Belleville Khyber Tactical Mountain Boot

Though using the word tactical and using the very latest, in-vogue Multi-Cam camo pattern the Khyber’s are the real deal. Manufacturers Belleville is the largest and oldest maker of U.S. specification military footwear since 1904. They delivered their first combat boot in WW1 finally winning the prestigious ‘E’ award in 1945 and continuing on to develop their modular system in 2006. Hardly surprising the company annually produce well over a million pairs of high-tech military boots.

Practical

The Khyber Multi-Cam Mountain Hybrid Boot is just one of their comprehensive range. PR blurb aside; this is a high quality product showing a number of useful features that adds comfort, toughness and durability for most outdoor situations you find your feet in!

This model offers a breathable (Breathe Right) combat lunar lining (say what?) that helps wick away moisture and keeps the feet dry and comfortable. Lacing consists of five captive eyelets and five swivel loops above. This lace to toe design allows the wearer to make full use of the boots attributes as well as affording an almost ‘Customised Fit.’ The padded collar and upper offer even more comfort and protection while the strengthened double and treble-stitched cow hide outer framework’s design gives an almost perfect balance of flexibility, rigidity and protection.

Vibram Ibex

The boots are equipped with an exclusive VIBRAM® ‘IBEX’ Out-sole for what the company term ‘use over rugged mountainous terrain.’ They have a low profile, obviously to reduce weight and equally improve mobility. The cleats and lug pattern though designed for traction on rough/hard ground also suits a much wider variety of surfaces. The outer leather panels do not suit mud as though the boot can cope with it they are going to get very dirty quickly.

The deeply serrated heel kicker (the section integrated into the sole that rises up at the rear) is designed to help stop or in the least slow down a slide down a muddy or steep area you are walking down. Toe and heel buffers extend quite a way up the front and rear. Again to aid walking up or down the steepest incline and for hunters having to belly crawl to a firing position, as this feature really helps as you push forward with your toes.

State of the Art

Rappelling bars, which is hardly something a hunter will be doing, combined with the heel and toe overlays further protect and extend the life of the boot. They also boast a removable, TR-1 load- bearing orthotic insole which is built from state of the art materials designed to provide support and comfort. This it does and the boots are incredibly light, well made, extremely comfortable to wear and almost too good to be true, especially when you consider the price tag. This model of Belleville boot is exclusive to Becketts.

•Name: The Belleville Khyber Multi-Cam Tactical Mountain Boot

•Price: £129.99 + £3.99 P+P   Sizes 7 – 12UK

•Contact: Becketts 01603 613466 www.beckettsadventure.com

•For: Offers virtually all attributes the active hunter requires

•Against: Maybe too military and specialised

•Verdict: Great design, but are they for you?