Posted April 25, 2011
Every time I get near a PX or clothing sales, I stop in and check out the latest in combat boots. I’ve done it for years, but since changing to the ACUs, I’ve only made one purchase and that was to replace my old standbys – my Jungle boots. I like the new boots I bought, but the soles are too tall and subject my ankles to roll-over. So, like the boot tease that I am, I keep looking.
Recently, I stumbled on the new Bates Delta boots, specifically the Delta-9 Desert Tan Boot. They caught my eye because of the way they look (very cool), and because they had this blue doohickey lying on the table beside them. I asked the Bates rep about the boot and he introduced me to the “Individual Comfort System”, or iCS, which is described as the latest in midsole comfort technology.
Here’s the concept: Bates has created a removable silicon disk that can be rotated among four zones to control firmness, cushion, and both inward and outward stability – definitely a novel approach to boot making. The rep pointed out that whether you walk on the outside of your foot or inside, you can rotate the disk to compensate and provide for better posture. You can also select a softer feel when walking on hard surfaces or a firmer feel when walking on sand or soft surfaces, which is great when going from garrison to the field. It all sounded good, and the boots looked really cool (we said that already, right?), so we had the folks at Bates send us a pair to try out.
I tried on the boots as soon as they arrived and I found them very comfortable right out of the box, always a good sign. Anyone who’s bought a boot that fit poorly in the store, I would bet, has probably come to regret it. I know I have.
The boot has a Vibram sole, padded ankle and upper (I’ll let you visit the Bates website for a list of specs). It also has a narrower toe box, which I really like. Some boots look like clown shoes with a big toe box, if you know what I mean? Many boots nowadays have too many “features” to make them look more space-age or something. To me they look silly. As for the iCS silicon insert, I’m not sure how long it’ll hold up, but there doesn’t appear to be any reason to suspect it would break down anytime soon. It lies below the comfort insert and seats snugly in a specially designed cradle. Only time will tell, I guess.
For the money, which is lot ($144), the Bates Delta-9 looks to be a winner. It passes the test for styling, ruggedness, and comfort. You’ll find the iCS system in 10 different boots, from low cut to high cut, men’s and women’s, black and tan leather. Check them out at http://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en-US/Home.mvc.aspx
More from Protection Insider: http://www.protectioninsider.com/?p=1102
New for 2011, the Delta-9 GORE-TEX® Side Zip features the iCS customized comfort system. Simply rotate a disk among four settings to increase cushion, firmness, or inward and outward stability. The Delta-9 also features a GORE-TEX® Waterproof lining to keep feet dry and Vibram® Mutant rubber outsole for superior traction.
For More Boot Videos Visit: iCS Delta Sport and Trainer E03204/E03206 8” Tactical Sport Side Zip E02261
New for 2011, the Delta Sport and Delta Trainer feature the iCS customized comfort system. Simply rotate a disk among four settings to increase cushion, firmness, or inward and outward stability.
For More Boot Videos Visit: 8” Tactical Sport Side Zip E02261
The Delta-8 Side Zip features the iCS customized comfort system. Simply rotate a disk among four settings to increase cushion, firmness, or inward and outward stability.
For More Boot Videos Visit:
iCS Delta Sport and Trainer E03204/E03206
8” Tactical Sport Side Zip E02261
New for 2011, the Delta-9 Desert Tan boot features the iCS customized comfort system. Simply rotate a disk among four settings to increase cushion, firmness, or inward and outward stability. The Delta-9 also features a dirt and oil resistant Wolverine Warrior® Leather upper and Vibram® Mutant rubber outsole for superior traction.
For More Boot Videos Visit: iCS Delta Sport and Trainer E03204/E03206 8” Tactical Sport Side Zip E02261
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Julie McCauley
Ph: 616.863.3998
Email: julie.mccauley@wwwinc.com
BATES® FOOTWEAR EXPANDS INDIVIDUAL COMFORT SYSTEM WITH ADVANCED STYLING AND TECHNOLOGY
ROCKFORD, Michigan (January 2011). A genuine breakthrough in advanced comfort technology, the Bates Individual Comfort System (iCS) gives the wearer the freedom to customize the comfort of their footwear. By using the “dial” technology, the wearer is able to select the comfort zone that’s right for them.
