When I was young and poor and couldn't afford shoes that didn't have holes in them for the snowy winter, my Vietnam veteran coworker gave me his old pair of Jungle boots. Luckily we had the same size feet and I still use those boots today. RIP Jack, you really helped me out in my hour of need.
I was a Marine grunt in Vietnam (4/67-5/68) and I still have my jungle boots, and they have held up well after all these decades (though I don't wear them anymore). I logged many miles in those boots through the rice paddies and fields and had no problems. I found them to be a reliable and comfortable boot and I really liked the job they did. A great boot in my opinion.
I wore them in the 1990’’s and early 2000’s. Countless miles of ruck marches. I remember, getting to Bosnia with only cold weather boots. Ordered some green Altima’s. The day i got them we did a long movement. I wore them right out of the box with only one coat of polish, not a single blister. I learned foot management from our brothers who went through Vietnam.
Thanks for your service , Brother . I was in the Navy 1985 - 1995 . In basic training we were issued Chukka boots that came just over our ankles . They sucked , and most sailors replaced them soon after arriving to the fleet . In the surface fleet we were required to wear steel toed boots . I was on shore duty as an MP for two years , and several sailors wore Jungle Boots . After two years shore duty I bought a pair of US Navy Flight Deck Boots when I returned to the surface fleet . Those were the toughest boots I've ever owned , and lasted almost four years .
I wore my jungle boots until they were no longer authorized, but one issue that you didn't mention is that if you're in a fire while wearing them, the nylon uppers can melt and meld to your skin, forcing the doctors to skin your feet to get them off. I'm my initial entry training we were told that for that reason we shouldn't wear jungle boots in mechanized operations. Of course, when I got to my first unit (mech infantry) everyone was wearing them.
My Grandfather was a green beret in Vietnam and wore these all the way till the end of his service in the invasion of Panama. He passed them on to me and I’ve worn them in winter and hiking and they show no signs of wear other than the lace inlets and the rear heel of the sole. One tough as hell boot for an even tougher man.
I remember doing construction work with my uncle over summer breaks from school. This was late 80s early 90s. My uncle was a Vietnam Vet and took us(my brother, my cousin, and myself) to the Army Surplus store before we started working and had us all get a pair of jungle boots. He told us to keep them on at the job site. We just thought it was to have sturdy boots, later on he told us it was to make sure we didn't get nails through our feet and that jungles were better than work boots for that... Nice to see he was right...
@@TheSanityMachine33 He did 3 tours as a Ranger. One of those things you realize later what a brave guy he was. Although he just said he went back to Germany for a year and was bored... He was also a Drill Instructor for 2 years. Probably one of the best carpenters I have ever worked with.
Yeah had an idiot yank my latter from me on a construction site after placing a 2x4 with nails on the ground 1 nail over 5 inches long the the other went completely through my foot another stock into the main nerve area middle of my foot sole but was short of coming out. Took 3 big guys to pull it out and almost lost my foot later. The guy was seen then attacked others with a hammer then when police came attacked one throwing a hammer hitting a cop fracturing his skull. He went to prison for everything except causing me an injury as there was no charge for that but he had every drug known to man in his car plus scales etc and stolen guns one modified to full auto. I could not find jungle boots any where. I loved then in Panama in the infantry
Was issued my jungle boots in 1968 when I joined Charlie Company 1st BN 1st Marines as an 0311 (Grunt). Didn't take too long to get worn in and look like I was an old salt. Loved the boots and planned to bring them home at tour's end. The NVA had other ideas for me and brought mortar fire in on our platoon, wounding a bunch of us. My clothes were cut away, along with my boots, never to be seen again. Your thorough piece on the jungle boot has inspired me to find a new pair. After all, it's only been 54 years since my first pair. Semper Fi!
Semper Fi , I too was issued jungle 4 yrs later than you in 72. 3/9 , was at Rose Garden and tip toed through Laos once in blue moon hunting for pilots . 0351 never saw a flame thrower or a 106 RR. Lol
@@randypleva2397 I went in the Marine Corps in 1978, they only issued black leather boots no Jungle boots. But you were allowed to wear them if you bought them. I was 0352 Dragon gunner and 106 Recoiless Rifle gunner, but they phased the 106RR out in 1979 or 1980 along with the Multi-Shot if you remember that weapon.
Although I had orders to go to Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1968, I was not issued boots. I still had the two sets of black leather boots from basic. When the Army changed their minds and sent me to Okinawa, I didn't get the jungle boot. Oh well, I wore out the black ones over about 20 years, although I had them resoled a few times.
I have a friend who's in the US military and he says that the US military actually does put some thought into how things look. I mean, it makes sense when you think about it, some people would join the military simple because of how cool the gear looks and morale will be considerably higher if you wore and carried something you consider cool versus something that's ugly as shit
I was lucky enough to serve in the Air Force when we still wore BDUs and I loved these boots. 100% agree, these look superb. I bought my daughter a pair too, she thought they looked cool and wore them to school.
@@MelonMafia1 normally I would fully agree with you, but with one exception- the ACU camo with tan boots. Worst looking uniform ever adopted, and the boots didn’t look like they were even ment to be worn with it. The camo pattern blended with nothing I ever seen it with… except that one couch in a meme. The BDU before it was a rather smart looking uniform. Todays multicam based camo is a instant improvement but they have kept much of the styling of the ACU With manderin collar and slash pockets… which strikes me as more european looking than the earlier BDU… which its style could be traced back to the M1942 jump jacket and pants of the paratroopers, as could the Vietnam Jungle fatugues
I used this in my citizen military training more than 20yrs ago - it's very famous here in the Philippines due to the fact that we are a tropical country. This is also our low-cost version of Punk Boots when we can't afford Dr. Martens 😅
It's very similar to the ones Made in the Philippines. During my military training, one of my classmates had the US issued boots. The US issued ones seemed to have thicker canvass and its water/air valve was metal, different from the usual Philippine issued ones which were often made of plastic. I heard that During World War 2, many GIs preferred the Philippine Made "Ang Tibay" boots. I got to see one, and they resemble those modern Jungle boots more than the WW 2 GI boots.
@@scowler7200I wore my US-made, Philippine Army ROTC-used, Canvas upper, Panama Sole Jungle Boots with me to my first US Air Force duty station. Unfortunately my feet had grown a half-size bigger since high school so I couldn’t wear them anymore with my issued boot socks. I had to hit the mil clothing sales catalog to buy the newer versions, which were not the same anymore as what I had. The uppers were black nylon, and the leather were somehow harder to shine. And the soles wore out quicker on pavement. So disappointing.
My late brother served in Vietnam between 1966-68 when he came home he wore those same style jungle boots with the green they looked real nice he kept them wax down RIP big brother
We had these issued to us for Desert Shield/Storm. What is interesting is that we sealed off the vent ports with SuperGlue to keep the desert dust and fine sand out of them. Fantastic boot. (edited)
@@marcush4741 but, Desert Storm and Shield were both started in the Arabian Peninsula... (granted, it's pretty much the end of the arabian peninsula and going into the Fertile Crescent, but still, Arab Peninsula, Persian Gulf)
Used to be able to buy them “used” at a local Army/Navy surplus store for around $15 during the early’70’s - best work boot anywhere for a cash strapped young man…lasted forever.
They were only $15 at the Clothing Sales store on Schofield Barracks between 88 and late 90. Then they jumped to $27 which was ridiculous. I think that it was because so many tan versions were being made for the first Gulf War.
Former Marine and Army long range surveillance infantryman and have attended three different official jungle warfare courses between both services. Plain Altama jungle boots with speed laces were absolutely the best footgear ever designed. Yes the vent holes worked to push water out and help dry out the boots. Always had two pairs, one was my highly broken in as a primary set for long field exercises and a secondary set in the process of becoming as broken in as the first set.
I remember buying a set as soon as my unit ( active army: mid 80's ) was authorized to use them. After leaving the active Army I worked for a Land Surveyor in Michigan and I wore Jungle Boots 6 or 7 days a week Mid March to Late October for 3 years. I remember one day at work, one of my co-workers looked at my ( somewhat tattered ) Jungle Boots and asked me how long I had them. I told him 3 years. When I told him that I only paid $50 for them at the PX at Ft McCoy, Wisconsin, he looked down at his brand new LL Beans and said " I think I got ripped off ."
joined in the mid 90s. my first boot purchase right out of AIT were the jungle boots. i just saw the drill sergeants wear them around and i thought they looked cool as hell and it was a good way to get out of those standard issues ones.
@@iHasCaek why would your ankles need to be protected? I used to hike a LOT in the Green Mountains of Vermont and I always wore Vibram Five Fingers. After I wore them once I never wore a hiking boot (to hike anyway) again
I was a straight leg infantryman in the 80s and 90s and in that time wore everything from $300 Danner tacticals to Corcoran jump boots. Over maybe 5 or 6 boots during my time that I'd call high quality, the government issue jungle boots were by far my favorites for comfort, durability, and traction. Makes me wanna go get another pair.
I wore them training in Panama at JOTC in my infantry days. Still wear my later version desert tan ones for "beater" boots, seem to be the same except for the tread.
