In the coming weeks, sailors from the Third, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh and Pacific fleets will begin testing a new lightweight boot that should be sturdier and more comfortable. The boot “will meet or exceed current industry standards for impact and compression protection – and increase comfort over long watches,” said Tom Gallagher, director of TechSolutions at the Office of Naval Research. Some 150 sailors on submarines, destroyers, and amphibious ships will begin testing the new boot first. Testing should run through August.