY and commercial options for deodorizing tactical boots, but a common thread is removing and cleaning the insoles with hot soapy water, as they can be a perfect medium for bacterial growth. Be sure to let the insoles dry completely before replacing them. You may have heard that putting your boots in the freezer will do the trick, but not that that will prevent bacteria from growing, but bacteria will likely survive and odors could return once you’ve thawed your boots. There are also ‘odor eater’ powders and sprays that can help reduce odor in boots. Wearing Blauer socks can also help as they are treated for resistance to odor causing bacteria.