New YDS Mid-Cut Combat Boot Exceeds Expectations as a Favourite of UK MOD and Others

When I first saw the Tornado mid-cut GTX military grade boot from YDS at DSEI last year, and was told it is a favoured boot proposed to the British military, I wanted to put them to the test as I have other bits of kit coming from a number of countries, from Australia to Sweden. These boots come from Türkiye and are known in some corners by its British brand “Goliath”, a subsidiary of YDS.

Talking Turkey – or Türkiye…

Living between the shadowy Eiffel Mountains and along the rushing Rhein River, this locale provides ample opportunity to rigorously test products worn or used by a dismounted soldier on terrain that could be similar to what one would fight on – be it Tabriz, Talne or Tell Tamer.

Unpacked

The first things that struck me about this unusual mid-cut boot were:

• The way the sole wraps smoothly up and over the toe, heel and sides (instep incl.) of the foot – better than any other boot I’ve seen or worn
• This “wrap-around” sole provides reinforced steps
• There was no zipper on the side of these boots-
• The lightness of the boot, despite having leather uppers, while it at least appears to be very durable and heavy looking
• The deep tread on the Vibram ™ sole
• The Gore-Tex lining

Sole

The durability of the wrap-around Vibram sole specially designed for the Tornado ™ boot does not – in any way – impede movement or manoeuvrability.  While keeping the foot steady and steps secure, the overall lightness is matched with strength. This means there is no additional body burden nor need to trade off safety for comfort. The Tornado has both tensile sole strength and easy active wearing. The boot can serve in SAR deployment as the sole has an external temperature resistance of 300°Celsius. The pattern of the Vibram sole is such that it makes it easy to keep clear of small stones, mud and even icy snow accumulation.

Laces

The boot laces easily tighten – using no hooks – making it a quick donning boot. As there is no zipper on the side for wearing speed – a terrible trend, there is no worry the zipper will fail, rendering the boot useless when a war- or crime fighter is in deployment. It laces fast and the wearer needn’t unless the boot very far to remove it.

Support

When trialling the Tornado boot, my right ankle was already damaged from a bad climbing fall (i.e., climbing down bleachers at my son’s wheelchair basketball game – irony?). Surprisingly, this low-rise / mid-cut boot gave my ankle amazing support.  I found it easy and painless to jump up and down from obstacles in a nearby forest. My foot stayed in position in the boot when stepping in river mud, etc.  The moulded foot bed and outer sole supports up the sides of the boot cradled my foot. Never a slip inside.

Inners / Insole

As I have fairly high arches, the insole was ample for supporting my feet after days of covering circa 15 km.  The Gore-Tex membrane lining added a layer of waterproofing that allowed my feet to remain comfortable and regardless of the ambient temperature or weather conditions.  I was surprised that my socks (YDS military issue) were dry, and my feet were not at all fatigued after removing the boot at the end of an active day. The foot bed is removable for shoe care and any possible drying.

Quick Product Notes

Sole material:                 Rubber

Outer material:               Cow leather nubuck (1.8mm)

Inner material:                Textile, upper material is Inner lining GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Lining

while the Tongue and colla are Polyamide 6.6, Cordura by Invista

Sole technology:            Direct injection Double Density PU / Rubber

Insole technology:        Moisture wicking, breathable and washable and an open cell PU footbed.

Additional Benefits:      Speed lace hooks, toe and heel scuff protection

Ratings

Safety Standard: EN ISO 20347: 2011.  Additional protection benefits include certification for:  O2 HI CI HRO FO SRC*.

Conclusion

The YDS Tornado Mid-cut GTY combat boot ideal for those deployed in challenging, non-impact environments, with extreme temperatures who need hard-wearing footwear that reduces physical burden with superior comfort for extended wearing times, waterproofing, and slip resistance.

Curtis Hand

*Definitions

O2         Occupational                                  Closed heel, anti-static, water-resistant

HI          Heat Insulated                                Keeps feet cool in hot environments

CI           Cold Insulated                                Keeps feet warm in freezing environments

HRO     Heat Resistance                            Soles safe on hot surfaces – up to 300°C

FO         Oil Resistance                                 Durable against fuel/oil spills

SRC      Maximum Slip Resistance         Best traction on wet/slippery floors

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