It's Not Just Another Black Boot . . .
Back in 1999, we started out to build a "better boot." Better meant more comfortable than any other; but it also meant meeting the highest level of performance under tactical and combat conditions. We did our homework. We used our lengthy experience; we tested and perfected; we did everything we knew to build a better boot. But until we had tens of thousands of satisfied wearers, the jury was out.

Now, years later, the verdict is in.

Original SWAT® is a BETTER BOOT!!!
Thousands have voted with their feet and trust Original S.W.A.T.®. But don't take our word for it. Read what our satisfied customers have to say about Original S.W.A.T. boots. All our testimonials are unsolicited and are completely genuine.


I recently received your 9" classic boots and I am really impressed. The fit is perfect and they are the most comfortable pair of boots I have ever had. The construction is first-rate, and the outsoles are tremendous. These boots feel like a 9" pair of bedroom slippers, even though they are tough as nails. Keep up the good work, and I will continue to purchase Original SWATs. They are worth two or three times as much as I paid for them. Vince Noone

As the Commander of the police academy and SWAT team, it is imperative that I be able to respond to all incidents in a professional and competent manner. The Original SWAT dress oxfords give the appearance of a duty dress shoe but have the flexibility to respond to any type of in-progress or immediate law enforcement incident without major disruptions to quality of service. I have recommended these shoes to all of my SWAT operators and academy instructors while they are wearing the patrol duty uniform. I will always buy these shoes, after wearing this style of shoe for over twenty years the Original SWAT shoe is a blessing in disguise. Thanks for the innovative approach.  Captain Erick C. Stone, U.S. Department of Defense Police Academy

Dust storms, 117 degree days, unforgiving concrete, potholes and bomb-torn pavement�.Welcome to Baghdad�.Feet hot and sore�.Thank you, for making a cool, cushion-soled tactical boot that supports yet is comfortable, after hours on my feet. I have issue boots, but I wear my Original Swat Boots in Country. Dennis P. LeVine, SIGIR Senior Criminal Investigator, Bagdad, Iraq

I'm a police officer at UCLA. I spend a huge amount of time walking. I put on several miles a day and spend a lot of time on stairs. Two years ago, I had to have surgery to both of my feet. I now have pins in both feet and finding comfortable boots has been next to impossible. The only things I have been able to wear comfortably are soft walking shoes. After going through numerous pairs of boots, I decided to give a pair of your 9" Classics a try. All I can say is WOW! Finally a pair of boots that fit! They feel every bit as comfortable as my walking shoes but I don't have to worry about them being kicked off in a fight. They have plenty of cushioning too! NICE! Thanks a million, Brian Washburn, UCLA Police Department

"A better boot will only be the best boot for a limited time, but it will always be a "better boot. We are still the best boot, and we are constantly working to retain that title and our wearers loyalty" Terry Mackness, President/CEO

The Cornerstones of Comfort & Performance
In creating the Original SWAT brand, comfort and performance were the objectives. To squeeze as much out of each area without compromise is 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
All Original S.W.A.T. footwear has one common root; they are all made on the same boot last. Regardless of the outsole design or the upper pattern, all Original S.W.A.T. boots are made on the same last. The last is the �form� around which the boot is constructed. It gives shape and structure and contributes significantly to the fit and comfort of the boot.
Each company uses its own last and therefore, all boots fit differently. Our last was developed using the most modern computer-aided-design technology. This modern approach has enabled us to most accurately reflect the needs of today�s end user. Some products that are offered by older traditional manufacturers are using lasts that have not changed since the 1940�s. Since that time, the weight and foot shape of the average person have changed significantly. To provide the correct level of comfort and support, the last needs to be of a modern shape and design.

The Materials
The quality of materials and components makes a difference in performance & durability. High performance linings are important as they have to wick significant amounts of moisture away from the feet, approximately 1 pint every 3 hours. The appropriate use of 1000 nylon and breathable full grain leather facilitate this process. The heat formed heel counter is the most important component, ensuring the stability of the foot, and preventing slippage laterally and lengthwise. Lack of stability is the major cause of fatigue and injury.

Shock Absorption Capacity
In a standing position, 50% of our weight is on the heel; this is increased by a factor of 3 or 4 when walking or running is undertaken. Shock absorbing materials can therefore play a big part in preventing fatigue and injury. There are several types of materials that can be used for shock absorption. We currently use two types, compression molded EVA and air. Compression Molded EVA is an inch of closed cell foam-injected under pressure. This by far is the most durable and effective material that we use for shock absorption. It does not hold memory and gives the wearer total foot support. This cushioning system is used in many different black boots as well as athletic shoes.

The ideal use of "Air" is for indoor activities. This eliminates the environmental hazards met daily by a patrol officer. These hazards may cause a puncture or leakage in the "Air" cushion unit. This may eliminate the cushioning in this boot. However, "Air" does provide the wearer with excellent shock absorption and cushioning while standing for long periods of time.
 

Support
Support comes from a riveted sandwich lasting board that contains a steel or synthetic shank, providing both torsional and arch support, which are important where foot strike angles are uneven and extra weight is being carried. A removable contour molded innersole complete the support process, ensuring that the smaller muscles of the foot do no have to work excessively under extreme performance conditions.

The Key Elements of Performance
Lightweight
Outsole Design & Construction
Closure Systems
Overall Strength


Lightweight
Being obsessive about weight will generally lead to a reduction in durability. The art is to maximize strength to a point that it adds no extra weight. Simultaneously to create a balance between all components that will enable them to wear at approximately the same rate as excessive durability will cause an increase in weight.
"To improve performance in the athletic sphere, footwear needs to be as light as possible, without sacrificing its functional integrity." Sebatian Coe, Olympic Gold Medallist

Closure Systems
Laces, metal hardware and zippers Functionally, the lacing system provides the last step in ensuring the foot is correctly seated and stable. Flat laces are not quite as convenient as round, but are far superior in regard to performance - particularly slippage. "Speed lace" metal hardware is most useful in the top 4 or 5 eyelets, after the bottom eyelets have been cinched in place using a "locking" eyelet. 5mm (tooth size) zippers from YKK® more than meet the burst strength requirement, and have good flexibility. The 10mm tooth is less flexible and prone to snapping under pressure.