subject: Army Boots Are For All [print this page] As the name implies, military boots are boots designed for the army's use. military boots span a fairly wide spectrum in that there are desert boots, jungle boots, tanker boots, ammunition boots, EOD boots, and many other specialized categories of boots designed for different military needs.
The material used in the making of military boots, its height, ventilation pattern, lacing system, and a host of other things will vary based on the climate and function for which various models are designed. Nevertheless, army also lays down some general rules on the type of boots that can be worn with ACU or army combat uniform. One of these is that cattle hide leather has to be used in the manufacture of all types of military boots. Though the leather industry produces leather out of a variety of animals like pigs, goats, alligators, kangaroos, and ostriches, none of these are allowed in military boots.
The height of military boots is kept between 8" and 10" and sole thickness is not kept more than 2". No military boots design will allow the sole material to extent over the toe or project over the heel area. Polyurethane and rubber are the materials used for outsole in military boots and these are used in different combinations in boots designed for various terrains. Both these are very durable and are the best available materials for giving good traction on slippery or steep surfaces.
The upper of military boots will be of complete leather, or of a combination of leather and nylon. Nylon is mainly used in jungle boots. Mesh is not generally used for the upper because no material that is not flame resistant is recommended for the making of the upper of military boots. Because of that, soldiers are not allowed to wear certain types of desert boots even if they are otherwise comfortable.
Though most types of military boots are laced ones, there are exceptions like tanker boots where leather straps are used for fastening. However, Velcro inserts are not used in military boots. Likewise, plastic cleats and metal cleats on the soles are not allowed for soldiers use. So, even where a pair of boots is otherwise comfort wear and suitable for any specific terrain, it is not used as military boots if it has got cleats of either plastic or metal.
Two types of military boots, namely army combat boots or ACB for hot season, and ACB for temperate conditions are a must for soldiers. Though army issues boots to its soldiers, there are also many models of commercial off the shelf boots that satisfy the regulations of military boots. Soldiers are allowed to use any of these according to their aesthetic preferences.
While the army lays down certain restrictions on the type of boots soldiers can use, civilians have no restrictions on wearing military boots. Since the army has specialized boots for use in mountains, desert, swamps etc. these come in very handy for civilians who have to move about in such rough terrains either as part of their adventurous hobbies or as part of their duties. Military boots are also fashionable wear among many ordinary people and some special subculture groups.
