Bates wins Special Forces deal for boots

ROCKFORD, Mich., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. Special Forces have awarded a $2.45 million contract to Bates Footwear for chemical and biological protective overboots.

Bates is a division of Wolverine World Wide.

In response to the safety, comfort and tactical challenges faced by the U.S. military, Bates, in cooperation with W.L. Gore & Associates, developed the chemical and biological protective footwear.

Company officials say soldiers are protected from exposure to chemical and biological agents in vapor, aerosol and liquid forms by the overboot. It is compatible with all existing chemical and biological defense equipment.

The lightweight and highly compactable overboot resists mildew, fungus and other health threats in storage or while in use.

"We are proud to have the opportunity to offer our soldiers a boot that provides them the utmost protection as they conduct their missions in extreme conditions. This boot sets a new benchmark in utilizing technology to meet the CB protection and tactical needs of our armed services," said Ron Woznick, vice president and general manager of Bates Footwear.

Bates is expected to produce up to 20,000 pairs of the overboots within the next year at manufacturing facilities in Michigan and Arkansas, meeting the Berry Amendment conditions for 100 percent domestic sourcing and production of all U.S. military gear.