Samelin 598 Desert Boots 2.0 – Water-Repellent Nubuck Leather, Handmade in Estonia

The Samelin 598 Desert Boots 2.0 are a revised version of the original 598 — the same water-repellent nubuck leather and textile hybrid upper, NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 certification, and breathable lining, now with an upgraded direct-moulded PU/RU composite outsole and improved anatomical insole. Handcrafted in Estonia. Unisex EU 36–51.

Sizing note: these boots run large. Order one EU size down from your usual size.

At €159.99 — €20 more than the original 598 — the 2.0 is the right choice if the sole and comfort improvements matter to your use case. The original 598 at €139.99 remains available for buyers who want the Vibram® outsole.

What Changed in the 2.0

The 598 2.0 makes two specific upgrades to the original 598's construction:

Sole: The original 598 uses a Vibram® rubber outsole — the industry-standard brand used by the majority of premium outdoor boot manufacturers. The 2.0 replaces this with a direct-moulded PU/RU composite sole — a polyurethane and rubber hybrid bonded under pressure directly to the upper during production. Direct moulding creates a mechanical bond between sole and upper that is stronger than adhesive application. [Confirm with Samelin: what are the specific terrain or durability advantages of the PU/RU composite over the Vibram® in desert conditions? Add here once confirmed.]

Insole: The 2.0's anatomical insole is described as shockproof — a step up from the original 598's standard anatomical insole. The additional shock absorption is relevant for hard, compacted terrain (gravel, stone, hardpan desert) where foot fatigue accumulates over long days.

Upper — Nubuck Leather and Textile Hybrid

The 598 2.0 uses the same construction approach as the original 598: water-repellent nubuck leather panels combined with water-resistant textile panels for breathability. Nubuck is full-grain leather that has been lightly buffed to create a velvet-like surface — denser and more durable than split-grain or corrected leather, and naturally more resistant to moisture than standard smooth leather.

The textile panels manage heat and airflow in the warm and dry conditions the 598 was designed for. A pure leather upper insulates — in desert environments, that is a liability. The hybrid construction keeps the boot structural and protective while allowing the foot temperature to regulate.

The lining under the vamp is textile — lightweight, breathable, and appropriate for the boot's warm-weather purpose.

Direct-Moulded PU/RU Composite Sole

The 2.0's outsole is a polyurethane and rubber composite, moulded directly onto the upper rather than adhesive-bonded. The PU component provides flexibility and cushioning; the rubber compound provides traction and durability on sand, gravel, and mixed terrain.

Direct moulding — the same process used across the Samelin military range — bonds the sole mechanically to the upper at the production stage. The result is a sole-to-upper connection that doesn't rely on adhesive integrity and doesn't delaminate in wet conditions or after sustained use in extreme temperatures.

NATO AQAP 2110 & ISO 9001 Certified

The 598 2.0 is manufactured at Samelin's Estonian factory to NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 quality standards — the same certifications applied to the M77 Norwegian Combat Boots and every other Samelin military-contract product. Samelin has been producing boots in Estonia since 1921 — over a century of production for military and civilian clients across Northern Europe.

598 Original vs 598 2.0 — Which One?

Both are live on the site. Here is the direct comparison:

Choose the original 598 (€139.99) if you want the Vibram® outsole — the recognised standard in premium outdoor footwear — and are comfortable with the standard insole.

Choose the 598 2.0 (€159.99) if you want the upgraded nubuck upper, the direct-moulded PU/RU sole with improved adhesion, and the shockproof insole — particularly for hard, compacted terrain where the additional cushioning matters.

View the original 598 Desert Boots for comparison.

Who the 598 2.0 Is For

Desert and arid-terrain users: Nubuck leather, textile ventilation panels, and a breathable lining for hot, dry conditions. NATO-certified construction for demanding operational environments.

Long-distance walkers and trekkers: The shockproof anatomical insole upgrade is specifically relevant for high step-count days on hard or uneven ground — extended urban walking, multi-day light treks, or work shifts on concrete and stone.

Buyers choosing between the 598 versions: If sole brand recognition (Vibram®) matters to you, the original 598 is the choice. If direct-moulded sole bonding and a shockproof insole are more relevant to your use case, the 2.0 justifies the €20 difference.

Urban and everyday wear: The clean, low-profile desert boot silhouette in nubuck leather with no external hardware is versatile enough for city use — lighter and more breathable than a full combat boot, smarter-looking than a hiking boot.

Specifications

Sizing — Order One Size Down

The 598 2.0 runs large. Order one EU size smaller than your usual size — if you normally wear EU 42, order EU 41. This applies across the full size range. Returns for fit issues on the wrong size are avoidable with this one note.

From myshoes24.com

• Handmade in Estonia — from the manufacturer behind NATO-issued Samelin footwear
• Free shipping across Europe on every order
• 30-day hassle-free returns — unworn boots, full refund

Also from Samelin: the original 598 Desert Boots (€139.99, Vibram® sole), the 5531 Hiking Boots (Vibram®, waterproof nubuck), the M77 Norwegian Combat Boots, and the 2077 Military Boots.

Samelin has been handcrafting boots in Estonia since 1921. The 598 range is the brand's desert and warm-weather tactical boot, manufactured to the same NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 standards as Samelin's military-contract footwear.