Why motorcyclists have to wear boots

As I approached the front gate on my way home one night, two motorcyclists were ahead of me. Once through the front gate, they rapidly accelerated and disappeared from view. They were likely traveling 80 mph before they reached the first turn on H-3.

I was traveling the same route, and, as I approached the corner, I noticed one of the riders on the ground. I pulled over and called 911, then hurried to the Marine who was trying to get up. I tried to calm him and urged him to stay on the ground. "Everything will be OK," I said.

The next person to stop was a corpsman, so I stepped aside and let him do his work. As I surveyed the situation, I saw the rider's helmet was destroyed. Without it I don't think he would have survived the crash. His gloves, that racing type with the hard plastic pads, were all scraped up, and the pads were broken off, but they, too, had done their job. Because he was wearing a T-shirt, he had road rash all over his body.

I then looked at the rider's feet. His right foot was fine, but his left ankle was definitely broken. If he had worn boots instead of tennis shoes, he might have been spared the ankle injury. Boots also might have saved his toes. His big toe was half gone, the next three were severed, and the little toe was beyond recognition.

As the corpsman continued to help the victim, I walked around gathering up his toes--all the while thinking that if he had worn boots, he might have walked away from this crash. Now, I don't think he will be walking for quite some time.

I have thought about this day many times. I know that speed was a contributing factor but I also know that, with more protective gear, the consequences might not have been so severe. I learned later that none of this Marine's toes could be reattached, and he was discharged without any medical benefits. I doubt that he feels the repercussion was worth the thrill of speeding on his motorcycle.

COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Navy Safety Center
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group

Fabroc - A new Intelligent Fabric that Keeps you Warm

by Hans Dekker

Protection from the elements is one of the fundamental necessities in life. Exposure to extreme temperatures can be deadly and every year there is an increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts who succumb to extreme weather. New technologies are addressing this problem by devising heated clothing. Fabroc is one of these new technologies -- a polymer-based material which can be made into a variety of clothing.

Fabroc uses electric current supplied by a power source such as a lithium-ion battery to produce heat. It is flexible, waterproof, windproof, and stretchable. It has a number of practical applications including heated clothing for outdoor use, an alternative source of household heat during periods of inactivity, industrial battery heaters, and patient heating during surgical procedures.

Fabroc is a self-regulating heating material because as its temperature rises, the resistance of Fabroc increases, which means it draws less power and produces less heat. Conversely, when the temperature drops, Fabroc draws more power and produces more heat.

It is the perfect material for clothing because it produces uniform heat over the entire surface. Unlike other heating sources, Fabroc does not produce hotspots. The heat produced can be finely controlled so it is a safe fabric to use for any application.

Because Fabroc can be used to generate heat over a large area, it can be used for many different types of clothing as well as heating pads for beds, saddle heaters for horse riding, ski boot liners, heated gloves, and military applications.

Fabroc is lightweight, flexible, and strong. It can be powered by a number of sources including lithium-ion batteries, AC wall adapters, DC adapters, or solar power sources. It can operate on very low voltages and a small battery can provide up to six hours of heat on one charge.

Fabroc is currently being used for outdoor clothing of all types including underwater wetsuits for deep-sea use.

About the Author

The revolutionary Stormrider Heated Vest is available at the authors website. http://www.exo2-fabroc-store.com/ We welcome all your questions and ideas.

Boots at their best

For generations Marines have prided themselves on their spit-shined black leather boots. They've spent countless hours in the quest for the perfect shine, even though spit-shined boots were never actually required. Boots only needed to have polish on them, but Marines wanted their boots looking as sharp as possible even in the field. Tins of polish and shining kits had as much a place in field packs as rifle cleaning gear and Meals, Ready to Eat.

But as of Oct. 1, this long standing tradition will slip away into the pages of Marine Corps history and become a story told about the "Old Corps." Marines officially say goodbye to black leather boots and welcome the new tan, rough-side-out Marine Corps Combat Boot --a boot requiring no polish at all.

But why would the Marine Corps turn its back on such a longstanding tradition such as spit-shined boots, something that to some is considered a hallmark of Marines? Why toss out a tradition that typifies the Marine spirit, which is to be the best at all times.

Technology.

It was inevitable that a better boot would come along; one that better meets the needs of a Marine Corps whose mission is changing with the world around it.

Marines currently conducting operations throughout the world need a boot that's flexible and durable enough to keep up with their operational tempo. Enter the Marine Corps Combat Boot--simply a better boot.

For the Marine Corps to resist moving to the rough-side-out boot simply to maintain a tradition would actually betray the very ethos the spit shinned boots came to represent. What's more important than having sharp looking boots, is what's done with them. Marines are best known for winning wars and doing what it takes to win them. We just look good doing it.

