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New stain resistant footwear put to the test

  • Published
  • By Brad Jessmer
  • Air Force Uniform Office
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Stain resistant, low maintenance boot prototypes will soon be tested at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

"This boot is expected to be a solution for low-maintenance footwear that upholds a professional military image no matter the environment," said 1st Lt. Ashley Hawkes, Airman Battle Uniform Program Manager, Air Force Uniform Office. "The current boot turns black when exposed to chemicals, such as those associated with flightline operations."

The prototype selected will be low-maintenance and resistant to staining from harsh chemicals, oils, and fuels. Maintenance is expected to be limited to wiping with a damp cloth.

Previous wear tests were conducted on the suede leather boot currently issued, but the results were unacceptable.

"The boots we've tested up until now have fallen short in maintaining a clean appearance," said Master Sgt. James Lynn, AFUO Subject Matter Expert, "We are confident this current test will provide the right answer."

Four prototypes, from different manufacturers, were selected for testing. Each boot is made of low-maintenance material designed to withstand exposure to chemicals in industrial areas.

Two hundred Airmen will participate in the testing. The Airmen had size measurements taken June 10 and the testing of the prototypes is scheduled to begin in August and last 45 days.

The main focus of this testing is to evaluate stain resistance characteristics of each prototype while worn in industrial environments. The prototypes will be exposed to situations that result in black stains on the current issue boot.

Airmen will complete an End User Survey at the end of the evaluation period, and a sample of the boots will be returned to the AFUO for analysis.

"Extensive research has gone into developing a boot to meet operational requirements, while being low-maintenance and maintaining a professional appearance for our Airmen," said Lieutenant Hawkes. "The results of this test will pave the way ahead."