Design issues in military footwear and handwear

This chapter outlines the substantive issues when designing handwear and footwear for military applications, in the context of the requirements of fit to UK milita1y personnel, their tasks, and the environment or theatre within which they will operate. First, the nature and level of protection in different circumstances are outlined. Second, fit, physiological maintenance, task performance and other factors that influence design are considered. Finally, future trends in design and production are introduced. In each case, best practice from Human Factors and the application of available technologies are described to provide the optimum compromise within a final design solution.