Why should you choose Original SWAT Footwear?

In the spring of 1999, Original SWAT started out to build a "better boot”.  In order to be “better”, Original SWAT meant that the boot they set out to build had to be more comfortable than any other, tougher than any other and meet the highest expectations of those that use them.  Given the boots are designed for use by Law Enforcement professionals this meant that the standard was always going to be high.

They did their homework and made use of their lengthy experience.  Following rigorous testing and evaluation the results were in.  However this wasn’t good enough, only until tens of thousands of wearers reported back was the verdict in, and it was good!

Now, 10 years later, the boots just keep getting better and better.

An Original SWAT is simply a better boot!

Hundreds of Thousands of U.S wearers have voted and trust their feet to Original S.W.A.T everyday.  In 9 short years Original SWAT established themselves as the boot of choice for many Law Enforcement and Security personnel.

"A better boot will only be the best boot for a limited time, but it will always be a "better boot. To date we are still the best boot, and we are constantly working to retain that title and our wearer's loyalty"

Terry Mackness , the President & CEO of Original SWAT.

The Cornerstones of Comfort & Performance

Original SWAT were determined to improve the standard of the duty boot.  Comfort & Performance became the bedrock of the company.  This meant squeezing as much as possible out of both areas without compromising the initial design or the boot maker’s art.

"Achieving a balance of the key characteristics without compromise is what has to be done."

Kevin Cole, Vice President of Product Sourcing.

Key Elements of Comfort:

- The Last
- The Materials
- Shock Absorption Capacity
- Support
- Lightweight
- Outsole Design & Construction
- Closure Systems

The Last:

The Last is the factor that determines the shape and fit of the boot.  Every manufacturer has an individual Last.  When dealing with older companies you will find that the last is among the more traditional in style.  This comes from years of Military manufacture.  Original SWAT used C.A.D (Computer Aided Design) to develop a new kind of Last for their boots.  This new Last was based around a more athletic heritage.  A slight curve, familiar to runners, and a roomier toe box that allows some wiggle room for the toes and promotes greater air circulation.  The foot shape within the boot offers a higher degree of support and comfort and the hold of the boot on the ankle and lower calf offers increased support.

The Materials:

A high quality of materials used in construction constitutes a vital part of the process.  High performing linings are important to offer moisture wicking away from the foot, the use of 1000 Denier Nylon and breathable full grain leather add to this process.    Moisture wicking in Original SWAT boots removes around 1 pint every 3 hours.  The Heel Counter is an extremely important component.  The heat formed Heel Counter ensures the stability of the foot and prevents slippage either laterally or lengthwise.  A lack of stability within a shoe is one f the principal causes of foot fatigue and injury.  When it came to developing a Heel Counter, Original SWAT made sure that theirs was one of the best on the market, in any area of footwear.

Shock Absorption Capacity:

When standing, 50% of our body weight rests on the heel.  This can be increased by a factor of 3 or 4 when running.  Shock absorption is a vital part of any shoe.  The materials used in Original SWAT boots contribute to making sure that you have that shock absorption on a daily basis.  There are several types of materials that can be used to increase your comfort and safety.  Original SWAT use two of these, Compression Moulded EVA and Air.

Compression Moulded EVA is an inch of closed cell foam, injected under pressure.  This has proven to be the most durable and effective material for shock absorption.  The foam doesn’t hold any memory and offers total foot support.  Compression Moulded EVA is common in many boots as well as athletic shoes.

Support:

Support and strength comes from a riveted sandwich lasting board that contains either steel or composite material Shank.  This provides both torsional and arch support.  These are important as this is where the foot striking the ground can be uneven and extra weight can be being carried.  Having footwear that can cope with movement and stress is important, having footwear that can give you confidence to move is vital.  A removable contour moulded innersole completes the support process, ensuring the smaller muscles of the foot are not being loaded with excessive work during extreme performance conditions.

The Key Elements of Performance:

- Light weight
- Outsole Design & Construction
- Closure Systems
- Overall Strength

Light Weight: 

An obsession with lighter weight over everything else will generally result in a reduction in durability and performance.  The key is to balance the needs for lighter weight footwear and the conditions under which the footwear is going to be used.  Original SWAT built their range to hit that happy medium.  Lighter weight boots that give you the support you need and yet are much lighter than you would think.  Clearly there are some models within the range that are designed for specific needs and conditions.  The trick on these models, such as the SEK9000, is to find a balance between the search for low weight and the need for high performance.  The SEK9000 is probably the finest tactical boot on the market today as a result of this careful balance of material and performance.

"To improve performance in the athletic sphere, footwear needs to be as light as possible, without sacrificing its functional integrity."

Sebastian Coe, Olympic Gold Medallist

Outsole Design & Construction: 

Original SWAT have created two market leading sole patterns in recent years.  The traditional boot pattern as found on the 1152, 1150 and others and the more recent Metro Traction sole as found on the 1232 and 1234.  Both outsoles perform at the highest level.  They are designed to shed debris, stones and mud.  The 1152 sole features multi directional lugs to provide lateral and longitudinal grip.  The Metro Traction sole has been designed to offer high grip and performance on the urban terrain of the modern city.  Flatter and closer to a trainer, the Metro Traction sole is a modern and high performance sole.

Both outsoles are made with fairly similar rubber compounds that balance performance and durability.  Both offer higher degrees of protection from spilled petrol, oil and acidic compounds.  Recently Original SWAT used a Vibram sole on the SEK9000, this sole offers a simply enormous level of grip but a slightly lower durability.  The search for high performance in one field can impact on another.

Original SWAT use Laces, Metal Hardware and Zips to seal their boots.

Flat laces are not as convenient as the more traditional round ones, but they offer a higher level of performance and durability.  This is particularly true when it comes to lace slippage. 

“Speed Lace” metal hardware is useful in the top 4 or 5 eyelets, after the bottom eyelets have been cinched in place with a “locking” eyelet.

5mm (tooth size) YKK® zippers are used in all Original SWAT Side Zip boots.  These easily meet the burst strength requirement and offer great flexibility.  A 10mm tooth is less flexible and is prone to snap under pressure.

The Last Word:

”A boot is essentially the sum total of the quality of the components used, good quality components will produce a strong boot."

Richard Vandernoot, Component Supplier.

Terry Mackness, the CEO and owner of the Original SWAT Footwear Company was previously in charge of development and USA sales for Magnum.  Over 10 years of experience gained before setting up Original SWAT allowed the company to hit the ground running.  It is fair to say there is not much about tactical, combat and duty footwear that this man doesn’t know.

To visit our shop here on Ebay UK just click HERE and to visit the size listings of any of the Original SWAT Range simply click on one of the Banners below to be shown the Boots and accessories that fall within that heading.