@@chloesamclutch JOTC was my brother and my play ground. Our dad was an instructor and he would use us to search for lost items between each training period. We would build little parashute's made from an old army poncho and tie them to ammo cans filed with gravel. We would push them out of small planes and he would radio the coordinunce to the troops to use in map course. So many great memories and this was in 1966 and these young soldiers new next stop was the war zone.
I was assigned to the 82nd Airborne in the early ‘80s, and I was issued two pairs of jungle boots when I arrived. They were perfect for the swampy terrain that makes up much of the Ft. Bragg training area. But, in the cold North Carolina winters, the steel plates in the bottom of the boots caused a lot of misery.
Feet and knees together! The metal strip kind of sucked when standing in the desert too. Someimes you'd get a burn on your feet that exactly matched the metal spike protector. Still they were pretty good boots overall and far better thant he regular CBs which were our only option back then.
@@NemoOhd20 yeah i don't know why they decided to name it fort liberty. unrelated but I saw some guy who moderated for some game had an entire website in his about me dedicated to pronouns... lol
I wore those in the Marines from 1990 to 1999 and the one issue you didnt discuss on the video was that the steel plate would break on its own over time. Granted I was in the infantry as a machine gunner with a heavy load out. But typically within a year a new boot would start to make a "clacking" sound as you walked, and you could feel the steel plate flexing and popping.
Interesting. Sounds like an improper alloy or something. I had some unrelated boots with a plate in it that I used for quite a long time, and it just got rusted (I know because it eventually came loose), never broke. I suppose the military boot might have been a bit too thin, but mine wouldn't have been much more than 1mm either, I think.
I remember that but not every pair or not even both boots (just one or the other),hahaha. Especially when I did 2 years in Panama and Honduras in the early 80s.
My dad is a Korean and Vietnam war combat vet and he retired from the Army. He bought me my first pair of jungle boots from the military clothing sales on base when I was 13 and I wore them almost every day to school because they were so comfortable. Kids thought that the green sides were socks! When I enlisted in 1980 I wore what was my 3rd pair to basic. I was told to put them away with my civilian clothing because I was issue the full leather ground troops boot. When I got to my first permanent party unit I was allowed to wear them to the field and they allowed us to buy and wear the jungle fatigues too. I ended up going through several pairs of jungle boots in my 8 years on active duty, and mostly wore them to the deserts and never in winter, or if it rained a lot. In the desert I used surgical tape to cover the drainage vents so sand wouldn’t get in through them. A lot of guys did the same thing. I think I’ll get myself another pair after watching this video.
I was USAF Security Police, and my first duty assignment in 1988 was Clark AB, Philippines. I was there a year before I got my first pair of jungle boots, and I loved them. While we did patrol the washout to the east of our flight line, jungle boots were just as needed on the ramps as any where else, especially during a tropical storm, and you have an inch of water running over the toes of your boots. The standard issue combat boots just caught & held that water, at least the jungles let it back out again.
I am a cell phone salesman but I met one of the guys who designed the metal plate that stops nails and spikes from going through. he said that was the number one thing he was most proud of designing! (i should also say, the reason he was so proud was because of all of the lives that they saved)
@@stonewallsquad3343 There is nothing to design... it is just a steel plate in the shape of a shoe... So what exactly he designed? The shape that is used for shoes for thousands of years? The steel? It is just spring type of steel and steel springs are used for centuries. The whole design process was all about making the decision what thickness of the steel plate you want to have there...
I first joined the Army in 1988. I wore these to Jungle Warfare training in Panama and as my first boots in Desert Shield/Storm. I (finally) was medically retired in 2022 and, while there were many outstanding boots and changes over those 34 years, I still miss those boots.
Loved my Army issued ('89-'92) jungle boots! Most comfortable boot I've ever worn. I wore them for years after getting out of the Army. Wore the sole completely smooth.
@@Ferien7 Issued Hamilton or Timex analog, then when digital watches came out I switched to G-shock for a while. Some guys liked the Seiko or Casio analog dive watches but I found them heavy and bulky. Then a series of Casio calculator watches, plenty rugged and waterproof but a PITA to change the battery which always seemed to die half way through a six month deployment. Very very useful in pre-cell phone days to have a calculator and phone number data bank on your wrist. Then back to a solar powered G-shock when that came out. Always had tritium or luminescent watch compass on the band. Finally the Suunto's and Garmin's with built in electronic compasses when those arrived. The mesh Jungle boot insoles worked pretty well and were surprisingly durable. But not very much cushion; a lot of guys switched them out for Spenco insoles when they came out. But you got issued wool 'cushion sole' socks which were pretty good. The coolest JB variant I got issued was in the early 80's and were waterproof brown Goretex and had a groove in the heel to accommodate the spring ski binding. Much softer sole and more comfortable than standard JB's. Unfortunately the sole stitching was not heavy duty enough for skiing and would routinely rip out under the load. They were great for general winter wear though.
When I was in the Marines in the 90's we NEVER bought the black jungle boots. The black boots were nylon and ripped after just a little use, The greens were cotton canvas and lasted a long time. There were some civilian copys out in town (Oceanside-Jacksonville) but those fell apart too. Also...I preferred the jungles after I had them re-soled. I thought the Vibrams were better than the factory sole. More cushion. And yes, when they wore out I disposed of them properly......I tied the laces together and threw them over the power lines at Courthouse Bay!!
I second that comment about the black jungle boots In the early 00's I was issued with Altama branded ones and they sucked hard! (They had black nylon sides, stupidly narrow foot/toe area,the stitching around the tongue digs into the top of the foot,which caused blisters and foot cramps and to top it off the speedlacing and drain eyelets tend to pop off....) Like a lot of Aussies that got issued them, I chucked them at the first thrift store I could fit! I thankfully found a pair of the green cotton sided ones and they fit a lot better.... seems like they are made on a different foot last or maybe the leather was fantastic quality compared to what current production are??
My black jungle issued in 92 lasted me till 96, I just need to resole them. They then last another 4 years of hiking in civi life before I misplaced tjem
@itp5x5 Nice! I was a Doc with 3/2 in 94. I remember the green jungle boots were phased out and we were issued the black jungle boot and leather boot. Even though the green jungle was no longer authorized, no one complained if you still wore them.
@itp5x5 Same here, I was issued them in 93 too. I've had both black and green and love them both! I guess some other Marines got some s***** ones but not me!
The wood plug is to make the boots float. Otherwise they'd sink. They don't sink. They float, they float heel side up. You can actually feel it if your totally submerged, the heel wants to float.
One of the best boots I had ever worn, spent 10+ years in a light infantry Div, I wore them in the jungles of Panama, Honduras, Africa, and road marched 1000s of miles in them.
For obvious reasons, the Army understands feet. During training, and upon intake in Vietnam, I received more instruction about footwear (including socks) and foot care than anything else related to the body. And speaking of socks, those were top quality as well and integral to proper fit and comfort of the boot.
Reminds me of the scene when Forrest Gump meets Lt Dan and gets the "change your socks" speech. It's very true. Gotta take care of your feet. I've been issued some surprisingly good footwear as well.
Took to wearing the jungle boots without socks when I was in. My uncle put me onto it ( Aussie Vietnam vet) The theory is when the jungle boots get wet, so do the socks. Problem is the socks stay wet after the boots dry out and so do your feet. Get rid of the socks, boots dry out, feet dry out. Never had a problem with foot rot or blisters and I deployed 4 times in infantry in the Pacific region.
As a member of the 82nd Airborne Division for 6 years I wore this boot in all conditions and climates and with the exception of arctic conditions this was the best boot I ever had. I still wear them sometimes when I’m doing yard work today. Your statement that this $50 boot is superior to $200 boots is spot on. I have plenty of $200 boots to support that observation.
@@roberthealy8519 there is 2 Army Navy surplus store's in Rockford Illinois in the USA and I did continue to wear the Altima (sp?) Jungle combat boots while hiking and on work sites for Year's.
Interesting, as the boots I was issued in 81' were worthless in keeping your feet warm in cold Ft Carson, Co/Camp Stanley, Korea weather. The solid rubber soles transferred the cold up through the plastic insert they had in them right to your feet.
@@MrDLRu I wore my combat boots while hiking in the Redwoods and in West Virginia and the job sites was not a cold weather situation but I would have a pair until they wore out and then maybe a year or so later I would get another pair but it has been many years sense I last had a good pair of jungle combat boots. I have been buying Keen work boots the last 10 years
So this video popped up for me to watch. I am 74 and a Vietnam combat vet. I was an RTO in the 5/46 198th Lt. infantry.I went to my basement and found the boots I wore home from Nam.They still have my dog tag laced into the right boot. Walked many k carrying a PRC25 radio. The nylon insole worked very well. After walking out of deep water they would compress and water came out the air vents. We wore heavy socks I think wool to wick the water. Your feet were pretty much always wet. ( rice Pattys and streams) Carried a pair of extra socks changed and dried the wet ones on your pack.Feet looked just like the picture you showed. Most of us in the field dealt with jungle rot on our feet and other places . Thanks for the memories I think. 1968-69
I used to be in the US Forest Service in California, and I owned a pair of the Jungle boots for patrolling in the mountains, and at 7000 feet or more elevation, I was glad these jungle stompers were on my feet. I even was attacked by a blue racer snake I did not see, but when he struck at me, I raised my right foot, and he bit the jungle boot sole at the toe box. Those holes stayed with the boot for their lifetime but protected me like a best friend.