If the new boots bring the Marine Corps one step closer to being a more effective fighting force, then they'll still represent the Marine spirit of being the best at all times, just as the spit-shined boots did.

In this issue of Marines, we look at Marines on the move and their driving determination to accomplish the mission, no matter where in the world that may take them. From the Marines who change tires of vehicles in Iraq--sometimes while under fire--to the Marines training to deploy, one thing their stories all share, just as their boots will attest, is that Marines are always at their best.

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Marine Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

Mocs rock - What's new? Holiday gifts galore - Merrell's Orbit Moc boots - Product/Service Evaluation

* Even as a kid, we always loved nasty weather, especially those raw, rainy days of winter and early spring that have people shivering at bus stops, train stations, taxi stands, or wherever else they might be stuck outside. When the neighborhood mothers organized a car pool to school for such days, we inevitably took a pass. "No thanks," was our blithe reply. "It's a great day to walk." Trouble was, we had to wear clunky boots or, worse, galoshes. Otherwise, our fate was an uncomfortable day at school with wet feet.

While the world is busy hailing the computer revolution, we've opted to celebrate a more-worthy cause. Can you believe how far outdoor footwear has come in the last five years? One of the leaders of this vital revolution for comfort is Merrell, Rockford, Mich., the company that pioneered the "affersport" category--in other words, those easy-to-slip-on mocs and slides. Personally, we've always felt that slides are a little too Pennsylvania Dutch for our taste, but we're obviously in the minority on that count, as one look around the mall, supermarket, or after-school events will attest. People wearing slides seemingly are everywhere. Still, this family is sticking to its guns and staying with mocs. Almost every member selected Merrell's Orbit Moc; there was one vote for the Jungle Moc. (The most-recent addition had no say, but he looks pretty satisfied with My First Merrells. Designed for infants three to six months old, My First Merrells, $25, have a soft pigskin upper, removable foam footbed, and rearfoot hook and loop closure system.)

The adult Orbit Moc ($110) for men and women has waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex construction, air-cushion midsole, and a flying V-tread giving it bur-season, all-condition capability. The Orbit Moc for kids ($45) is an all-weather shoe designed for use in every type of condition, a must when worn by active children. The great appeal, though, is the mesh/lycra/neoprene four-way stretch ankle gasket--which is a complicated way of saying they slip on and off easily. The Jungle Moc for kids ($40), while just as comfortable and durable as the Orbits, don't go on quite as conveniently. However, that proved a perfect excuse to introduce our son to the wonders of the shoehorn, which he will gladly explain in detail to anyone who asks.

For the nearest retailer that carries Merrell Performance Footwear, log onto www.merrellboot.com.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any, also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers

COPYRIGHT 2002 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group

Sole Searching - Western boots gaining popularity - Brief Article

CLOTHING | City slickers and suburban commandos are finding WESTERN BOOTS a good fit.

IT DOESN'T RANK with his passion for tax relief, but George W. Bush may also be an advocate for a fashion trend. Bringing a Texas touch to an otherwise conventional wardrobe, the President often wears eelskin boots. Unlike the colorful cowhide, needle-nose boots once worn by Roy Rogers, with their 14-inch shanks and tall, sharply angled heels, the First Footwear is conservatively black, with rounded toe boxes, ten-inch-high shanks and 1 3/4-inch, slightly undershot heels. This understated style is called the roper, and its urbane restraint has made it the industry's biggest seller.

Dress boots with Western touches may soon become a national fad. Michael Atmore, editorial director of the trade journal Footwear News, says Bush's boot scooting on the national stage and Madonna's cowgirl-themed concert tour this summer will likely spur their popularity. Four million Americans--three million men and one million women--already buy Western boots each year, including both rough-riding cowboy boots and fancy dress boots with zippers.

But the most compelling evidence may be that last year the promise of rising sales even lured legendary investor Warren Buffett's holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, to buy Justin Boots, which makes the famous Justin roper boot and includes Tony Lama as one of its subsidiaries.

Boot basics. So, lest you be stampeded into a possible footwear fad, here's a primer on what to buy in boots.

First, look for rounded toes, which are more comfortable than pointed toes for most feet and, contrary to myth, are more typical of the style that trail drivers wore in the late 1800s, says Don Reeves, a curator at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, in Oklahoma City. Suits-and-boots guys should seek short ropers that tuck under their trousers because urban cowboys don't need high shanks to shield against sagebrush thorns and rattlesnake bites.

Boots should never feel painful, no matter what a store clerk might tell you about "needing to break them in," says Bret Ribotsky, president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. Unlike footwear that laces up to hold your foot tight, Western boots rely on a snug fit to hold fast to the widest part of your foot, the ball, while your heel slides up and down about a half-inch as you walk. The crease above your toes should be straight and align crosswise with the ball of your foot. A crease that angles rainbowlike suggests that the boot is loose.

