Reinventing the Combat Boot
Steel Blue’s New “Jacka” Combat Boot is a Step Up for Australian Soldiers
For years, military boots have largely remained the same. But with military history demonstrating how poor foot health can impact combat capability, often incapacitating large numbers of soldiers without enemy engagement, it is clear more can be done to keep soldiers on their feet.
Recognising these challenges, Australian owned manufacturer Steel Blue® has spent over five years rethinking the combat boot from the ground up.
The result is the Jacka®, an innovative new combat boot that introduces Australian designed, world-first technology, to solve many of the most common problems experienced by military personnel. Developed in consultation with the Australian Defence Force and Bond University’s Tactical Research Unit, the Jacka® represents more than a new boot. It marks a new generation of military footwear.
Steel Blue® has been a trusted partner to the ADF since 2014 with over 70,000 pairs of premium quality boots supplied so far and 0 returns. Building on that comfort and quality reputation, Steel Blue® has made substantial investment in developing the Jacka®, combining extensive academic research, soldier feedback and years of product testing and refinement for the purpose of creating the world’s most comfortable combat boot.
Research consistently shows that poorly designed and substandard military footwear can significantly affect soldier performance and health. Wet boots increase the risk of blisters, fungal infections and bacterial disease, while heavy, inflexible footwear contributes to fatigue, reduced mobility and musculoskeletal injuries.
The Jacka® has been engineered to directly address these issues and meet the footwear needs of the modern solider.
Leading the innovation is DryAdvance®, a world-first, patent pending, integrated water-expulsion system. Unlike traditional combat boots that allow water to remain trapped, the Jacka® actively pumps water out as the wearer walks. Using a specially engineered concave footbed, internal channels and a valve mechanism, the system disperses water that would otherwise sit below conventional drainage holes. Independent testing by Bond University found the technology significantly reduced retained water after just 15 minutes of walking, helping keep soldiers drier and reducing prolonged exposure to damaging wet conditions, including trench foot.
Comfort and performance continue with Steel Blue’s® patented Trisole® Comfort Technology, a multi density soling system that combines kinetic energy return, shock absorption, a flexible insole board and a tough, high-traction Vibram® outsole to reduce fatigue while improving stability across demanding terrain. Meanwhile, the new Thermal Ease® ventilation system increases airflow to minimise heat build-up, helping maintain comfort during extended operations in hot environments.
Every aspect of the Jacka® has been designed with the soldier in mind. The lightweight Strobel construction increases flexibility, allowing the boots to move with you at a near barefoot mobility rate, virtually eliminating the traditional break-in period. A true female fit acknowledges the anatomical differences between male and female feet, while the military’s largest size range and fit options ensures more personnel can find their perfect fit. The boot is finished with premium New Zealand nubuck leather, reinforced protection and thoughtful details such as a lace pocket, gusseted tongue and anti-slip heel to be purpose-built for military service.
For more than 30 years, Steel Blue® has been raising the standards of certified footwear. With the launch of the Australian made Jacka® combat boot, the 100% Australian owned company is once again redefining what’s possible, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue to help soldiers perform at their best when it matters most.
