Nike SFB Field Leather Boot Review AR 670-1 Compliant
Introducing the Nike SFB Field Leather Boot
The Nike SFB Field Leather is a redesigned version of the popular Nike Special Field Boot. This updated style has been specifically designed to be compliant with the DA Pam 670-1.
The SFB Field Leather adds a “militant” look to the tread with an improved grip pattern and an internal rock shield. This combination provides extra traction and protection on a wide variety of terrains. Just like it’s predecessor, the revived Nike combat boot is ultra-lightweight, one of the lightest authorized boots currently on the market. It provides a heightened sense of breath-ability, and a softer ankle support. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and tactical professionals alike can have faith in the SFB Field Boot. Most importantly, this version is authorized for wear with the Army Combat Uniform. It only made sense that we put our research hats on and put together our Nike SFB Field Leather Boot Review AR 670-1 Compliant..
List of Best Selling Lightweight Authorized Boots for you to Choose from
Nike SFB Field Leather Features: The Nike SFB Field Leathers provides a unique set of features, designed to appeal to the needs of today’s warriors.
- A Breathable, fast-drying, lightweight canvas upper
- Made of 100% Flesh-out cattle-hide leather
- Standard 8″ in height
- Dynamic Lacing system, prevents injury by stabilizing your forefoot
- Full 100% rubber out-sole
- Tread pattern optimized for fast-rope missions
- Internal rock shield provides protection and sustains comfort
- Phylon Mid-sole for Stability and Cushioning
- Double-stitched boot strap
Table of Contents
- Introducing the Nike SFB Field Leather Boot
- List of Best Selling Lightweight Authorized Boots for you to Choose from
- Are the Nike SFB Field Leather Boots Compliant With AR670-1?
- Does Nike have a military background?
- What can you expect from the Nike SFB Field Leather Boot?
- Now let’s start listing why the Nike SFB Field Leather Boots are legit:
- Sizing of the Nike SFB Field Leather
- Available Colors of the Nike SFB Field Leather Boot
Are the Nike SFB Field Leather Boots Compliant With AR670-1?
Earlier in 2014, the owners over at US Patriot & Tactical encouraged Nike to develop a lightweight boot, that would stand up to the stringent requirements of the Sergeant Major of the Army. It took some time, but Nike was able to provide the market with a boot that was created to serve. The Nike SFBs are 8″ tall, and the upper is made of 100% flesh-side out cattle hide leather. The sole is less than 2″ tall, when measured from the bottom of the outsole. The sole is made of 100% rubber and doesn’t extend up the back of the heel, or over the plain toe. The only problem that I have been able to identify with the SFB Field Leather is the current color of the sole. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the sole is actually dual-colored.
While some will argue that the difference is minor, and they don’t see an issue. I’ll leave that “interpretation” in the hands of the Soldier dropping $150.00 to own them.
670-1 Compliance:
- Color: Desert Tan
- Height: 8″ Standard Military Height
- Leather: Cattle hide leather
- Upper: Nylon
- Out-sole: Rubber
Does Nike have a military background?
The answer is Yes! Co-founder Bill Bowerman served with the well-known 10th Mountain Division during World War II. While serving in and later commanding the 86th Regiment in Europe, he was awarded the Silver Star and five, count them, FIVE Bronze Stars.
There should be no doubt that his input as co-founder of Nike and its naming after of the company after the “Greek Goddess of Victory” came from his time in the military. This is evident in Nike’s well know attitude toward winning. I see Nike’s press into the tactical boot realm as a “Climb to Glory” which, if you don’t know already, is the motto of the 10th Mountain Division.
What can you expect from the Nike SFB Field Leather Boot?
Pros
Overall the boot has mixed reviews that lean to the positive realm of the spectrum. This is a feather-light boot coming in at 16.7 oz. per boot. That is why we consider the Nike Boots one of the best military style boots for running you can buy. Being such a light boot has it pluses and minuses. On the plus side, the boot is very comfortable to most and every ounce you carry into battle can count against you. On the down side, you’re giving up a lot of ankle support for flexibility. Everyone has their own preference in a boot but to my paratrooper friends that have to fly the T-10 or T-11 parachute I would personally stick to a more ridged boot.