Prices for custom-made boots, fitted precisely to the contours of your feet, typically start at $289 for smooth calfskin leather. Boots made from exotic skins are more expensive. Eelskin boots can cost about $320, while alligator and stingray models typically run about $1,500.

Off the shelf. To find a decent pair, you don't have to fly to El Paso, Tex., the bootmaking capital of the U.S. Several Western-wear specialty stores, such as Boot Town (20 retail outlets in Texas, or www.boottown.com), sell off-the-shelf choices that don't involve mortgaging the ranch. After all, last year the average man paid only $107 for Western boots, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

Justin boots come in diverse sizes and skins. Men's ropers in calfskin cost about $90 in Texas and $150 in New York, but the price can rise past $500 for ostrich skin.

Lucchese boots come in an even larger number of ready-made foot shapes, which means they are more likely to match the particularities of your width and arch. Lucchese 2000 ropers start at $170 for smooth calfskin and sport low-cost polyurethane heels and sole cushions. If your foot size is uncommon, you may have to wait two months for a pair to be made. --Reporter: KATHY JONES

COPYRIGHT 2001 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group

How To Choose A High Quality Motorcycle Bootby Gregg Hall

Today's biker is looking for classic styling, high performance and unmatched quality--from their boots and their bikes. So what should you look for when buying motorcycle boots? First you want Premium Oiled Leathers, the best leather available.

This Black Odessa Leather is waxed and oiled to make the boot more water resistant. I prefer the Vibram Chippewa Sole. This is the best motorcycle boot sole in the industry. This particular motorcycle boot sole is oil resistant and provides good traction due to its high surface contact area. Since a lot of us are around oil spills and such working on our bikes, this is a must have. Buy cheap boots without oil resistant soles and the oil will eat them away.

Another thing I prefer is Goodyear Welted Construction, which greatly adds to your motorcycle boot durability. Make sure the motorcycle boots are stitched, not glued, meaning that the soles are completely replaceable when you do finally wear them down, and let's face it motorcycle riders are tough on their motorcycle boots. The uppers are going to last virtually forever so don't make the mistake of buying motorcycle boots without replaceable soles.

Another thing overlooked by many is a Toe Shifter Pad. This is of major Importance to bikers because it protects the toe and arch from fatigue and damage due to gear shifting. That's not something that everyone thinks about but it's important.

Make sure the motorcycle boots you buy have Quality Non-Tarnishable Hardware. You want your motorcycle boot hardware to look as polished and shiny as your bike.

I also like the Texon Insole which takes moisture away from the foot to keep it as dry as possible. The insole is also anti-microbial, preventing bacteria growth in your motorcycle boots. Make sure the lining of your motorcycle boot is fully leather lined with additional upper padding to provide maximum comfort.

Look for the Bison Stampede Collection from Chippewa which is made from the American Bison. This leather is supple, comfortable, and durable. It normally outlasts regular bovine leather by as much as 50-80%.

About the Author

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses. Look at http://www.motorcyclegearandaccessories.com for your motorcycle gear. More resources on boots available at http://www.mybestboots.com.

Shopping Tips: Get More For Your Moneyby Sheila Dicks

Everyone likes a bargain and it's this time of the year, when sales are in full swing that we head out to the stores in search of a great bargain. The question is, are you really getting a bargain when you buy clothing that doesn't fit well - a pair of boots at seventy percent off but a size too big - or a sweater that you will never wear because it doesn't match a thing you own.

Before you hit the stores looking for bargains, decide how much money you want to spend. A great sale has the potential to be a spending trap that will leave your pocketbook empty and your closet overstuffed with items that you will wish you had never bought - like the boots that are too big and keep slipping off.

Here are 5 shopping rules that will help you come home with clothing items that are real bargains that will make you look and feel good.

Rule # 1. Know exactly what you need. Take inventory of your clothing and write a list of items that will expand your wardrobe - a red top that you can wear with five other items in your closet.

Rule # 2. Buy only what you need. If you have five white t-shirts that are in good condition and exactly the same cut you probably don't really need another one.

Rule # 3. If you are working with a budget stay away from that great plaid, flowery or embellished bag if most of your wardrobe is patterned and none of the colors in the bag match the clothing you already have.

Rule #4. Don't be seduced by a low price. No matter how expensive it was if it doesn't fit don't buy it. You might find the best looking designer jacket at a low, low price but if it's the wrong color or it doesn't suit your body type you will not likely wear it.

Rule #5. Shop prepared. If you are shopping to find a blouse to match a certain pair of pants, wear the pants shopping. Or if you are buying a skirt wear heels or take an appropriate pair of shoes with you to get a better idea of how the skirt will look. ©Copyright 2006 Sheila Dicks

About the Author
Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook "Image Makeover" at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report " 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won't Tell You About Beauty and Fashion".