Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/861022
The history of San Diego based LALO Tactical was no different. It was established by former SOF and NSW guys. In that case, apart from splendor, the military past of the founders has of fundamental meaning for design of their products It becomes even more important due to the fact that the basis of the offer, in that case, is constituted by (mainly tactical) footwear, as well as training shoes. As you all know, footwear is one of the key elements of personal equipment – although they will not be decisive when it comes to the outcome of the whole war, improperly selected boots can be disastrous for a particular operation... LALO Tactical has become an expert in footwear intended for SOF, with a particular focus put on waterborne missions. Sometimes, the soldier (especially an operator) must operate in water and I do not mean drizzle or deeper puddles, but wading in water up to one's knees (and the water pours into the boots from above) or even OTB operations, during which the soldier is theoretically wet from top to bottom. In such a situation, we should not even consider waterproof boots, especially those that have been also designed for other purposes. In such a situation, we must assume that the water will get inside the boots, that is inevitable. Our goal is to make the water flow out, without excessive squelching. The boots must dry (also inside), do not fall apart, and be comfortable. That is a hell of a task – more than decade ago it could not be even possible, but today, with modern technologies... why not? The boys at LALO sit down with SEALs, listened to their needs, and came up with a plan. Together, they designed LALO Tactical Shadow Amphibian 5 and 8 (the digits stand for the height of the upper in inches). They took into consideration their own experience, requirements of active duty guy and their remarks – consultations took place almost on an ongoing basis. That way, they managed to build footwear which meets SEALs requirements. DESIGN LALO Tactical Shadow Amphibian 5 design is purpose follow – they were designed from ground up as a waterborne operations boots and to not keep the water out, but to let if flow in and out of the boot as needed. LALO Tactical Shadow Amphibian 5 are 100% synthetic. These are rugged, durable, mildew-resistant and they provide proper parameters required in water and on the deck. The following materials were used for production: MicrofiberH2Osheddingsyntheticleatherwith breathable membrane (front and back part of the boots); injectedblownTPU(outsole); EVAfoamthatprovidepropercushioning(midsole); laminatu Super Fabric (nosek buta); cut-resistantSuperFabric(toecap); ripstopnylon(elementsoftheupper); flexibleplastic(outerelementsoftheupper); H2Osheddingantimicrobialupperlining. The toe cap and the front sides are secured with a Super Fabric laminate which will protect against cuts and shaped forsecurefitofswimmingfin.Inordertofitthefinsinthe back part of the sole, there is a special lock which will prevent preventthefinbeltfromslidingofftheheel.Thetoecap,side of the upper, and back of the boots was made of synthetic leather with breathable membrane to increase breathability. Almost the whole upper is a "grill" made of flexible plastic – it provides better ventilation and accelerated water drainage outside the boots, as well as quicker drying. The back part of the upper, near the Achille's tendon, there is a thin material insert to make that part of the boot more flexbible. Thanks to that solution, the boots are more convenient for the feet www.fragoutmag.com