I was a grunt in Vietnam, my first week in country I was waiting to be shipped out to the field when I encountered a seasoned grunt with well worn jungle boots, almost white, and the rest of his appearance matched his boots. Humbling experience but it wasn’t long before I looked like him.
I loved mine. As a kid my dad (nam vet) got me these as hiking/work boots. The way to break them in was to wear them wading getting them completely saturated. Then you wear them til they dry. The leather conformed to your foot and made them really comfortable. Loved them
Yep, a bucket of tepid water and then lace them up. Also a good time to grease up the leather, they will dry from the inside and moisture will draw the grease in.
I use the US jungle boots for about 15 years now. I have a dozen pairs, some of them brand new. They vary from 1968 to 1988 and they are the best footwear for jungle warfare ever made. I wore them from the Northeast of United States to the jungles of Brazil. Great boots.
Wore them for years on active duty. Loved how light they were and were a lot cooler in summer than their other full leather standard USAF issue. Have always been my favorite boot. I will say I picked up the new model recently for $20 at a surplus store and the new Vibram soles are unbelievably comfortable. Great video! I really enjoyed seeing what was inside these things.
I served from 1988-2014. Until the transition to ACUs and the split leather desert style boots in 2003/2004, the jungle boot was the go-to boot for combat arms soldiers (except in winter time). I’d always have a couple pairs broken in and in wear rotation. I’d have to get a new pair every 6-8 months from wearing them out. They have to be the real GI issue variety, not the horrible knock offs you find in most surplus stores. Altima was the manufacturer brand name of the good variety. The GI issue desert tan boots of the ACU era were pretty much just a suede version of the jungle boot.
I was introduced to Jungles while serving in the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. Long hot summers and rice paddies like Vietnam. Everyone wore them. I bought my first pair and never looked back. Wore one pair so long during Desert Shield and Storm that they looked like they were grey suede and the soles were completely shot. Most comfortable combat boots once they are broken in. I’m going to buy a pair right now :-)
I bought a pair of these years ago for hiking trips in an area where frequent water crossings were an issue. They were cheaper than almost any acceptable alternative, and still some of the toughest boots I've owned. The vents definitely worked. As you walk, you can look down and watch water shoot out with every step for some distance after you come out of the water. Combine them with the right socks (not cotton!) and your feet won't be perfectly dry, but they'll definitely be reasonably dry. IMO the spike plate and steel shank made the soles a bit stiff, but not horribly so. Out of 10, I'd give them an 8 for comfort, 10 for function and 15 for durability. One "mod" I'd recommend is replacing the laces with parachute cord. The stuff holds up so much better than any purpose-made shoe or boot lace and IMO has just the right amount of give.
This brings back memories. My two favorite boots were the jungle boots (desert version) which were about as good at it got in the desert heat, and for dress the Corcoran tanker boot, which were just amazing. The Corcoran’s were not official issue, but they looked so good nobody ever gave you crap about it. And yes, the jungle boot is not expensive.
Corcan tanker boots are authorized boots, anyone who says they aren’t just doesn’t know the order. Some older tankers used to wear them after they completed gunnery table 4
@@caseylopez7152 I am going back many more years than I care to remember, and i was wearing them on the flight line. (If they weren’t okay, why were they for sale at the PX? 😉 )
I never knew tankers had their own style of boot. I looked them up very sharp. I also loved my jungles and deserts. I got out 35 years ago, but I still have a pair of each, they have side zippers now, but I wear them almost every day.
Wore those boots for nine years in the military, and they were awesome, had a pair for garrison, and a pair for the field. When my feet would get wet, from water crossings, I could where them for about half an hour to hour, change my socks, and be good to go. I thought they were good boots, but know I know they actually were. Thanks for this one.
Makes sense. Instead of trying to keep your feet dry in the jungle, which is impossible, accept they'll get wet and figure out how to mitigate the problem so you can keep moving.
My Jungle Boots had the newer sole and the steel plate. These were the most comfortable boots, very comfortable. Water drained well, and walking helped with ventilation as air came in and out of the drain holes. I wore them after I received my DD-214 in my work.
I wore these for work boots for around 20 years. They were cheap at my local surplus store, and even if they wore out, I could afford to replace them. It was great to have my soles protected while walking around on re-bar and cut metal.
I used them as an auto mechanic for years, but I found that the constant kneeling down that was required in working on cars caused the spike protective plates to crack after a while and then you'd click when you walked!
My father was in Vietnam and Thailand, from the beginning to the end of the conflict. He came home with a few pairs of these boots. They have lasted for decades as work boots and camping boots. Amazing boots
Great video. Wore them in VN 1967-68. They were great boots for the era. Many, many years later bought a pair of Merrell boots that separated from sole and upper after a year of light use. Never saw anything like that with jungle boots.
After basic training in 2000 we we’re allowed to wear the jungle boots with the black canvas, during our basic training we’re only allowed to wear the all leather Army Boots that were issued to us. Those leather boots had done more injuries within our battalion. Finally got to my duty station and were allowed wear it until it was phased out by desert boots Vibrams
OK, I thought something went wrong into I saw this that I'm not alone - I was in Army ROTC in college 2001-'03, we had BDUs when active duty getting deployed were switching to the new patterns, & I still have my all-leather black combat boots in the trunk of my car for emergencies. They didn't breathe much at all, but that's not too bad when you only wear them at most 2 days in a row for an FTX & we saw a lot more snow than hot weather. They cover about 1/4 of my shins, almost always overkill unless there's deep snow; then it would be better to have my insulated snow boots. For a backup to handle most roadside surprise emergencies, they're at least "good enough" to get through a wide variety of conditions.
I used to get them resoled at a place on Yadkin Road outside Fort Bragg. New Vibram soles on broken-in jungle boots made for boots that felt like slippers but still supported your ankles. Best field boot ever, even in the winter.
In Germany jungle boots weren’t authorized from Nov 1 to May 1 IIRC, but when we went to Graf or Hohenfels our battery commander wore his so a lot of us did, too LOL. Jungle boots with Sealskinz Gore-Tex socks under the issued wool socks were warm and dry!
I have had several pair of jungle boots. The better made ones are very comfortable once broken in. Had one pair resoled with ripple soles. Made a huge difference in comfort. The tan desert boots were made just like the jungle boots except they were tan suede and they did not have the vent holes.
@@Rokaize I had them done at a boot shop right off of Ft.Eustis. Some little old Korean guy. Did a excellent job. The fabric on the uppers wore out long before the sole.
These were my favorite daily-wear boots while serving in the Army from 88-92. However, my other favorite pair of boots was the Corcoran jump boots highly polished with Kiwi Parade Gloss. I was an MP and would wear those while on the front gate or on patrol on day shift. Any other time, I was in the jungle boots. Once either of these boots were broken in, they were some of the most comfortable boots. The basic issue boots (black leather all around) sucked donkey balls.
I was thinking the same thing, they were my favorite authorized daily wear boots when I was in the Army during the same time. Especially during the summer months.
I was an MP at the same in Germany. I wore both of those same boots, for the same reason!! I wore the soles off my jungle boots and they always made a “click” noise when I walked!
Same here but from 91-99. I couldn't stand the standard issue black boots. Unless I was wearing my Corcoran jump boots in my Class A's (Airborne) I was wearing my jungle boots. Those things were great
I wear these year 'round for yard work, roof work, painting, snow shoveling (with extra socks), hiking, climbing ladders --- everything imaginable. So comfortable, durable, and with great traction in every situation.
I was issued a pair for my stint in Belize in the 90s. It was a 7 week jungle infantry training exercise with the British army. Excellent boots at the time British boots where definitely sub par in comparison. I believe they have finally sorted this out and now they issue some decent kit.
I was in the Army from 1987 till 1992. These were far and away my favorite boots. I have a NOS pair from 1979 that I've barely broke in. Those are my bugout boots. I've added modern cushion insoles for my high arches.
Have worn this style since the late 60's. Once these are broken in, you can walk for miles and miles in comfort. Couple of years ago I walked across Spain, 500 miles, no foot issues at all.
This was a very interesting video. I still remember being issued two black pairs of jungle boots when I arrived at my first Infantry unit at Schofield Barracks, HI in 1996. We walked, hiked, and road marched many miles in those boots. Thanks for doing this review!
A Filipino here and from where I'm from, these boots are pretty much still In use. I had used them myself during my days in the Reserve Officers Corps. It gave me an ingrown toenail during my jungle training but held really well throughout the Training Course and even during the tactical formations.
I wore my jungle boots for years in the military. They were my absolute favorite and most comfortable, extremely durable and long lasting. The only change to them many of us did was to add 550 cord instead of the black laces. The jungle boot is by far the best military boot I have ever had or worn.
For Moctober this year, please consider examining some of the Midwest and east coast moccasin brands. It'd be great to see Minnetonka, Rancourt, Anxynt, Yuketen, LL Bean, Russell, and Quoddy cut in half and exposed. Why do they cost so much and is it worth it?
