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JUNGLE

The jungle, consisting of tropical-rainforest ecosystems near the equator, is Earth’s most biodiverse land biome. From thickly tangled forest floor to towering canopy, it crawls and sings with life. From a human perspective, this dense abundance, combined with relentless humidity and rainfall, makes the jungle arguably the wildest, toughest, and most magical environment of all. 
 
Jungle footwear presents a major design challenge. Tellingly, indigenous jungle communities generally go barefoot. Breathability, traction, protection, durability, and drainage are all paramount.

The jungle, consisting of tropical-rainforest ecosystems near the equator, is Earth’s most biodiverse land biome. From thickly tangled forest floor to towering canopy, it crawls and sings with life. From a human perspective, this dense abundance, combined with relentless humidity and rainfall, makes the jungle arguably the wildest, toughest, and most magical environment of all. 
 
Jungle footwear presents a major design challenge. Tellingly, indigenous jungle communities generally go barefoot. Breathability, traction, protection, durability, and drainage are all paramount.

JUNGLE FIELD NOTES

CLIMATE

- Hot and humid, day and night
- Dry and wet (or wet and wetter!) seasons
- High rainfall, particularly during monsoon months

TERRAIN

- Towering trees 
- Thick undergrowth, tangled roots, and debris
- Hills, mountains, and rocky outcrops
- Many rivers, streams, swamps, and marshes

FLORA AND FAUNA

- Mixed rainforest of deciduous, semi-deciduous, and evergreen trees
- An astonishing array of flowering plants 
- Vibrant birdlife, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals
- Large mammals like monkeys, elephants, and big cats

CHALLENGES

Heat, humidity, rainfall, terrain, and wildlife make the jungle one of the most challenging environments on Earth. High heat and humidity make temperature control and hydration vital. Thorny vegetation, dense terrain, and muddy ground mean navigation is difficult. River crossings can prove hazardous. Foraging safely requires skill and knowledge. Abrasive sediments take a tough toll on both body and kit. And wildlife is a constant presence, from biting insects to snakes and larger predators. Beyond that, it’s a breeze.

PRIMARY TESTING LOCATION

BORNEO, MALAYSIA
1.6500° N 114.2500° E

JUNGLE FIELD NOTES

CLIMATE

- Hot and humid, day and night
- Dry and wet (or wet and wetter!) seasons
- High rainfall, particularly during monsoon months

TERRAIN

- Towering trees 
- Thick undergrowth, tangled roots, and debris
- Hills, mountains, and rocky outcrops
- Many rivers, streams, swamps, and marshes

FLORA AND FAUNA

- Mixed rainforest of deciduous, semi-deciduous, and evergreen trees
- An astonishing array of flowering plants 
- Vibrant birdlife, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals
- Large mammals like monkeys, elephants, and big cats

CHALLENGES

Heat, humidity, rainfall, terrain, and wildlife make the jungle one of the most challenging environments on Earth. High heat and humidity make temperature control and hydration vital. Thorny vegetation, dense terrain, and muddy ground mean navigation is difficult. River crossings can prove hazardous. Foraging safely requires skill and knowledge. Abrasive sediments take a tough toll on both body and kit. And wildlife is a constant presence, from biting insects to snakes and larger predators. Beyond that, it’s a breeze.

PRIMARY TESTING LOCATION

BORNEO, MALAYSIA
1.6500° N 114.2500° E

FEEL THE GROUND NOT THE COLD

NACHHALTIGKEIT BEI VIVOBAREFOOT

FEEL THE GROUND NOT THE COLD

NACHHALTIGKEIT BEI VIVOBAREFOOT

FOREST BIOME

JUNGLE ESC

How better to push the boundaries of the ESC range than with an expedition-grade boot built for Earth’s most challenging biome, tested in the blistering Borneo jungle?
 
The Jungle ESC is a radical and groundbreaking departure from the stiff, waterproof military boots traditionally used in jungles. Instead of trying in vain to keep water out, it works with nature, using cutting-edge material technology to balance protection, durability, breathability, and permeability – all with our classic barefoot fit and feel on a rugged sole.

JUNGLE BIOME

JUNGLE ESC

How better to push the boundaries of the ESC range than with an expedition-grade boot built for Earth’s most challenging biome, tested in the blistering Borneo jungle?
 
The Jungle ESC is a radical and groundbreaking departure from the stiff, waterproof military boots traditionally used in jungles. Instead of trying in vain to keep water out, it works with nature, using cutting-edge material technology to balance protection, durability, breathability, and permeability – all with our classic barefoot fit and feel on a rugged sole.

 

DESIGNED TO THRIVE

in jungle environments

FILTER, DRAIN, AND DRY

Rapid-drain engineering and advanced mesh construction for swift drainage while keeping sediment and debris out

VAPOUR RELEASE

High-vis air mesh lining for comfort, breathability, and easily spotting unwelcome flora and fauna

BUILT TO LAST

Tough Biomeshield overlay and Cordura upper for protection against tears and abrasions, and high-strength Dyneema laces for unmatched durability

MICHELIN© grip

High-performance outsole made with sticky, durable rubber optimised for roots and river crossings

DESIGNED TO THRIVE

in jungle environments

FILTER, DRAIN, AND DRY

Rapid-drain engineering and advanced mesh construction for swift drainage while keeping sediment and debris out

VAPOUR RELEASE

High-vis air mesh lining for comfort, breathability, and easily spotting unwelcome flora and fauna

BUILT TO LAST

Tough Biomeshield overlay and Cordura upper for protection against tears and abrasions, and high-strength Dyneema laces for unmatched durability

MICHELIN© grip

High-performance outsole made with sticky, durable rubber optimised for roots and river crossings

ecological survival collection

E.S.C

keep exploring

ecological survival collection

ESC

keep exploring

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