The following Footwear Archive article on YDS FALCON combat boots was published in the June 2013 issue of the now out-of-print COMBAT & SURVIVAL Magazine, writes Bob Morrison.
Archive: The latest [2012] contract to re-equip Britain’s armed forces with combat boots covers five different categories and two separate manufacturers using their own last designs will supply each category to ensure a higher percentage of troops are able to wear off-the-shelf footwear than if only one manufacturer’s products had been selected. In theory every soldier should be able to choose the one of two boot designs that better suits his or her feet (both male and female sizes cobbled on different lasts are also being catered for) thereby reducing the percentage of troops requiring specialist non-standard combat footwear and subsequently saving money.
Of course these were nothing like desert conditions, but as an operational change plus close family bereavement meant my planned recent trip to the Arab World had to be cancelled I have not yet been able to wear them in really hot weather. Still, initial impressions are very favourable and these boots are certainly well-made and comfortable.
The leather and mesh padded tongue extends well above the collar, which is scalloped low at the back for vehicle crew comfort, and the tongue gusset extends to 8″ above the base of the sole (UK Size 10) to keep out sand and debris.
A grippy dual density Polyurethane / Rubber sole design, exclusive to YDS, is utilised with the nitrile rubber outer being durable and the polyurethane mid-layer providing cushioning and shock absorption.
The 8-point lacing system consists of four pairs of eyelets, a pair of conventional pressed metal lace locks and three pairs of D-rings, plus there is a tongue loop to prevent slippage. My initial impressions on these boots are all very favourable; roll on summer.
{ images © Bob Morrison 2013 }