Great idea, extremely expensive idea. If he puts an order in for Russells now, he might be able to get them for next year...I'm in that boat right now.
When I was in the Marine Corps in the 1980's they authorized the wearing of the jungle boots for garrison and well as field. Initially we were only allowed to wear the all leather, black combat boots. We found the jungle boot to be a more comfortable, practical boot for everyday wear. The ones we had, had the second generation heavier and spaced out lug soles like shown in the video. I thought they were great boots and after I got out the Corps wore mine for duck hunting in the marsh until they finally fell apart from use.
I absolutely loved my OD green jungles. The most comfortable combat/field boots I ever had besides the Oakley's I wore for Garrison use in the 2010's. Every where else in the army, you were only authorized to were the black ones with the big cushion around the top, except at Bragg. They didn't care. At least half of the base wore the ODG jungles, and this was in the the late 90's, early 2000's.
3:15 the thicker lugs are angled inwards as well, so as the sole pushes into mud the pressure increases between the lugs and the previous footfall's load of mud gets forced out sideways.
As an Ex soldier, I wholeheartedly agree with you, I love these boots and in a 20 year career in the army, I wore a lot of different boots!! We spitshined these babies and were glad to have them at inspection time with highly pressed BDU’s
@itp5x5 Yessssss Brother!! Those things were great on the feet!! Light and your feet didn’t sweat!! I retired in 2004 after Operation Iraqi Freedom! Thanks for your service!!
Jungle boots were great. They were light and dried out fast, just as they were designed to do. We wore them three seasons out of the year and even wore them on parachute jumps. Some people thought that they didn't provide enough ankle support to use them on airborne operations but in SF, we had no problems. I still have a couple of pairs!
I had a pair of these that I bought in a surplus store when I was around fifteen (1973). I grew up on a farm and helped on neighboring farms. I remember how comfortable they were while working in hot hay fields in the summer. I had them for many years.
Great video! Was issued 2 pair of these when I reported to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii back in ‘92. After 28 years of service and wearing many types of military boots, the green jungle boots were hands down my favorite.
I loved my Jungles, i bought a pair when i was still in service and even though we were state-side i was still allowed to wear them. While the sole had those large (what did you call them again?) tread on the bottom, making it a little odd to walk on pavement with them. The fact that they were designed to circulate air and let your feet breath in them was a god-send on hot summer days. I got to the point that i wore them exclusively, while everyone else just wore those black Cadillacs.
I went on active duty in the late eighties when some units were not allowing these boots anymore, but I wore them a lot because I didn’t get free replacements of the leather boots until halfway through my contract. Unless it was really hot, the late eighties leather boots were actually more comfortable for me. You could also buy knock offs at surplus stores without the steel for when you were riding a desk. They were great so long as you didn’t have to walk farther than the parking lot. 🤣😂🤣
@@Pearmesan Well, my army experience is about 3 decades old. When I hike now, I don’t carry much. I use a lightweight, gore Tex boot. High enough to protect my ankles from rolling because of a snow board injury. Can’t tell you the brand or model, I left them in another state.
Over the years I was in the navy. I ran hundreds of miles in every kind of terrain in these jungle boots with the panama soles and the mesh insoles. They work. These boots stayed comfortable, cool, and dry. They last for years without a problem.
I preferred Jungles over leather Cadillacs...especially on a 35 mile hump. Plus that contrast between the leather and cloth when you spit-shined was lovely.
After my uncle got out of the army he gave me his jungle boots. I used them as a motorcycle boot when we went on long rides. Still the best boots I've ever had
Bunny boots, more formally known as Vapor Barrier (VB) boots, have saved my toes more times than I can count while being stationed in Alaska. I've seen them cut in half already but looking forward to your take on them.
Funny, my dad called them Mickey Mouse boots from the time he was in Korea. Probably not as cold as Alaska, but he said it routinely got to 50 below in the "frozen chosin." He said they had valves on them to relieve pressure or vacuum, I assume while in an airplane.
@@TeensierPython Mikey Mouse boots and Vapor Barrier Boots are not the same thing, VB Boots are much better at cold weather -0f and below while MM Boots are good only from 32-0f or so. As stated above VB Boots have a valve for when you are in aircraft to vent pressure, which is part of the reason for their extra cold protection. With out the valve VBs will swell up and can damage your feet. Mickeys as far as I know do not swell to that extent.
I was issued a pair of these over 40 years ago, and they were my favorite of every pair of boots I ever owned outside of winter/spring. For obvious reasons of course. The drain holes just in case you hadn't already guessed.
FANTATIC! I have been telling people for many years that these are the best value exactly because they are designed with function being the top priority. I worked in the field for decades and inherited them from retired family members and really like hw well they work for me, and they last much longer (for me) than civilian boots that I had tried.
Great review. I had two pair during my year in Danang. Not remembering which my first pair was, but the second was the later design. I mostly had to deal with sand and the rain. They worked great for that. Didn’t experience the jungle condition or the punji sticks, so can’t speak to that. I was allowed to bring only one pair back, (the later design) and used them for several years afterwards. Finally wore them out. Loved them.
*In 2006(?) I had the opportunity to visit Danang again and was shocked to see it hadn't changed much since 1974. Nothing was spic and span and general base decay always present but I was instantly transported back decades. I showed my kids where the Shenanigans took place and was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the people were.*
Very interesting video, I wore this exact boot in Vietnam , we were issued the boots with the bigger lug sole. They were a very comfortable boot, and having the extra protection in the sole of the boot made you feel a little bit better about walking thru those jungles, and swamps. The drain on the side worked amazingly well, with everything step you took your foot would push water out. A lot of that had to do with the insert you showed. Seemed like the laces were indestructible as well, being wet you would think they would rot and break. This was one of the best improvements the military made in footwear. I find your videos very interesting and educational . Take care, Semper fi
My question tho is did you have quick drying socks? Cos even in new Danner Rat boots with the holes on the side, I always hated getting my feet wet cos the sock would stay wet. Wet feet in the field sucks lol.
@@Eirik_Bloodaxe No we didn't have socks that dried quickly, I carried an extra pair or two and would change them if we had time to sleep. Those damn jungles were so wet as soon as you took a half dozen steps your feet were wet again. Even with today's water proof boots like the Danner boots with gortex liners your feet would still be wet, the water in the jungle was ankle to knee deep on average , until you found a hole. Semper Fi
Besides my Corcoran Jump boots, I had 2 pairs of green jungle boots in DIV early to mid 90's. 1 was a garrison set due to less polishing and the 2nd was my field set. I still have them, although I did have waffle soles put inplace to lighten them. I love my jungle boots.
I loved my jump boots. They were the first pair that I purchased (versus issued boots). Most of my peers transitioned to Hi-Tecs and the like, but even the last pair I wore (20 years later) were Corcoran Marauders. Great boots, very comfortable, and they even made women's sizes.
Jump boots could be more accurately called landing boots. All momentum is arrested at the ankle. Faceplanted on basketball court. Friends thought I had a stroke. Old stock Jungle, Jump and Ft. Louis are the BEST ... if you can get them.
I just used the old german issue ones that are pretty much exactly the same as these for 4 months in the jungle in Costa Rica. they cost me £25 surplus and lasted better than anyone else's altbergs and so on
Nice! I almost never find deals on surplus stuff... because I'm a bigger guy. All the surplus boots and clothing always seems to be in sizes no bigger than medium or maybe large. That doesn't work when you're 6'3" 250lbs with size twelve feet.
As a 15 year US Army Infantry veteran, I've worn dozens of different types of boots, and these were probably my favorite. I remember when they banned the OD green type in the late 90's early 00's, so I picked up a black pair. It wasn't long after that that they banned jungle boots altogether. I still probably have a pair floating around somewhere.
@@geraldleatherman1899 probably some dumbassed CSM that didn't have better shit to do. Probably was in fact, the CSM of the Army. And who is quite often a turd that has nothing better to do. - signed, a former field grade who prefers function over form.
@@geraldleatherman1899 I wore a pair of OD green jungles to work in 2004. My company commander told me they were only authorized in Hawaii and that he didn't want to see them again haha.
@@eliaspanayi3465 in the late 90s through the phaseout of the woodland camo BDUs, the only authorized boots where the all leather boots, black jungle boots, and tanker boots (if you were a tanker). You could wear Corcoran jump boots if you were in an Airborne unit, but mostly with dress uniforms. I was never given a hard time about black jungle boots anywhere while I was in. I'm not doubting @geraldleatherman1899, all it takes is one commander or CSM having a problem with them and they can be banned at a particular unit. You were allowed to resole your boots so a lot of guys would go to stores like Ranger Joes and get fancy vibram or ripple soles put on. The only place you couldn't have them was Ranger school.
