Materials


     Original S.W.A.T. boots are designed and built using high quality materials so that the sum of the parts adds up to one great, comfortable, high-performance boot brand. Learn more about the quality of the materials we use, including Vibram®, 3M® Thinsulate™, and YKK®.


Vibram® Outsoles

        Our SEK 9000 boots feature Vibram outsoles. This particular outsole is the perfect match for this elite tactical boot. It has been designed to have excellent traction on a variety of terrains, and superior support, flexibility and durabiity. Vibram is the world leader in high performance rubber outsoles. Vibram soles are always produced to guarantee the best performance, the maximum level of comfort and quality over time. Boot styles that have this feature: SEK 9000 (pictured)

YKK® Zippers

     We use 100% YKK® Zippers in all of our side zip boot models and also in our lace-in zipper accessories. This ensures reliability and quality throughout the life of the boot. To further ensure reliability, see the section on Zipper Care on our BOOT CARE page. Some manufacturers will use parts of YKK zippers with cheaper zipper components, creating a zipper that does not measure up to our quality standards. With Original SWAT, you can be confident that our zippers are 100% YKK.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1152, 1152TAN, 1152F, 1012, 1060, 1232, 1261, 1260, 1160, 1234



3M Thinsulate® Insulation

     Our Air 9" Leather Waterproof boots (1234) are insulated with 200 gram Thinsulate insulation. The microfibers used in Thinsulate insulation work by trapping air molecules between the boot lining and the outside of the boot. The more air a material traps in a given space‚ the better it insulates from the cold outside air. Thinsulate insulation is made from finer fibers than most other synthetic or natural insulation so they trap more air in less space. That's what makes Thinsulate insulation a superior insulator.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1234 (pictured)

        




Aegis® anti-microbial liners and footbeds

     "Originally developed in the 1970's, the AEGIS Microbe Shield technology is the world's first antimicrobial for the treatment of goods which is odorless, colorless, non-leaching, long-lasting and effective against fungi, bacteria and algae. Because it does not dissipate, it retains its full antimicrobial strength for the life of the surface to which it is applied. It is durable for the products that protect you and less stress on the environment. Discover the difference!" - from the Aegis website, www.microbeshield.com.


     Original SWAT's Classic boot collections feature Aegis antimicrobial linings and footbeds. The Aegis material provides protection against odor, staining, & deterioration caused by bacteria, fungus, & other microorganisms. Is is also a permanently bonded antimicrobial barrier, which means it won't wear off.
Boot styles that have this feature: All 1150's, All 1152's, men’s & women’s


3M Scotchguard® Stain, Soil, & Water Repellent

     Original SWAT applies 3M Scotchgard™ Protector to all suede boot styles. Scotchgard™ Protector for leather helps keep leather looking good longer by making oil and water-based spills bead up. It resists water spots and simplifies cleaning without changing the suppleness and breathability of the leather. We recommend re-applying Scotchgard Protector to clean, dry boots after extended periods of wear. For more info, visit our BOOT CARE page.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1150 Tan, Coyote, and Sage, 1152 Tan, 1260

         



OrthoLite® Insoles

Original S.W.A.T. Uses OrthoLite insoles in our Milspec Boot #1850.


Why OrthoLite?

Breathable for a cooler foot: OrthoLite insoles are made with open-cell foam, allowing air to circulate around the foot, keeping your foot cooler inside the shoe.
Moisture management: The unique open cell structure of OrthoLite also creates a moisture management system inside the shoe by moving moisture away from the foot leaving foot drier. When the foot is removed from the shoe any remaining moisture dries very quickly due to the airflow allowed by the open cell network in the foam.
Long term cushioning: Orhtolite’s unique spring-back technology means your insole will retain over 95% of its thickness over time and won’t flatten out.
Anti-microbial agents: OrthoLite contains a patented anti-microbial formulation to fight fungus, bacteria, and odor in the shoe. The EPA/FDA approved anti-microbial is added during formulation so that it is linked to the foam and will not wear off over time.
Lightweight: OrthoLite is extremely lightweight providing optimum performance without adding weight to the shoe.
Recycled rubber content: OrthoLite foam contains recycled rubber powder which allows everyone to do their share in helping our environment.
Washable: Just throw your dirty insoles in your washing machine and they come out like new.







