PMCI - June 2019

pmcimagazine.com
GEAR ON TEST
SELVATICA TACTICAL MID GTX
BOOTS
AKU have really earned a name for themselves with
their all-year round “Pilgrim” boot models, but this
month Bill brings news of the very latest models to
hit the tactical stores that are absolutely ideal for
summer use.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with the AKU military
and tactical boot ranges since their inception, and it’s
been great to see so many people taking up the “Pilgrim”
models since they first came to market. When I received
an email to announce the luanch of the new “Selvatica”
tactical mid-cuts I was overjoyed to see that the company
are not resting on their laurels, but instead driving ahead
with new concepts and designs.
AKU, an Italian company founded by Galliano Bordin,
has grown from a small workshop into an industry, and the
company now has more than forty years’ experience in the
design and production of high quality trekking and outdoor
footwear. The AKU collection ranges from mountaineering
boots to active footwear and behind each model lies a
genuine love for manufacturing, built on the age-old and
prestigious tradition of Italian workmanship.
Research into new technologies and new markets,
together with the design and production of the AKU
collection, takes place at the production plant in
Montebelluna, Italy in the province of Treviso, famous for
its sports footwear. Thankfully it’s not just the “outdoor
performance” market that benefits from the “AKU Flair”
though, but also tactical users who demand that little extra
from their footwear.
Designed specifically for professional users, the Selvatica
is capable and confident in differing terrains and activities,
easily earning its place within AKU’s Tactical footwear
collection. Weighing in at just 460g, the super-lightweight
Selvatica Tactical Mid is incredibly breathable.
AKU’s Air 8000 upper is a technical fabric whose level
of breathability increases over a period of 24 hours to
more than 11 times that of a conventionally made fabric,
and patented back in 1991, it ensures cooling comfort
throughout day and night-long ops. The Air 8000 is
combined with OrthoLite anti-microbial and breathable
insoles to keep your feet fresh and comfortable for
extended periods. The boots also benefit from a GORE-TEX
extended comfort lining which helps to maintain the high
levels of breathability whilst maintaining 100% protection
against ingress of water.
A new welding process has also been used on the
boots to eliminate the need for stitching and makes the
boot more waterproof and less likely to snag on rocks
and rough terrain. The sole of the boots features AKU’s
exclusive Elica Natural Stride System technology. Designed
to faithfully follow the anatomical shape of the sole of the
foot, it allows the sole to adapt to normal heel and forefoot
inclination, guaranteeing a more even distribution of foot
pressure and reducing impact and strain during long treks.
The treads are Vibram Selvatica Megagrip, a high
performance rubber compound that promises unparalleled
grip on wet and dry surfaces and optimal ground
adaptability for better all-around traction. Combined with
dynamic support in the upper and sole this is a faithful
boot that won’t let you down.
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