50 bucks for a new condition 3rd pattern jungle boot with vibram sole? That's a realy good deal! You should try to contact Altama - they are one of the manufacturers of the classic jungle boots, and now they have a more modern model called Pro-X. Maybe they will be kind enough to provide you with a pair of Pro-X's. Also army has a new pattern of jungle boot (Belleville Burma 901), and USMC adopted two new jungle boot models (one by Rocky, another one by Danner). Would be interesting to see them being cut in half :)
No no you wanna contact Mccrae. They were one of the OG contractors from back in the day. They make probably the closest copy of the 3rd pattern jungle boot that you can get. Problem is they’re not available in common sizes right now but I’m hoping for another run soon. They also make what’s called the hot weather boot. It’s all in black but uses DuPont Codora nylon but it’s built the same way. The new material is really quite thin but it’s great at staying durable but not giving in ( I’ve had a park with it in use for over a year). Rock rooster makes a jungle style boot as well but it’s got a sole more oriented towards work. Still it features the lightweight cloth and leather construction. It’s got the screened vents. This type of boot makes a great 3 season boot in the mid Atlantic states though for winter your better off with something more solid, but from say mid spring to mid fall ( before the nighttime temps drop below freezing) this is a very comfortable style of shoe
@@kilo393 well Vietnam OG-107 jungle boots and uniforms are a very wide discussion with 3 different patterns and ERDL camouflage patterns, might be a bit long winded but here goes. When initially headed to Vietnam the us army issued the Cotten sateen uniform. Those included a black leather version of the M-1943 style combat boot. It became obvious that the sateen uniform was too hot to wear and the Goodyear welted construction of the 1943 rotted away very fast in the jungle. The type 1 jungle fatigue was introduced and it was based off the us airborne jumpsuit with a looser fit for better air circulation. The type 1 jungle boot was introduced about the same time. Both were liked but the exposed buttons and epaulettes would still snag jungle vegetation. Around 1967 they introduced the type 2 fatigue ( probably the most common) and the type 2 jungle boot with the spike protection. The type 2 suffered from the same seat and knee failure as the type 1 uniform but troops liked them. The type 3 was introduced around 1971 or 72 with the type 3 boot following. The type 3 was the Panama sole spike protection boot. You’ll see a lot of mix and match for uniforms cause all 3 pattern OG-107s were still being issued by the end of the war ( as the army used up stocks of previous pattern uniforms in stateside or Vietnamese warehouses). The type 3 jungle boot followed a similar pattern as most ended up in stateside warehouses after the us started to reduce our involvement in Vietnam. You’ll still hear stories of Vietnam vintage jungle boots being issued as late as Iraq in 2003. Though officially the boot was supposedly phased out in 1994 the army had vast stockpiles of them. You still hear stories of collectors who find vintage Vietnam uniforms still boxed up and never sent overseas. ( oh of note pattern 3 jungle fatigues introduced the rip stop pattern type 3s are what Rothco copied )
By far the best boot I ever worn. I used them in every environment imaginable sans artic. They were even my go to boots for jumps. Had more ankle support than they would seem due to the tighter fit around the leg/ankle. But the best part of the jungle boot by far was the look. They just went so well with BDUs. That OD look with a spit shine was STRAC.
Very interesting. Loved the dissection. Unfortunately, both of my ankles were injured because the high top did not provide enough protection from ankle sprains and a fracture. Wore them 1969-1970, U.S. Army II CORPS. Today every step I take hurts and x-rays show osteoarthritis and old fracture & joint damage. But, I thank God I have two feet still attached. "MOVE OUT!"
probably should've done ankle muscle building and flexing exercises to make them more resistant to fracture. bone gets tougher if you load it and bang on it, and joints are less likely to be damaged if you bend and flex them
@@pollodustino Also take vitamin D and K (both 50 to 100 micrograms daily) so the calcium gets deposited better in the bones. Vitamin D also helps against the auto-immune aspect of arthritis, if present.
Jungle boots are by far my favorite boot to date. I wear a full set of Vietnam era gear for work, but my boots are my pride and joy. I applied some sno-seal to them to keep the black exterior from eroding in the mud and to add some water proofing to them. In the summer I wear cushion sole socks with them and in the winter I wear sealskinz waterproof socks because of the draining holes that let water in occasionally and because they add their own insulation to the setup. They are my only pair of work boots, and they are the only pair I need honestly. I do freelance work, so I've worn them in just about any situation you could think of. Irrigation, landscaping, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, logging, snow, rain, hail, hot, cold... you name it, I've worn them doing it. They're cheap, lightweight, and durable. They have great ankle support, indestructible soles, good quality materials, and they look so nice you could wear them to a funeral. For the price, you cannot beat the jungle boot.
0:17 my experience was wearing the desert version. While lightweight and comfortable, they didn't offer much in the way of ankle support over rucks and rough terrain.
Wore jungle boots four years, US Army 75th Ranger Regiment…those boots went through hell and back, and kept my feet safe and in good condition. Long hauls on hot roads or tarmac weren’t so grand, that steel in the sole would heat up and encourage blisters, but for every other temperate clime they were the bomb.
As a collector i was quite shocked at first. After watching the video about the german boots i have to say im with you on this. This gives a new insight into interesting objects
In boot camp in '90, I preferred the jungle boot over the leather combat boot mostly because of the tread. I now prefer ankle support, foot protection and durability of full leather. Yes, we had soles replaced with Vibrams.
I liked the boots in Vietnam and when I brought a pair back home I used them on my dairy farm. The problem was the same as other farm boots: they rotted away after being exposed to cattle manure; leather parts went first.
@@anormalbloodangel843 fresh cowshit (and other animal manure, and urine) tends to be pretty acidic, yo. Even if you condition them properly and clean your boots every day, piss and shit is still going to rot the leather in a hurry. If you have to work around livestock, leather is just about the worst choice for durability. There's a very good reason those ugly rubber "wellington" style boots are so popular among farmers: They only cost around twenty bucks a pair and they basically last forever unless you cut them somehow or just plain wear through the soles... which takes a long time on a farm because you're usually not walking on concrete or asphalt. They're awful when it's hot though, because obviously they don't breathe worth a damn.
When I was in the Army Airborne, I loved these boots. The first time I saw them, I said I was going to get a pair. Light weight, easy care, and enough ankle support for airborne opporations. Also, less to polish for inspections 😁
My first experience with jungle boots was when I got stationed in Panama after Basic. We were issued 2 pair after arriving in country. The where the most comfortable boots. It was general practice for us to remove the the steel sheet and shank. I preferred the green cotton canvas over the black nylon. They were softer and lasted much longer than the nylon. Plus the green looked better. Before leaving Panama I took my boots back to CIF and exchanged them for 2 new pairs. I kept one pair for daily wear and the other pair I had resolved with the spongy Vibram soles for road marching. The resolved pair lasted me around 6yrs and 2 more resoles before the had to be tossed. I was able to get by with them for a few years after the reg change which banned the green by showing the CIF stamp on the tongue, proving that they were issued and not purchased on the market. I even wore them in the field in winter, my feet stayed dryer in them since they didn't retain the moisture like the heavy assed winter boots that just made my feet sweat. I was out before the new boot types came out, but I must say they look very comfortable and would probably make a good replacement for my trusty jungles.
Just an observation - my brother brought back his jungle boots from a Thailand tour (1970) and I acquired them. They worked well in northern winters for a couple of years (with heavy socks) but eventually the soles cracked due to the below zero temps.
I wear 2 of the german versions. I learned to appreciate the non sweaty feet fast. And when I quickly had to retrieve a dog from a river, I learned to appreciate those drain ports. With good care and high use, I got 16 years out of my first pair. I still wear them some times, when threads on the soles are less of a requirement.
At one time I hated this boot. But I soon learned to LOVE it! You did a good job describing this boot, but you left out comfort. These boots are like house shoes. You can sleep in them. They keep you feet dry, and low odor(pending your hygiene). I'm completed surprised that you left out snake proof. I love these boots. I hear the current boot is even better. I would assure so, for they ain't cheap! Good job with the video!!
Ehhh, the current boots (as a kid who just got back from BCT) are alright. Personally liked my jungle boots more (I own a pair for daily work). Even after putting decent insoles in the boots, they kill your feet on marches. And are overly heavy compared to what they need to be. I say bring back the jungle boot🤣
I served in the USMC from 1976-1979 and bought a pair of these boots, it was a great lightweight boot, but my favorite boot was the 1960’s all leather biltrite heel and sole boot. I know these boots failed in the Jungle but were great Stateside. I was a heavy vehicle operator and I felt these boots gave me more support and were very heavy duty. I’d really like to see your analysis of these type of boots, I believe they were called McNamara boots and were a bit shorter than the previously issued boots as well as than the ones I was issued with the rubber molded soles. Keep up the awesome work!
I had those boots when I went to Vietnam. Thay are a great boot for what they were made for. If your feet get wet, they dry out fast and I don't remember my feet ever feeling hot. I think that band around the ankle is for abrasion as that is the part that frayed from ankle rub,
I wore the 1st generation of these in Vietnam in '66. Good, comfortable tough wearing footwear. I always thought the military finally got it right along with the jungle fatigues. Great video, thanks
Never replaced mine! Still my go-to boot for three-seasons, just make sure you use thermal mesh insole insets. Do not use foam inserts; you'll regret it very quickly if you do!