         








Texon® Lasting Boards

     Texon boards increase the stability of our footwear. In most of our boots, we use 2 Texon boards with a steel shank sandwiched in between. The shank is then riveted to the Texon boards to prevent future slippage. We are proud to use Texon products because they are known for their quality and durability, and also because Texon is an environmentally responsible company, using recycled materials in their lasting boards and following clean manufacturing processes.
Boot styles that have this feature: ALL


Athletic Shoe Lasts

     A shoe last is the "former' around which a boot is constructed during the manufacturing process. There are different kinds of lasts for different kinds of footwear, ie running shoe lasts, dress shoe lasts, western boot lasts, etc. Early on, Original SWAT recognized the need for public safety footwear that was not only comfortable, but also would perform under diverse conditions. An athletic shoe last seemed like the ultimate soultion and we've been using them since Day 1. As a result, our boots have the fitand feel of an athletic shoe. The athletic last also helps make our boots perform better. You can run, climb walls, or walk for miles in comfort.
Boot styles that have this feature: ALL


      




Blood borne Pathogen Resistance

     Original SWAT's proprietary waterproof breathable liners meet the ASTM F 1671-07 standards for Blood borne pathogen resistance. The liners are made with a compact, non-porous membrane, which prevents them from being blocked by dirt, residual washing agents, or salt crystals, yet is resistant to dangerous blood borne pathogens and other liquids.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1234, 1020, 1270

               



Full Grain Leathers

     Original SWAT boots need to meet your department's uniform code requirements, which often means they have to hold a shine. Almost all of our boots feature full-grain leather toes so that they are polishable and better yet, they provide durability in an often vulnerable part of footwear.
Boot styles that have this feature: ALL except 1052


Composite Shanks

     When you buy a pair of our boots with a composite boot shank, you are assured that you will have the lateral stability you need, plus a boot that is airport and metal-detector friendly.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1060, 1231, 1230,1232, 1260, 1261, 1270, 1234


Steel Shanks

     Boots have shanks in them to ensure lateral stability and torsional strength. Original SWAT's steel shanks are riveted to the internal Texon board to guarantee against shank slippage that often happens with glued shanks.
Boot styles that have this feature: SEK9000, 1150, 1152, 1151, 1010,1012, 1020, 1160


Tactical Shoe Laces

     Our SEK 9000 Tactical boots come with a feature that, at first glance, isn't very noticeable. But if you take a closer look, you will see that the boot laces have a unique "scalloped" construction. This simple design feature prevents the boot laces from untying. Want a simple upgrade for your current footwear? Our tactical laces are available for sale in 55" or 68" lengths.
Boot styles that have this feature: SEK9000
               



Waterproof Breathable Liners

     Original SWAT's proprietary waterproof breathable liners are made from the same material and technology used in some of the World's foremost golf shoe brands. They are made with a compact, non-porous membrane, which prevents them from being blocked by dirt, residual washing agents, or salt crystals.The material also has superior stretch. These factors make our waterproof breathable liners more suitable and functional for footwear than the leading branded waterproof breathable membrane supplier
Boot styles that have this feature: 1020,1270, 1234

                   


Composite Safety Toes

     Our composite safety toes are made to withstand the 200 Joules Impact Test Standards and are ASTM F 2413-05 rated. They are very lightweight compared to traditional steel toes and are anti-magnetic and non-sparking, making them airport and metal-detector friendly.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1260, 1261, 1060
            


Metallic Safety Toes

     Original SWAT's metal safety toe is made from Titanium/Aluminum to retain its strength, and also to minimize weight. The boots with this type of safety toe are anti-magnetic and non-sparking, making them airport and metal-detector friendly.
Boot styles that have this feature: 1160
            


1000 Denier Nylon

     1000 denier nylon is built to be tough and durable, yet lightweight and breathable, to help keep you comfortable all day long.
Boot styles that have this feature: All styles except SEK9000, 1234, and 1052