Yesterday we spotted the latest French combat boots, manufactured and displayed by HAIX and MEINDL, at SOFINS 2023 in Camp de Souge, writes Bob Morrison.
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These new boots, if I have got it right, are designated Chaussure de Combat Zone Tempérée and Chaussure de Combat Zone Chaud; meaning footwear for temperate and warm zones respectively. The only basic difference between them is that the temperate boot has a breathable waterproof membrane and the other does not. Two manufacturers (HAIX with 60% and MEINDL with 40%) were selected to ensure continuity in the supply chain in case of a surge in requirements. A coyote tan shade has now been selected instead of brown to both better match forthcoming uniform camouflage changes and cater for deployments or exercises in different theatres. Although HAIX had samples of both boots on their stand, the French MEINDL distributor only had a sample of the Warm Zone boot on their stand; both companies allowed us to take these outside to photograph under natural light. It is my intention to pen more on this topic once we receive specification sheets.
Updated Wednesday: WL Gore have a sample of the Meindl Chaussure de Combat Zone Tempérée on their SOFINS stand and kindly allowed us to photograph it outside too. Thanks.
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