They were my favorite boots. Especially after the soles wore out and I got them re-soled with comfort soles. Had 3 or 4 pair of them. I wore them until the day they were no longer authorized. If I remember correctly, the all black version was around a while longer until desert/digital/urban camo replace woodland camo. Great boots. You knew it was time to replace them when they started clicking when you walked. That clicking was the sheet metal breaking from metal fatigue and the broken edges clicking past each other as you flexed them. Yes I cut them open to learn this. Haha! I still have a pair or two in a box somewhere.
I purchased jump boots when I reached my 1st Duty Station. They were removed from the Army around 1990, so if you already owned them you could wear them with your BDUs, but they could no longer be purchased from clothing sales. They do allow water to drain and air to circulate, drying your feet while you march. My last pair gave up the ghost in 1999 after 12 years of daily wear. Those other boots were called Mickey Mouse boots when I was in the Army and they are extreme cold weather boot. They also work amazingly if inflated properly.
The mickey's had a little fart vent to let the sweaty steam out. They were nice and warm in the snow of S.Korea but a bear to wear on long marches. Great for guard duty.
I have a pair from active duty going back to around 1992. I had to wear safety toes so I used these for 4-wheeling in Georgia mud and water crossings, etc. They still wear great when I occasionally use them. What's surprising is I thought they were low end boots but after seeing your review it makes sense why they've held up for 30 years.
@@Nevernotalone Thank you! They saw a lot of action around the Ocmulgee River South of Warner Robins, areas up near Macon, the mountains in North Georgia, etc. We were constantly going out 4 wheeling looking for new spots.
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can you explain what the cut centered score means
Please review the new jim green numzaan boots. Also the red tornado chinese heritage boots.
Please review us modern military boots
When I was young and poor and couldn't afford shoes that didn't have holes in them for the snowy winter, my Vietnam veteran coworker gave me his old pair of Jungle boots. Luckily we had the same size feet and I still use those boots today.
RIP Jack, you really helped me out in my hour of need.
How do jungle boots help you in the winter? Don’t they get wet and make your feet cold?
@@solb101 because the only other shoes I had at the time had holes worn through the soles. And only the uppers we're made of canvas, they did fine.
@hitman.radio30 Of course. But I assume his feet got wet and cold anyway if it was a cold wet and or snowy winter.
@@solb101 i used jungle boot in snow instead of my pure leather ones , my foot became numb after 5mins.
@@riturajsinghpanwar6470 Yes. I can imagine. Have you tried wearing wool socks with them?
I was a Marine grunt in Vietnam (4/67-5/68) and I still have my jungle boots, and they have held up well after all these decades (though I don't wear them anymore). I logged many miles in those boots through the rice paddies and fields and had no problems. I found them to be a reliable and comfortable boot and I really liked the job they did. A great boot in my opinion.
I wore them in the 1990’’s and early 2000’s. Countless miles of ruck marches. I remember, getting to Bosnia with only cold weather boots. Ordered some green Altima’s. The day i got them we did a long movement. I wore them right out of the box with only one coat of polish, not a single blister. I learned foot management from our brothers who went through Vietnam.
Thanks for your service , Brother . I was in the Navy 1985 - 1995 . In basic training we were issued Chukka boots that came just over our ankles . They sucked , and most sailors replaced them soon after arriving to the fleet . In the surface fleet we were required to wear steel toed boots . I was on shore duty as an MP for two years , and several sailors wore Jungle Boots . After two years shore duty I bought a pair of US Navy Flight Deck Boots when I returned to the surface fleet . Those were the toughest boots I've ever owned , and lasted almost four years .
My dad just gave me his. He is a marine grunt and was in Vietnam 67/68.. badass boots
I was in from 96 to 02. I got several pair of the last remaining green uppers in the supply chain.
Lincoln was a big fan of these, but The Union couldn't afford em back then.
I wore my jungle boots until they were no longer authorized, but one issue that you didn't mention is that if you're in a fire while wearing them, the nylon uppers can melt and meld to your skin, forcing the doctors to skin your feet to get them off. I'm my initial entry training we were told that for that reason we shouldn't wear jungle boots in mechanized operations. Of course, when I got to my first unit (mech infantry) everyone was wearing them.
We had leadership in our Bradley unit that would say you cant wear jungle boots etc.
A quick coat of Black Krylon and we wore ours anyway.
first thing that went through my mind about that nylon was it melting into your skin.
The original jungle boots had canvas and not nylon uppers, which did not appear until much later after Vietnam ended.
Perhaps some tall wool socks underneath could offer some protection from any of the materials melting onto your skin
Same problem in Iraq with the nylon under armor skivvie shirts.
My Grandfather was a green beret in Vietnam and wore these all the way till the end of his service in the invasion of Panama. He passed them on to me and I’ve worn them in winter and hiking and they show no signs of wear other than the lace inlets and the rear heel of the sole. One tough as hell boot for an even tougher man.
Props to your grandfather, but when you wear them everyday on duty, you're lucky to get a whole year out of them.
@@windintrees5386 The Ro-search chevron sole boots are my favorites, I'm on my 3rd pair, but unfortunately they're unavailable now
I remember doing construction work with my uncle over summer breaks from school. This was late 80s early 90s. My uncle was a Vietnam Vet and took us(my brother, my cousin, and myself) to the Army Surplus store before we started working and had us all get a pair of jungle boots. He told us to keep them on at the job site. We just thought it was to have sturdy boots, later on he told us it was to make sure we didn't get nails through our feet and that jungles were better than work boots for that... Nice to see he was right...
Great story. You're lucky to have a cool Vietnam Vet for an uncle.
@@TheSanityMachine33 He did 3 tours as a Ranger. One of those things you realize later what a brave guy he was. Although he just said he went back to Germany for a year and was bored... He was also a Drill Instructor for 2 years. Probably one of the best carpenters I have ever worked with.
@@ididthisonpulpous6526 Rangers are bad asses.
Yeah had an idiot yank my latter from me on a construction site after placing a 2x4 with nails on the ground 1 nail over 5 inches long the the other went completely through my foot another stock into the main nerve area middle of my foot sole but was short of coming out. Took 3 big guys to pull it out and almost lost my foot later. The guy was seen then attacked others with a hammer then when police came attacked one throwing a hammer hitting a cop fracturing his skull. He went to prison for everything except causing me an injury as there was no charge for that but he had every drug known to man in his car plus scales etc and stolen guns one modified to full auto. I could not find jungle boots any where. I loved then in Panama in the infantry
@@bullboo1 oh shit. sorry that happened to you man. damn.
Was issued my jungle boots in 1968 when I joined Charlie Company 1st BN 1st Marines as an 0311 (Grunt). Didn't take too long to get worn in and look like I was an old salt. Loved the boots and planned to bring them home at tour's end. The NVA had other ideas for me and brought mortar fire in on our platoon, wounding a bunch of us. My clothes were cut away, along with my boots, never to be seen again. Your thorough piece on the jungle boot has inspired me to find a new pair. After all, it's only been 54 years since my first pair. Semper Fi!
Michael Newton,
Welcome home. And thanks for serving. I was there in the Cav in 69 and 70. All the Way!
Semper Fi , I too was issued jungle 4 yrs later than you in 72. 3/9 , was at Rose Garden and tip toed through Laos once in blue moon hunting for pilots . 0351 never saw a flame thrower or a 106 RR. Lol
@@randypleva2397 I went in the Marine Corps in 1978, they only issued black leather boots no Jungle boots. But you were allowed to wear them if you bought them. I was 0352 Dragon gunner and 106 Recoiless Rifle gunner, but they phased the 106RR out in 1979 or 1980 along with the Multi-Shot if you remember that weapon.
Although I had orders to go to Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1968, I was not issued boots. I still had the two sets of black leather boots from basic. When the Army changed their minds and sent me to Okinawa, I didn't get the jungle boot. Oh well, I wore out the black ones over about 20 years, although I had them resoled a few times.
Belstaff do a very similar boot called the trooper boot , looks very good and well made but not cheap
For a boot that was made entirely for function over form, I feel like it still have quite the timeless look to it
I want to buy a pair for myself and my dad now. He’s always complaining about his boots
I have a friend who's in the US military and he says that the US military actually does put some thought into how things look. I mean, it makes sense when you think about it, some people would join the military simple because of how cool the gear looks and morale will be considerably higher if you wore and carried something you consider cool versus something that's ugly as shit
I was lucky enough to serve in the Air Force when we still wore BDUs and I loved these boots. 100% agree, these look superb. I bought my daughter a pair too, she thought they looked cool and wore them to school.
@@MelonMafia1 normally I would fully agree with you, but with one exception- the ACU camo with tan boots. Worst looking uniform ever adopted, and the boots didn’t look like they were even ment to be worn with it. The camo pattern blended with nothing I ever seen it with… except that one couch in a meme.
The BDU before it was a rather smart looking uniform.
Todays multicam based camo is a instant improvement but they have kept much of the styling of the ACU
With manderin collar and slash pockets… which strikes me as more european looking than the earlier BDU… which its style could be traced back to the M1942 jump jacket and pants of the paratroopers, as could the Vietnam Jungle fatugues
I like the boots in general but I do remember my feet not feeling so well after a long day...
Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John
I used this in my citizen military training more than 20yrs ago - it's very famous here in the Philippines due to the fact that we are a tropical country. This is also our low-cost version of Punk Boots when we can't afford Dr. Martens 😅
Y'all are more American than Hawaii.