Increasing ease and application when selecting the level of cushion or support the wearer requires, the new top-loaded iCS disk is integrated directly into the shoe’s midsole. Available March 2011, Bates will introduce five new styles to the iCS collection. The five new styles include a low sport shoe, athletic trainer, both 6” and 9” GORE-TEX® versions and a desert tan boot.
With street styling and versatile design, the Delta Sport and Delta Trainer are built for comfort and stand ready for action. Featuring a user-friendly top loaded disk, switching between comfort zones is simple and quick. Stay grounded with the slip resistant rubber outsole in these two Delta styles. The removable full-cushion EVA footbed and gel forepart pad provides additional cushion and comfort for extended wear.
DELTA SPORT
STYLE E03204
DELTA TRAINER
STYLE E03206
The enhanced GORE-TEX® styles, Delta-6 GORE-TEX® Side Zip and Delta-9 GORE-TEX® Side Zip come fully equipped with technology features. A GORE-TEX® waterproof lining that keeps feet dry and comfortable is coupled with a slip resistant Vibram® Mutant rubber outsole for superior traction and comfort. Featuring a user-friendly top loaded disk, switching between comfort zones is simple and quick. The removable full-cushion EVA footbed and gel forepart pad provides additional cushion and comfort for extended wear.
DELTA-6 GORE-TEX® SIDE ZIP
STYLE E02905
DELTA-9 GORE-TEX® SIDE ZIP
STYLE E02900
The fifth style to join the Bates iCS collection will be the Delta-9 Desert Tan boot. Utilizing a durable upper made with Wolverine Warrior Leather™ and Nylon, this boot is fully functional for multi-terrain environments.Featuring a user-friendly top loaded disk, switching between comfort zones is simple and quick. The slip resistant Vibram® Mutant rubber outsole provides increased traction while the full-cushion EVA footbed and gel forepart pad provides additional cushion for extended wear.
DELTA-9 DESERT TAN
STYLE E02950
Developed by the Bates Product Design Team and wear-tested by actual customers, the iCS technology offers a flexible and effective way for consumers to define all-day comfort on their own terms. The iCS disk is integrated directly into the shoe’s midsole and can be placed to rest at one of the four zones. Each zone satisfies different comfort needs, allowing the user to place comfort where they want it.
Here is how the iCS Technology works:
Firm Zone: Increases energy return and maximizes all-day support
Outward Zone: Reduces outward tilt and encourages natural walking motion and stability
Cushion Zone: Increases heel cushioning and maximizes shock absorption
Inward Zone: Reduces inward tilt and encourages natural walking motion and stability
The new Bates Individual Comfort System products will be available March 2011 at your local Bates footwear dealer and online at www.batesfootwear.com. For up to date information, join the conversation online and on Facebook and Twitter.
About Bates Footwear
Founded in 1885 as a dress shoe manufacturer, today Bates® Footwear has become one of the most popular and preferred footwear brands in the US military and civilian uniformed law enforcement communities. The Bates brand is represented at each of highly respected military academies and in some of most selective and prestigious uniformed communities within the US: Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National cemetery; Old Guard in Washington DC; in addition to many special forces communities. The brand has emerged as the market leader with its singular focus on providing innovative and athletic footwear of the highest quality available. In 1969 Bates joined Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and is now headquartered in Rockford,Michigan. In addition to the US market leading position, the Bates brand is sold in more than 60 countries on six continents. For more information, visit www.batesfootwear.com.
About Wolverine World Wide
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco®, Cushe™ Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago®, Soft Style® and Wolverine®. The Company also is the exclusive footwear licensee of the well-known brands CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in 180 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/.
GORE-TEX® is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.
Vibram® is a registered trademark of S.P.A. Italy
