Magnum Boots, a manufacturer of safety and tactical gear, got its newest boots wet at the Milipol Paris 2009 military conference in November. Magnum allowed potential customers to test its Elite Force 8.0 WPi boots in a water box to signal the company’s confidence in the waterproofing ability of ion-mask™ liquid repellent nano-coating.

P2i Inc., Savannah, Ga., makes ion-mask and demonstrated the product’s application to various materials in Paris, bringing a plasma processing machine to the show. Water, chemicals and biohazards bead up and roll off the protective polymer coating, which blocks liquid but allows underlying materials to breathe. The boots remain dry, lightweight, stain-resistant and easy to clean—a real advantage to military troops serving in all climates and conditions.