It's very similar to the ones Made in the Philippines. During my military training, one of my classmates had the US issued boots. The US issued ones seemed to have thicker canvass and its water/air valve was metal, different from the usual Philippine issued ones which were often made of plastic. I heard that During World War 2, many GIs preferred the Philippine Made "Ang Tibay" boots. I got to see one, and they resemble those modern Jungle boots more than the WW 2 GI boots.
Gibson boots represent!
@@scowler7200I wore my US-made, Philippine Army ROTC-used, Canvas upper, Panama Sole Jungle Boots with me to my first US Air Force duty station.
Unfortunately my feet had grown a half-size bigger since high school so I couldn’t wear them anymore with my issued boot socks.
I had to hit the mil clothing sales catalog to buy the newer versions, which were not the same anymore as what I had. The uppers were black nylon, and the leather were somehow harder to shine. And the soles wore out quicker on pavement. So disappointing.
Dr. Martens are just poseur combat boots.
My late brother served in Vietnam between 1966-68 when he came home he wore those same style jungle boots with the green they looked real nice he kept them wax down RIP big brother
They looked bad ass with a window glass shine and starched BDU’s
We had these issued to us for Desert Shield/Storm. What is interesting is that we sealed off the vent ports with SuperGlue to keep the desert dust and fine sand out of them. Fantastic boot. (edited)
we had to do the same thing. B company 1-502.
Didn't the dust just flow back out the ventilation, just like the water? ;)
@@MarcillaSmith I bet it would, after abrading off their feet
>>>Desert Storm
>>>Arabian sand
Tell me you got a 31 on your Asvab without telling me you got a 31 on your asvab.
@@marcush4741 but, Desert Storm and Shield were both started in the Arabian Peninsula... (granted, it's pretty much the end of the arabian peninsula and going into the Fertile Crescent, but still, Arab Peninsula, Persian Gulf)
Used to be able to buy them “used” at a local Army/Navy surplus store for around $15 during the early’70’s - best work boot anywhere for a cash strapped young man…lasted forever.
I have a pair now that are stamped 65 and I've been wearing them since highschool. I'm 49 now
They were only $15 at the Clothing Sales store on Schofield Barracks between 88 and late 90. Then they jumped to $27 which was ridiculous. I think that it was because so many tan versions were being made for the first Gulf War.
There still about 15-20$ at the local surplus nearby. I always avoided them, but now I might pick up a pair for summer hikes.
Cheapest work boot is $35 now a days and no where near as good as this.
I want some for exactly that, work....
Former Marine and Army long range surveillance infantryman and have attended three different official jungle warfare courses between both services.
Plain Altama jungle boots with speed laces were absolutely the best footgear ever designed.
Yes the vent holes worked to push water out and help dry out the boots. Always had two pairs, one was my highly broken in as a primary set for long field exercises and a secondary set in the process of becoming as broken in as the first set.
I remember buying a set as soon as my unit ( active army: mid 80's ) was authorized to use them. After leaving the active Army I worked for a Land Surveyor in Michigan and I wore Jungle Boots 6 or 7 days a week Mid March to Late October for 3 years.
I remember one day at work, one of my co-workers looked at my ( somewhat tattered ) Jungle Boots and asked me how long I had them. I told him 3 years. When I told him that I only paid $50 for them at the PX at Ft McCoy, Wisconsin, he looked down at his brand new LL Beans and said " I think I got ripped off ."
joined in the mid 90s. my first boot purchase right out of AIT were the jungle boots. i just saw the drill sergeants wear them around and i thought they looked cool as hell and it was a good way to get out of those standard issues ones.
🤣🤣🤣
So you say they would be good for hiking like on the PCT?
@@joeydepalmer4457 if youre just gonna hike on flat even trails sure. if you plan on hiking on uneven surfaces, these wont protect your ankles at all.
@@iHasCaek why would your ankles need to be protected? I used to hike a LOT in the Green Mountains of Vermont and I always wore Vibram Five Fingers. After I wore them once I never wore a hiking boot (to hike anyway) again
I was a straight leg infantryman in the 80s and 90s and in that time wore everything from $300 Danner tacticals to Corcoran jump boots. Over maybe 5 or 6 boots during my time that I'd call high quality, the government issue jungle boots were by far my favorites for comfort, durability, and traction. Makes me wanna go get another pair.
You sound like a gay leg
Very insightful, thanks!
I did 10.5 years in the Army, and Jungles we're one of my favorites too.
I wore them training in Panama at JOTC in my infantry days. Still wear my later version desert tan ones for "beater" boots, seem to be the same except for the tread.
@@chloesamclutch JOTC was my brother and my play ground. Our dad was an instructor and he would use us to search for lost items between each training period. We would build little parashute's made from an old army poncho and tie them to ammo cans filed with gravel. We would push them out of small planes and he would radio the coordinunce to the troops to use in map course. So many great memories and this was in 1966 and these young soldiers new next stop was the war zone.
Can you do modern Army or Marine Corps boots next? It would be nice to see the evolution of the gear's construction over the years.
Someone buy him these so we can see then cut
the boots issued or ones that you can buy that are approved by the military?
@@darkknight84123k I have a set of boots I used, thoughnthe soul is cracked. How can I send them to you
Yes
That's what I'm saying. Standard issue should be the boot he does.
I was assigned to the 82nd Airborne in the early ‘80s, and I was issued two pairs of jungle boots when I arrived. They were perfect for the swampy terrain that makes up much of the Ft. Bragg training area. But, in the cold North Carolina winters, the steel plates in the bottom of the boots caused a lot of misery.
Feet and knees together! The metal strip kind of sucked when standing in the desert too. Someimes you'd get a burn on your feet that exactly matched the metal spike protector. Still they were pretty good boots overall and far better thant he regular CBs which were our only option back then.
i occasionally see helicopters from fort bragg (or what they call it now, fort liberty) flying past where i live
@@NemoOhd20 yeah i don't know why they decided to name it fort liberty. unrelated but I saw some guy who moderated for some game had an entire website in his about me dedicated to pronouns... lol
honestly i see why they changed the name of fort bragg but fort liberty is such a generic name
@@jacobeii Two of the main drags in Fayettenam NC to Fort Bragg are All American and Liberty.
I wore those in the Marines from 1990 to 1999 and the one issue you didnt discuss on the video was that the steel plate would break on its own over time. Granted I was in the infantry as a machine gunner with a heavy load out. But typically within a year a new boot would start to make a "clacking" sound as you walked, and you could feel the steel plate flexing and popping.
Yep as a 60mm mortar man mine were always cracked..all of mine I ripped out when ever I was deployed to the desert.
Interesting. Sounds like an improper alloy or something. I had some unrelated boots with a plate in it that I used for quite a long time, and it just got rusted (I know because it eventually came loose), never broke. I suppose the military boot might have been a bit too thin, but mine wouldn't have been much more than 1mm either, I think.
@@MsHojat its thin, but we would frequently hike miles with heavy loads in our rucksack, i think they would have lasted under normal conditions.
I remember that but not every pair or not even both boots (just one or the other),hahaha. Especially when I did 2 years in Panama and Honduras in the early 80s.
I wore a steel toe version as a tracker. The heavy tank boots just didn't cut it for amphib crews. Great boot. YATYAS.
My dad is a Korean and Vietnam war combat vet and he retired from the Army. He bought me my first pair of jungle boots from the military clothing sales on base when I was 13 and I wore them almost every day to school because they were so comfortable. Kids thought that the green sides were socks! When I enlisted in 1980 I wore what was my 3rd pair to basic. I was told to put them away with my civilian clothing because I was issue the full leather ground troops boot. When I got to my first permanent party unit I was allowed to wear them to the field and they allowed us to buy and wear the jungle fatigues too. I ended up going through several pairs of jungle boots in my 8 years on active duty, and mostly wore them to the deserts and never in winter, or if it rained a lot. In the desert I used surgical tape to cover the drainage vents so sand wouldn’t get in through them. A lot of guys did the same thing. I think I’ll get myself another pair after watching this video.
Glad I'm not the only one about to search out a pair of these!
Interesting reading about your adventures; thanks for sharing them!
I wore em in Panama and Honduras. Loved em.
Where do you get them, these days?
I was USAF Security Police, and my first duty assignment in 1988 was Clark AB, Philippines. I was there a year before I got my first pair of jungle boots, and I loved them. While we did patrol the washout to the east of our flight line, jungle boots were just as needed on the ramps as any where else, especially during a tropical storm, and you have an inch of water running over the toes of your boots. The standard issue combat boots just caught & held that water, at least the jungles let it back out again.
@@earlwyss520 I spent some time at Subic Bay looking after some Army assets.
I am a cell phone salesman but I met one of the guys who designed the metal plate that stops nails and spikes from going through. he said that was the number one thing he was most proud of designing! (i should also say, the reason he was so proud was because of all of the lives that they saved)
He 100% lied to you.
@@jasonm949 so the metal plate doesn't stop nails if you step on 1?
@@jasonm949 Who the hell would lie about that? I'd be proud of designing a way to keep soldiers from getting impaled on punji spikes.
