Desertica DS and Flyrock T from Italian footwear company AKU are hiking boots and approach shoes produced in Coyote Tan, writes Bob Morrison.
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The AKU Desertica DS is a low cut seven-eyelet lightweight tactical boot specifically aimed at personnel operating in hot and arid environments. The Flyrock T ‘approach’ shoe, on the other hand, is a civilian trekking shoe design which is also available in a tan colourway with tactical users specifically in mind. Being available for private purchase, both models have found some success with SOF personnel able to choose their own footwear, though from my observations they do not yet appear to be as popular as some other lightweight footwear brands which have found favour with this type of user over the last couple of decades.
According to AKU, the Desertica DS is: “designed for lightweight mobility and long-lasting comfort, it delivers excellent breathability, underfoot support, and rugged performance across desert, urban, or rocky terrain. The upper combines suede leather with high-strength abrasion-resistant fabric, offering protection without compromising flexibility. With a focus on ventilation, the Desertica DS features a membrane-free lining, ensuring maximum airflow and faster moisture evaporation during prolonged use in dry climates.”
A desert-specific Vibram Curcuma outsole is used for the Desertica, to give multi-surface grip, in combination with a cushioned dual-density EVA midsole, to absorb impact efficiently and enhance agility during extended patrols. The uppers are constructed from suede and high-durability fabric and an anatomical footbed with moisture-wicking properties is supplied.
Turning now to the Flyrock T (for Tactical) version aimed at the military sector, this is a trainer-like low cut model described as being a “fast hiking shoe for dynamic activities, suitable for off-road adventures where traction, protection and high cushioning are required.”
Produced for AKU in Vietnam, the Flyrock T uses a flat (i.e. no arch separation between ball of foot and heel) Vibram Traction Lugs outsole and a cushioning wedge-like EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) mid-sole to give high rebound. The uppers are primarily constructed from synthetic fabric, shaped and strengthened around the heel and under the ankle by skeletal EVA. As is common with training shoes, toe lift is pronounced.
Although I have been aware of both AKU models for some time, because they were new designs being displayed at specialist defence exhibitions by national distributors rather than by the brand itself I was unable to get permission to photograph them until a more recent event where company executives were in attendance. Most defence sector expo organisers, and especially those targeting the Special Operations Forces sub-sector, insist before issuing media accreditation that attendees only photograph exhibits with the permission of the exhibitor and the JOINT-FORCES Team are content to comply with this stipulation.
¤ At time of writing I have not yet been able to try out either of these Coyote Tan tactical footwear models.
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