Gladstones

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TACTICAL FOOTWEAR
Misc Police Kit - Belts - Pouches.
Torches & Lighting
Handcuff Pouches & Keys
F.P.N Holder - Clipboards - Warrant Card.
Equipment Holdalls - Bags
Socks - Hats - Jackets - Clip on Tie.
Police Badges.
Metal Detectors / Searching
Police Protective Gloves
Tactical Watches
Tac Vests & Carriage Systems
SAFETY Footwear & Clothing.
BARGAIN BASEMENT
Customer Feedback / Testimonials
GIFT VOUCHERS




Swat banner
Spring of 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" 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, 8 years later, the verdict is in!
SWAT Boots
Original SWAT® is a BETTER BOOT!!!

100's of 1,000's of U.S wearer’s have voted with their feet and trust their feet to Original S.W.A.T.® everyday.

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

The Cornerstones of Comfort & Performance

In creating the Original SWAT® brand, comfort and performance were the twin 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:
Simply, the last determines the shape of the boot and therefore the fit. Each manufacturer has their own last, the older the Company the more traditional (ex. Military) the last is likely to be. We developed our own last using a C.A.D. system that has an athletic heritage, combined with some "Euro comfort" features. There is a slight curve - familiar to runners and a roomy toe box to give the toes wiggle and expansion room and to promote air circulation.

SWAT Materials
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 denier 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 Moulded 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.

Support:
Support comes from a riveted sandwich lasting board that contains a steel 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 moulded 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." Sebastian Coe, Olympic Gold Medallist

Outsole Design & Construction:
The outdoor pattern is non-loading, being designed to shed debris, stones and mud, and has multi-directional lug patterns to provide lateral and longitudinal grip.

Both outsoles are made with fairly similar rubber compounds that balance performance and durability.

The main characteristics that can be achieved by adjusting the compounds are increased slip resistance and resistance to petro chemical substances.


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.

SWAT Boot Sole materials
A LAST WORD ON STRENGTH AND DURABILITY

A boot is essentially the sum total of the quality of the components used, good quality components will produce a strong boot." Richard Vandernoot, Component Supplier.

Terry Mackness is the CEO & Owner of the Original SWAT Footwear Company, it is worth mentioning that he was in charge of USA sales & development at Magnum for 10 years before starting his own company, there is little that this man does not know about tactical footwear.