New Belleville hot-weather mountain boot

Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan will soon have a choice between the Belleville 950, Gortex-lined mountain boot, or the new Belleville 990, a breathable hot-weather mountain boot.

Belleville’s 950 Combat Mountain Hiker was selected in February 2011 after a multiphased two year competition.

The Army’s troop response has been positive in regard to the 950’s strength and stability, but the 950’s leather covering and Gortex lining make it hot for the Afghanistan summer months.

The Army challenged Belleville and the other American boot manufactures to build a boot that could meet the hot and the cold requirements in Afghanistan.

The Army’s solicitation stated the new Hot Weather Mountain Combat Boot should provide the durability, stability, breathability, comfort ability, and high performance required for extended operations in the rugged mountainous terrain.

Belleville was one of only two manufactures selected to manufacture the new boot.

Future deployments will see soldiers going to the war zone with both types of boots — the current Belleville 950 and the new 990 hot-weather boots.

The new 990 Belleville boot information:

• Made of highly abrasive resistance fabric and grain-side out nubuc, a smooth and water-resistant leather.

• Built with materials to prevent fungal/bacterial infestation and reduce foot odor.

• The 990 boot is not waterproof, but manages moisture and dries quickly in mountainous operational environments.

• Dry weight of less than 1.75 pounds (size 10R).

Belleville’s 990 Mountain Combat Boot is built around a hiking profile, said Glen Becker, chief sales officer for Belleville Shoe Company.

The boot replaces much of the leather with ballistic nylon Cordura side panels, and the tongue is full nylon with a small leather overlay to protect it.

This makes the new boot 2.5 times more breathable and half a pound lighter than the 950 mountain combat boots.

While the 950’s rubber reinforcement on the toe and heel remains, the outsole has changed from Vibram bifida to Vibram crossbow and boasts a 360-degree lug pattern for better grip.

An on-line sales date is yet to be determined for either boot.