Ankle boots are high army lace-up boots used to equip the Russian army. They replaced the famous soldiers' boots, which faithfully served the Russian soldiers for many decades. The main difference between berets and boots is mobility and simultaneous fixation of the ankle, which saves the ligaments from sprains. The name "berets" comes from the name of the tibia, which they protect.
The history of the army berets
Specific military boots appeared relatively recently - during the Second World War. They were invented by the German military for the needs of their parachutists. Since the paratroopers often broke their legs, jumping in their boots, new boots with high tops on lace-up were developed for them. They were destined to become the prototype of the first models of berets.
After the paratroopers, Wehrmacht officers rated the shoes, and after the war ended, the American army drew attention to them. However, it took about 12 years before the US Army soldiers began to change their shoes into new high boots with lacing and strong soles. The process of changing uniforms in the United States lasted from 1957 to 1960, but the European armies of NATO began to change their shoes immediately after the end of the war.
In the USSR army, the first models of new shoes with high tops were considered a symbol of the "decaying West". Attempts were made several times to replace the "kirzachi" with more comfortable shoes, but this caused great indignation among the generals.
The first black berets appeared in the officers and special forces in the 2000s. They proved to be so comfortable, compared to traditional soldier's shoes, that in 2007 the Ministry of Defense decided to switch to berets. However, so far in the Russian army, along with such shoes as berets, rubber and kersey boots, as well as felt boots, are used. Standard berets of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are not able to provide full protection against moisture and frost, and nobody will buy models for 9-12 thousand rubles for ordinary soldiers of Russia.
Nevertheless, many special forces and even mercenaries sell or take home their authorized bertsev Sun, in exchange for buying the best models of famous manufacturers. Every year more and more soldiers in the Russian army do this.
Beginning in the second half of the 1990s, a military style emerged, and tactical berets began to be in demand among the following categories of civilians:
- The hunters;
- Fishermen;
- Tourists;
- Representatives of youth subcultures.
Now berets are produced at many specialized enterprises all over the world.
Types and models of specialized shoes
All high boots of this type can be divided into the following categories:
- Military models. These include army statutory berets and other types created specifically for the military. They differ in reliability and wear. Unfortunately, the Russian statutory berets included in the military uniform are significantly inferior to the best (and standard too) foreign models;
- Ceremonial models. As a rule, these are boots that are very far from the traditional military uniform. They are very popular with punks, goths, and bikers. The sole of the berets of such models can be 2-3 times thicker than standard, and the lacing is very high;
- Tactical and tourist shoes. Unlike authorized footwear, in this group there are many different models.
In addition, all shoes of this type can be divided according to the following features:
- Bertsy demi-season. In this group fall and waterproof. Such models were the first to be adopted by the Russian army;
- Bertsy summer. Often they are made not of leather, so that the foot does not break them. These are lightweight berets, which do not have all the advantages of shoes of this type, as their wear resistance is low;
- Bertsy winter. Made of leather, insulated with natural or artificial fur. Often they are waterproof, as they are impregnated with waterproof structures.
In addition, there are orthopedic, officer, female models.
Ankle boots for women, orthopedic and for special forces
Argued that there is no special female models. In fact, this is only partly true. Among domestic military boots of this type, there are really no women's berets, but abroad they are quite popular. Often buying NATO tactical boots, you can accidentally buy shoes labeled "F", which means female modification. As a rule, such shoes are lightweight.
As for the prevailing opinion about orthopedic models, in this case refers to shoes with orthopedic insoles that can be worn for people with flat feet. Children's models of berets, in which the word "orthopedic" appears, are rather sandals without lacing, designed to fix the foot in the correct position.
Bertsa riot police or "special forces" are usually much better than regular footwear. Happen both standard, and facilitated, differ in quality of production, a strong sole and high wear resistance.
Materials for the manufacture of tactical and military boots
Classic shoes of this type is made of pig skin, which is painted in black. In order to make shoes waterproof, the skin is often impregnated with special water-repellent agents. For hot regions, lightweight berets are made of korduba or special cotton fabric. In addition, earlier summer shoes were made only in black. Now even domestic manufacturers have begun to produce models not only of black, but also of sand or camouflage color.