Now let’s start listing why the Nike SFB Field Leather Boots are legit:
- First is the Internal Rock Shield. This feature is like having self-sealing tires on your car. In fact I’ve heard stories of people that wore this boot on road marches and when they got back to the barracks they found that a nail was stuck in the sole of the boot. The soldier was completely unaware and when he pulled the nail out, the rubber self-sealed. No that’s some cool stuff for foot protection and very proprietary to Nike.
- The next thing was the “Ventilation Zones” as Nike calls them. Nike is really paying attention to this little detail. Most boots with vent holes are set very low in the boot to allow for quicker drainage of water. Although it could be a pretty good one, the SFB isn’t a jungle boot. The vent holes are in the appropriate position and work well to help air circulate within the boot.
- Another change that I really liked was the addition of lace loops instead of metal eyelets. I have always had a problem with the top of my feet feeling as if the metal eyelets were digging into them. Getting rid of the metal eyelets on the top of the boot is a big plus in my book. Because of the huge opening for your foot that they have created (more below) you have to have a lot of folded fabric on top of your foot when the boot is laced up. Combine that fabric folded on top of your foot with the pressure that metal eyelets can create and you’re not going to be comfortable for long. Nike nailed it when they removed the metal eyelets from the top of this boot.
- Next was the tread. The tread pattern seems odd at first but if you stop to analyze each section of the tread you will start to see the logic in its design. I particularly like the reversed heal section that would clearly give you more traction moving downhill as well as stop a lot of sliding as the rear angular treads dug into the terrain like axe blades. The heal also sports a much wider gap in the back that provides two enhancements. One, the gap creates a separated sole which aids in stabilization while running. Just take a look at the back of your average pair of $100 running shoes and you’ll see what I mean. Next, this larger gap allows for more debris to be ejected from the bottom of the boot while moving. We’ve all been in situations where we lost traction because our boot heel is now slick from mud caked in it. This larger space should help that.
- Lastly, the huge gaping hole this boot offers to put your foot into. I absolutely love this! For years producers of boots have touted “Speed laces” or “quick on – quick off” when it came to tactical boots. It’s been my experience that the term “Speed laces” equals twelve feet of bootlace that you have to pull up and wrap around your leg twenty seven times and tie off using a river crossing knot. Nike nailed it once again with this design. They have somehow created an opening big enough to easily put your foot into but not so much boot lace has to be used. The back-strap of this boot, although very functional and frankly, something I really like, is handy but isn’t needed because of the space provided to put your foot into.
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Cons
There has been a few reported instances of the sole separating from this boot. Right now I will have to chalk that up to inconsistencies in the production process and not label the boot as bad because of a few reports. With that said I will remind everyone that this it Nike. They make more than boots and have developed a robust defective product process. Nike will stand behind all of its products both retail and consumer accounts (form their website). This means that if the site you bought it from won’t do anything about the sole separating from the boot, Nike more than likely will. Just visit Nikeclaims.com for instructions.
There have also been complaints about the extra heal padding in the boot. Once again, everyone is different. Everyone that complains about it also follows up with how easily they removed it so it can’t be that big of an issue. In the same lines I’ve heard a few complaints about the need for replacing the inserts. Let’s face it, no boot is perfect. No boot will be perfect for every person or situation. If you prefer the feel of a specific insert then you should go down to Wally-World and get the one you like, trim it up and put in your new SFBs.
With that all said, the overall comfort is 4.5 stars out of a 5 star rating. The boots break-in time is minimal. Some boasting of only 30 minutes. One person boasted that he had worn this boot through TACP training and it performed well on the timed 12 mile hikes with no blisters or hot spots right out of the box.
Sizing of the Nike SFB Field Leather
As of 15 September, the Nike Leather Boot ranges in full sized 4-15 and half-sizes 4.5 – 11. Before ordering, please note that NIKE boots tend to run small by a half size. I recommend ordering a half size up. So if you normally wear a 11, you should order a 11.5. Please save your self the trouble and follow the guidance provided…
Available Colors of the Nike SFB Field Leather Boot
Currently the Leather Field Boot is provided in the following colors:
- Army – Desert Tan
- Navy/Tactical – Black
- Marines – Coyote
- Air Force – Sage
Additional resources:
We wrote reviews on similar lightweight boots:
– Cheap Military Boots for Men Review
