Bates Footwear has been a major player in the military boot world for years, but until now, it skipped something: It never incorporated its innovative Individual Comfort System in a desert boot suitable for a war zone.
That ends now. The Bates Delta-9 Desert Tan boot hasn't hit the market yet, but it's coming in the second half of 2011. It will allow users to adjust a jelly-like cushion in the heel to one of four settings: firm zone, cushion zone, outward zone and inward zone. The first setting improves energy return to your stepping, the second increases cushion and the outward zones are designed to alleviate tilting while stepping. The system has been incorporated into Bates tactical boots popular with police for several years.
The boot comes with a 9-inch cut, and includes a leather/nylon upper made by Bates' sister company, Wolverine. Its MSRP price is $144.95.