Soles are made of hard rubber, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer and other modern materials. Naturally, the style of the legislator is the German shoes, which is several times more expensive than high-quality domestic models.
According to a long tradition, all shoes that were completely made of leather are considered demi-season. Those who had the opportunity to wear the army charter berets in the summer do not need to explain how black unisex-boots are uncomfortable in the 30-degree heat. For the army of the Russian Federation is not yet delivered a good lightweight shoes, as it is only enough for a couple of seasons.
How to choose berets for their needs
When choosing a good tactical boot, you must first answer yourself a few questions:
- What are they purchased for;
- At what temperature and humidity will be used;
- Do you plan to run in them, or in the priority strength.
Based on the answers to these questions, and you need to buy new shoes. Young people are now popular high German shoes, lacing which can reach the knee. You should not choose such shoes for long hikes, as they are very heavy.
The choice of the manufacturer must also be taken responsibly. Of course, the American or German berets are very good, but their price can scare away even the most avid tourist and hunter. For those who are planning to buy real military boots from NATO warehouses, you can give a few tips:
- Carefully look at the time of issue of shoes, as the threads have the properties to rot through over time, and the skin loses its strength;
- If the sole has the letter "F", then this is a female model, a man should not buy it;
- Russian sellers who buy shoes in Europe often carry them in a pile. In this regard, creases appear on the skin, which can lead to cracks.
You should not give 6-9 thousand for such berets, it is better to add a little and get one of the modern models.
In any case, the state of the shoe depends on the care of it during operation. Without care, even the most expensive shoes can fall apart or lose their appearance in a few months.
If you are buying military boots for the first time, you need to learn how to properly handle the laces. Often, the domestic manufacturer neglects high-quality laces, and they are torn in the first month. The only way to avoid this problem is to buy quality laces with shoes. It is better to buy several new couples at once, and take them with you on trips just in case.
In addition, there are many ways to lacing. It is desirable to immediately learn some of the most convenient and reliable. The following methods are considered best:
- Army mode is the easiest and fastest. You can not completely untie them when removing shoes;
- Lacing ladder. This method reliably fixes the leg. When it is one end of the lace is passed immediately from the lower grommet to the top.
In addition, there are many different methods, among which there are both new and long-forgotten old ones. There are even several “one-handed” lacing methods that can be used if one arm is damaged.
Army berets new model
New shoes, which began to be supplied to the army of the Russian Federation, are sewn with regard to the advantages and disadvantages of the models of the previous series. As the military leadership assures, in the production of these berets, the latest technologies have been used, which ensure the fixation of the ankle and the mobility of the foot. It is argued that all models are tested for convenience, practicality and durability.
Now berets are made in several modifications:
- Summer;
- Winter;
- Lightweight;
- Demi-season.
Now you can choose from several colors. In addition to black, it can be dark green, brown or sandy-colored models.
How to care for berets
To make war boots look good and please their owner, they need to be properly looked after. If it turns out that the shoes are a little tight, although the size matches, you should not suffer, raznashivaya them. It is enough to wipe the berets from the inside with alcohol, and immediately put them on, vilify for a few minutes. The skin will certainly stretch and the shoes will take the desired shape. The main thing after this is not to forget to fill them tightly with newspapers and leave them in this form for the night.
Lubricate the cream shoes made of genuine leather daily, but not before going. You can not apply the cream on dirty shoes, they need to be wiped with a wet rag or sponge. Do not wash the berets under running water. If boots get wet from dew or rain. They must first be wiped with a damp cloth and then dry.
In order for the skin to retain its elasticity, once a week it is recommended to smear it with vegetable oil without smell. And in order to prevent fungal infections in the shoes, the berets should be wiped from the inside with a solution of vinegar once a month.
Ankle boots are an excellent type of shoe for specific needs. Do not forget that these are not casual shoes, and you should not wear them constantly in urban environments.
