Here’s another addition from Converse’s Utility Footwear line of shoes. It is a retooled version of the Chuck Taylor 70’s Utility Hiker and Converse Jump Boot. This boot has a good-looking blacked-out silhouette shape. Each of the boots features a Gore-Tex seam-sealed membrane for enhanced waterproof capabilities. Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex is able to repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through, and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use. It is composed of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is more commonly known by the generic trademark Teflon.

There is an extra long cotton lacing. Use it to secure the neoprene collar to the ankle. Neoprene is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene exhibits good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range. Neoprene is sold either as solid rubber or in latex form, and is used in a wide variety of applications, such as laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces (wrist, knee, etc.), electrical insulation, liquid and sheet applied elastomeric membranes or flashings, and automotive fan belts.

There are reflective panels for nighttime visibility – all built with military-inspired textiles. It doesn’t have the kind of outsoles that I prefer, with terrain hugging lugs, but it’s a cool looking boot and will pair well with slacks, jeans or tac-trousers if you’re just having a go at the range.

• Features a Gore-Tex seam-sealed membrane for waterproof capabilities
• Utilitarian patchwork upper with heavy-duty ribbon detailing
• Extra-long cotton laces for securing the extended neoprene collar
• Arrives in premium Urban Utility packaging
• Only available at this time in black and white
• $170.00

CONVERSE URBAN UTILITY COLLECTION

Crafted with the efficiency of peak performance in mind, the Urban Utility range elevates winter staples to functional new heights. This five-piece footwear and apparel line—which includes a retooled version of the Chuck Taylor 70’s Utility Hiker and Converse Jump Boot—is constructed with Gore-Tex bonded seams throughout for waterproof wear, reflective panels for visibility, and military-inspired textiles for added durability.