The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be introducing
new combat boots that address a major flaw in the current
model.
The Frontier boots, which have been in use for the past
four years, had soles that came apart after being placed in
prolonged storage.
Here's a look at how army boots have changed over the
past couple of decades.
The combat boots prior to 1993 had toe-caps. PHOTO:
MINDEF.GOV.SG
Weight: 950g
Soldiers often maintained two pairs, one for daily use
and the other for parade or ceremonial use. For the latter, they
would often spend many hours polishing their boots in a bid to make
them shiny. Besides dripping wax, the norm was to use a heated
teaspoon to smoothen the boots' toe-caps, before buffing and
polishing the surface for a gleaming mirror-like quality.
The leather boots introduced in 1993 were
significantly lighter. PHOTO: MINDEF.GOV.SG
Weight: 760-780g
The toe-caps were removed, making the boots
significantly lighter. This also meant they transmitted 30 per cent
less shock to the foot, providing more protection against ankle and
other injuries.
The boots also contained an anti-microbial Polyurethane
insole with built-in arch support and help counter, which helped
prevent ankle twisting and offered better hygiene.
The waterproof Gore-Tex boots helped keep out muddy
water. PHOTO: ST FILE
Weight: 730g
The waterproof Gore-Tex material kept out muddy water
from entering the boots, a common complaint among soldiers out in
the field as water got trapped inside while crossing river
obstacles or staying in the rain for a prolonged periods.
The outsole was also suitable for jungle
operations.
The Frontier boots were lauded for being lighter and
safer, but had a major flaw. PHOTO: ST FILE
Weight: 705g
The SAF-customised Frontier boots were hailed as being
lighter, safer and more comfortable for soldiers when they were
introduced in 2012, with the SAF studying more than 20 models over
three years.
They consisted of a leather upper, a polyurethane
midsole, and a rubber sole.
Among the improvements: two perforated holes on the
inner side of each boot to drain out water, a new outsole design
for better agility to move in the confined spaces of urbanised
areas and nylon material that dries up within an hour when wet.
The boots were also said to transmit up to 20 per cent
less shock to the feet.
From left: The Magnum, the Altama and the Wellco
Peruana. PHOTOS: MINDEF
Weight: 900g (ACB) or 700g
(ECB)
The ACB, which is designed for durability will be
constructed with directly moulded soles, while the ECB - for active
manoeuvre units like infantry, commandos and guards - will have a
fully stitched cupsole.
The ACB comes in two models - Peruvian brand Wellco
Peruana and US brand Altama - and they have synthetic breathable
material that allows quick drying, as well as a sole suitable for
jungle use.
The ECB, made by US brand Magnum, has an outsole that
can be used in both jungle and urban terrains.
ST