AnsomMag.com |

The work and uniform apparel and footwear market presents two sides. On one hand, recessionary times have resulted in the loss of jobs and reduction of sales for army/navy stores. Even workers still employed are generally slower to upgrade and replace their garments and footwear.

On the other hand, the rise in crime as a consequence of the economic downturn has created more police activity and consequently increased need for tactical equipment, footwear and apparel.

For Original SWAT, a California-based company that has been producing tactical footwear for domestic and foreign trade since 1999, business has been good.

“We have experienced growth in the law enforcement market,” said marketing director Erin Cabezut, who noted that about half of Original SWAT’s law enforcement sales are in the the U.S.

Original SWAT specializes in tactical footwear that feels like a running shoe.

The difference begins in the construction process, said Cabezut, in which Original SWAT builds on an athletic rather than a traditional last and uses very lightweight materials.

“Our footwear requires very little, if any, break-in period. It is like putting on a pair of running shoes for the first time,” Cabezut said.

Outsoles vary from those built for rugged terrain, as for a rural sheriff’s department, to outsoles designed for smoother surfaces like streets and sidewalks.

The company is in the process of certifying its waterproof footwear as blood-borne pathogen resistant and expects certification by midyear, Cabezut said.

The classic 9-inch side zip, tactical boot is among Original SWAT’s best sellers.

“It is convenient. It does not have to be laced up, and is comfortable to wear for long periods,” Cabezut said.

Work footwear includes a line with slip- resistant soles that also features an air pillow on some models.

The air pillow is a visible plastic pillow of air placed at midsole. The concept was introduced by Nike for shock absorption, Cabezut explained.