Bates Footwear, a division of Wolverine Worldwide launched the Recondo jungle boot, a low-absorption, quick drying, durable solution designed to provide secure footing in multi-terrain jungle regions. Named for the Reconnaissance and Commando Training Course developed in the 1950s at Fort Campbell, the Recondo meets the need for a Berry Compliant jungle/tropical combat boot for today's warfighters and peacekeepers.
To meet the demands of today's evolving asymmetrical threats, Bates partnered with the United States Army Special Forces Command (USASFC) to develop the Recondo. Bates received valuable performance feedback after the 75th Army Ranger Regiment tested the Recondo in Central America during the winter of 2014. As a result, the Recondo boot delivers a light weight, quick drying durable leather and textile upper and has been designed to provide the best breathability possible for the spectrum of jungle combat situations.
The Recondo boot is made with Wolverine Warrior Leather which is lightweight, durable, breathable, and is water, stain, and oil resistant. The MultiCam ripstop nylon fabric enhances performance as it is lightweight, abrasion resistant, and durable. The blended upper material is light, strong, comfortable and has near infrared properties (NIR) making the boot less visible in low light environments.
The Recondo utilizes a unique lacing system developed based on feedback from operators and incorporates Bates' many years of experience with lace-to-toe styles. This assures that all users can easily utilize the speed lace system and achieve proper fit and closure.
The design of the solid rubber outsole is the Vibram Mutant, which has a deeper, more aggressive lug depth for off road traction, a multi-directional leading edge that enhances it's slip-resistant properties, and a rounded heel. This sole design has also incorporated a customized rubber compound that is durable enough to withstand Special Operations Forces use in hot weather, temperate weather, and mountainous operational environments.
The Recondo boot is being officially launched at the ADS Warrior Expo East in Virginia Beach, VA, on July 10th and 11th. The Recondo will be available for purchase beginning Fall 2014. Visit warrior-expo.com for more information on the event.
