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NIKE SFB Tactical Boot

By Glen Taylor - March 12, 2009

in Object Culture

Nike just launched the SFB military boot, a project 4 years in the making led by Nike Innovation Manager Tobie Hatfield. Built for speed, agility, and comfort, the ultra-light SFB's upper is made from a polyester woven shell wrapped in synthetic leather overlays, this means there's no 'break-in' time required (typical with most boots), and it dramatically increases drying time.

The SFB breaks new ground in lightweight athletic boot delivering innovation for athletes in any environment. The SFB, perfect for warm weather conditions, is the lightest, fastest drying, natural motion boot on the planet. It features a Natural Motion Cushioning unit that helps allows for optimal support and speed during heel to toe transfer, translated the boot is made to move and form with the foot's natural motion allowing for quick flexible movement in any direction while drastically reducing the weight of conventional boots. Making it the perfect companion during multi-day backpacking hikes which can be cut short if your boots don't work with your foot.

Offering unparalleled traction, the SFB's outsole is fitted with a directional traction heel sole that utilizes reverse tread bars and a slightly raised heel for better traction going downhill, while the Sticky Rubber forefoot lugs were strategically placed to allow exceptional agility and traction in any terrain. Upping the ante on protection, the SFB's mid-sole comes equipped with puncture and laceration resistant thermoplastic forefoot shield and genuine leather with Kevlar sheath, both placed in the sole of the SFB allowing the boot to form to the foot of its wearer while offering protection from jagged rocky terrain.

click through for more photos

via sneakerfreaker

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Josh Lertique

9 years ago

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So these don't have steel toes? I want them for work...
Does anyone know how they would do against oil? I work on cat machines.. Thanks
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jenn

13 years ago

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I don't know if were allowed to use anything that has no NSN in the military. IM in the army and my husband is in the marines and he always tell me not to use anything that has no NSN but I think the army dont give a shit. The frontliners has heavier job so They needed steel toe, light, comfy shoes I guess. But I really want these and I have to check if theyre by army standard. this is just good if youre not really in combat.. Im deployed right now and we walk on rocks so this pair look like theyre gonna be worn out pretty fast.
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warpig

13 years ago

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Lot's of quick comments based on a lack of experience. The combat boot market is moving faster than the "standard issue" brands can keep up. Boots are specialized now. Compared to the 1 boot for all ops that I grew up with.. this is a great trend. Patrolling rough mountain terrain might be a bit too much for this Nike boot, a 12 miler in hot climate might be a perfect fit. Most of my peers with this boot love it. FYI, most of us have more than one pair of boots. I have boots for different climates and uses. I'll be buying this one immediately.
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Cody

14 years ago

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It was intended to mean that it increases how fast these boots dry, as in they dry faster. I went to special forces selection recently and there was a couple of guys there wearing these. They are super super light weight, they are super durable, regardless of the material, and absolutely comfortable. And to answer two questions on here at once, they are marketed for the military there for that is why they dont have the speed lacing, its against army regs.
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T_Crowe

14 years ago

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I have a pair, great boots for the most part. Some guys had problems with the soles but mine were great. I have some Oakley's too, the Oakley's have more ankle support but the Nike's are far more comfortable. These Nike's are extremely light and I found they dried fairly and cleaned up very easily. The toe separated a little bit after a couple of weeks in the field but I'd do it again. Great garrison boots but I guess that almost all the soldiers in the "expert Infantryman" competition were wearing Nike SFB's.
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cha

14 years ago

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Funny shoes... Practical probably... ?
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Lawrence

14 years ago

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These boots are great.... but like they say, "To each his own." However I must say the boot is very light. I'm a police officer in LA and so far they have been great for my kit. I've upgraded from the GSG9 both first and second gens. (Adidas should have kept making the 1st gens)

Anyway I would have gone with Oakely, but the pair that I wanted were 500 USD. Usaully my tack gear doesn't have a cap on price, but I couldn't do that just yet (maybe next year).

So for the price and quality, the Nikes are great.
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MJS

15 years ago

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Can someone explain to me why there is no speed lacing past the ankle on these tall boots?
Sounds like a pain to me.
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chimchim

15 years ago

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ditto JZ,

Try humping 60 pounds of gear up a Afgan range in this Nike "shoe".

I wonder how many years it took these guys to build these:

http://www.danner.com/product/id/102136.do
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JZ

15 years ago

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lol, yeah right, it's a "combat boot" without slip, oil resistance, no steel toe, with fagile Nylon. I bet it would break has soon as those while those Marines break in buildings.

I rather fit one of those chinese made 5.11 boots then this "boot"
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SLim

15 years ago

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Hmmm, Oakley has had an athletic combat boot for a couple of years now and Adidas does the boots for the german special forces (GSG9)...
These boots look way too fragile to prevent for example punji sticks piercing your foot.
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GoGoGo

15 years ago

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they've been available to this market since last year
i got mine at www.nikestore.com/sf last summer

for any environment that is not extremely wet AND cold,
they are definitely the best boot i have ever worn. period.
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Lee Gibson

15 years ago

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Increases drying time, huh? There's a feature I bet soldiers are looking for. "Boy, I wish it took longer for my boots to dry."
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Matt

15 years ago

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Does Nike intend to market this to the military and/or police?
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