I recently picked up a pair of the new Nike Special Forces Boot for wear during IBOLC. Based on the popular Nike “Free” sole, the Nike website describes the boot in glowing terms:
A 21st century boot for high-speed operators, the lightweight Nike SFB Men’s Boot was engineered to the specifications and needs of Special Forces including elite military, law enforcement and first responder professionals. As the lightest, fastest-drying, highest mobility performance boot we’ve ever made, the SFB offers superior comfort for extended wear, straight out of the box.
Unfortunately, my experience with the boot hasn’t been as positive as some of the other boots I wear, like the Rocky S2V and the Oakley Assault Boot. Though the SF Boot is far and away the lightest boot I have ever worn, and definitely the quickest drying, I refuse to ever take this boot off the hardball and into the woods ever again due to its lack of ankle support. Last night as I walked to our patrol base, humping a 50 lb rucksack and 20 other pounds of gear, I was constantly rolling my ankle as I stepped over logs and got tangled in the underbrush, and I was slowed by the fact that I had to focus on each step to prevent injury.
Another issue I have with the SF Boot is the fact that too much of the top of your foot is exposed by the wide lacing system, leaving little protection from anything heavy that might fall on the top of your foot, as things often do. I hope that Nike will correct this mistake in any succeeding generations of the boot.
Finally, my other problem with the Nike boot is the thin sole insert, which caused every rock stepped on to be felt personally by my feet. If you do go ahead and purchase a pair of these boots, I highly suggest getting a good pair of insoles.
Nike’s foray into the assault boot market is a welcome one, as competition from different corners of the market can only help to improve the selection available to our soldiers. After all, Nike is perhaps the premier shoe manufacturer in the world; unfortunately, that expertise failed to transfer over into their first attempt at a desert assault boot. A few of the other guys in my platoon love the SF Boot and wear it on patrol in the brush as well, but I personally think this boot is best suited for urban combat.
Maybe if you had Special Forces feet the boots might work for you.
Thanks Scott.
Interesting post on the new boots. If you look into the why? behind the Nike Free line of products it come from the idea that the vast majority of injuries come from weak ankles and feet that are a product of over designed shoes. Arch support, ankle support, over-pronator support, etc. all lead to weakening of the intrinsic greatness that is your own body. The sports medicine evidence strongly supports this concept. Who knows though? These same “experts” suggest running barefoot every day. Perhaps they are crazy. I would be interested to hear your experience after a month or so of wearing the boots.
Jason,
Thanks for the response. When the Nike Free first came out, I went ahead and purchased a pair for running but was still nervous about the lack of ankle support and the thin sole was downright uncomfortable. However, I appreciate the science behind the shoe. Perhaps it’s just that I’ve done enough damage to my ankles over the years through sports that I need the additional support.
I enjoy reading your analysis of your training . Sounds like you will be well-prepared for most any situation. We keep you in our prayers. Can you say ‘hugs and blessings’ to all of you willing to “put yourselves out there” for us?
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Gabe, thanks so much for the info.
this boot is great but not for dismounted patrols in afghanistan. this specific boot was intended for the fobbit. not for outside the wire, not for light infantry.
just ordered these and can’t wait to try them, i got the black pair. I work as an EMT and need something great on my feet….too many years of wearing matterhorns and hiTech.
Dave,
I think you’ll really enjoy them for your line of work! Congrats on a great purchase!