@@stonewallsquad3343 Lol..You've never been issued jungle boots, have you?
@@stonewallsquad3343 There is nothing to design... it is just a steel plate in the shape of a shoe...
So what exactly he designed? The shape that is used for shoes for thousands of years?
The steel? It is just spring type of steel and steel springs are used for centuries.
The whole design process was all about making the decision what thickness of the steel plate you want to have there...
I first joined the Army in 1988. I wore these to Jungle Warfare training in Panama and as my first boots in Desert Shield/Storm. I (finally) was medically retired in 2022 and, while there were many outstanding boots and changes over those 34 years, I still miss those boots.
Damn you had to be a Master Guns or something to be in that long lol
Loved my Army issued ('89-'92) jungle boots! Most comfortable boot I've ever worn. I wore them for years after getting out of the Army. Wore the sole completely smooth.
Random question. What watch or watches did you wear while in the service?
@@Ferien7 Casio G-shock. Great watch! Lasted me 10 years until the band/case disintegrated.
Same here I have two pair of my jungles in my closet I keep meaning to get resoled. Great boots, worlds better than the general issue boots.
@@Ferien7 Issued Hamilton or Timex analog, then when digital watches came out I switched to G-shock for a while. Some guys liked the Seiko or Casio analog dive watches but I found them heavy and bulky. Then a series of Casio calculator watches, plenty rugged and waterproof but a PITA to change the battery which always seemed to die half way through a six month deployment. Very very useful in pre-cell phone days to have a calculator and phone number data bank on your wrist. Then back to a solar powered G-shock when that came out. Always had tritium or luminescent watch compass on the band. Finally the Suunto's and Garmin's with built in electronic compasses when those arrived.
The mesh Jungle boot insoles worked pretty well and were surprisingly durable. But not very much cushion; a lot of guys switched them out for Spenco insoles when they came out. But you got issued wool 'cushion sole' socks which were pretty good. The coolest JB variant I got issued was in the early 80's and were waterproof brown Goretex and had a groove in the heel to accommodate the spring ski binding. Much softer sole and more comfortable than standard JB's. Unfortunately the sole stitching was not heavy duty enough for skiing and would routinely rip out under the load. They were great for general winter wear though.
@@brimstone33 very informative, thanks
When I was in the Marines in the 90's we NEVER bought the black jungle boots. The black boots were nylon and ripped after just a little use, The greens were cotton canvas and lasted a long time. There were some civilian copys out in town (Oceanside-Jacksonville) but those fell apart too. Also...I preferred the jungles after I had them re-soled. I thought the Vibrams were better than the factory sole. More cushion. And yes, when they wore out I disposed of them properly......I tied the laces together and threw them over the power lines at Courthouse Bay!!
Niceee!
I second that comment about the black jungle boots
In the early 00's I was issued with Altama branded ones and they sucked hard!
(They had black nylon sides, stupidly narrow foot/toe area,the stitching around the tongue digs into the top of the foot,which caused blisters and foot cramps and to top it off the speedlacing and drain eyelets tend to pop off....)
Like a lot of Aussies that got issued them, I chucked them at the first thrift store I could fit!
I thankfully found a pair of the green cotton sided ones and they fit a lot better.... seems like they are made on a different foot last or maybe the leather was fantastic quality compared to what current production are??
My black jungle issued in 92 lasted me till 96, I just need to resole them. They then last another 4 years of hiking in civi life before I misplaced tjem
@itp5x5 Nice! I was a Doc with 3/2 in 94. I remember the green jungle boots were phased out and we were issued the black jungle boot and leather boot. Even though the green jungle was no longer authorized, no one complained if you still wore them.
@itp5x5 Same here, I was issued them in 93 too. I've had both black and green and love them both! I guess some other Marines got some s***** ones but not me!
The wood plug is to make the boots float. Otherwise they'd sink. They don't sink. They float, they float heel side up. You can actually feel it if your totally submerged, the heel wants to float.
iiiiiiiinterestingggg
Is that little heel enough to float it though? Im not convinced.
@@ac.creations honestly the rest of it probably isn't that much heavier than water
Why would you want a floating boot?. I’m not being an ass, I’m a soldier and can’t figure when I’ve ever needed a floating boot
@@bigmartin Lots of survival gear is meant to float. I've got a shotgun case that floats
One of the best boots I had ever worn, spent 10+ years in a light infantry Div, I wore them in the jungles of Panama, Honduras, Africa, and road marched 1000s of miles in them.
For obvious reasons, the Army understands feet. During training, and upon intake in Vietnam, I received more instruction about footwear (including socks) and foot care than anything else related to the body. And speaking of socks, those were top quality as well and integral to proper fit and comfort of the boot.
Reminds me of the scene when Forrest Gump meets Lt Dan and gets the "change your socks" speech. It's very true. Gotta take care of your feet. I've been issued some surprisingly good footwear as well.
Army got a foot fetish, heard it here folks. Airforce like tits, Navy is for Ass-men.
Took to wearing the jungle boots without socks when I was in. My uncle put me onto it ( Aussie Vietnam vet) The theory is when the jungle boots get wet, so do the socks. Problem is the socks stay wet after the boots dry out and so do your feet. Get rid of the socks, boots dry out, feet dry out. Never had a problem with foot rot or blisters and I deployed 4 times in infantry in the Pacific region.
Never thought I, a 68 year old female retired chef, would find myself so engrossed in a video about combat boots. Excellent video.
Why not?
As a chef, you would love Steve1989!
ONE MORE YEAR
@@aaabbbeee agreed
@@aaabbbeee steve and i enlisted at the same time.
As a member of the 82nd Airborne Division for 6 years I wore this boot in all conditions and climates and with the exception of arctic conditions this was the best boot I ever had. I still wear them sometimes when I’m doing yard work today. Your statement that this $50 boot is superior to $200 boots is spot on. I have plenty of $200 boots to support that observation.
All the surplus stores around CLOSED! I could get Anything there. Now mom & pop stores have dissapeared, internet took over. Bummer.
@@roberthealy8519 there is 2 Army Navy surplus store's in Rockford Illinois in the USA and I did continue to wear the Altima (sp?) Jungle combat boots while hiking and on work sites for Year's.
Interesting, as the boots I was issued in 81' were worthless in keeping your feet warm in cold Ft Carson, Co/Camp Stanley, Korea weather. The solid rubber soles transferred the cold up through the plastic insert they had in them right to your feet.
@@MrDLRu I wore my combat boots while hiking in the Redwoods and in West Virginia and the job sites was not a cold weather situation but I would have a pair until they wore out and then maybe a year or so later I would get another pair but it has been many years sense I last had a good pair of jungle combat boots. I have been buying Keen work boots the last 10 years
Same 2004-2011
So this video popped up for me to watch. I am 74 and a Vietnam combat vet. I was an RTO in the 5/46 198th Lt. infantry.I went to my basement and found the boots I wore home from Nam.They still have my dog tag laced into the right boot. Walked many k carrying a PRC25 radio. The nylon insole worked very well. After walking out of deep water they would compress and water came out the air vents. We wore heavy socks I think wool to wick the water. Your feet were pretty much always wet. ( rice Pattys and streams) Carried a pair of extra socks changed and dried the wet ones on your pack.Feet looked just like the picture you showed. Most of us in the field dealt with jungle rot on our feet and other places . Thanks for the memories I think. 1968-69
I used to be in the US Forest Service in California, and I owned a pair of the Jungle boots for patrolling in the mountains, and at 7000 feet or more elevation, I was glad these jungle stompers were on my feet. I even was attacked by a blue racer snake I did not see, but when he struck at me, I raised my right foot, and he bit the jungle boot sole at the toe box. Those holes stayed with the boot for their lifetime but protected me like a best friend.
I was a grunt in Vietnam, my first week in country I was waiting to be shipped out to the field when I encountered a seasoned grunt with well worn jungle boots, almost white, and the rest of his appearance matched his boots. Humbling experience but it wasn’t long before I looked like him.
glad you made it back, Robin.
Welcome home, sir. We're glad you're back.
@Laxman Tiwari Hi, Grunt is slang for Infantry or rifleman.
@Laxman Tiwari
Ground
Replacement
Usually
Not
Trained
It's military slang for the infantry.
I loved mine. As a kid my dad (nam vet) got me these as hiking/work boots. The way to break them in was to wear them wading getting them completely saturated. Then you wear them til they dry. The leather conformed to your foot and made them really comfortable. Loved them
I used technique to break in my first pair of Army issued boots and I use it today to break in any new pair of Doc Martens I buy.
Yep, a bucket of tepid water and then lace them up. Also a good time to grease up the leather, they will dry from the inside and moisture will draw the grease in.
@@Lappmogel that's a good bit of info
That's pretty cool
Friends I had in the military would wear theirs in the shower.
I use the US jungle boots for about 15 years now. I have a dozen pairs, some of them brand new. They vary from 1968 to 1988 and they are the best footwear for jungle warfare ever made. I wore them from the Northeast of United States to the jungles of Brazil. Great boots.
Wore them for years on active duty. Loved how light they were and were a lot cooler in summer than their other full leather standard USAF issue. Have always been my favorite boot. I will say I picked up the new model recently for $20 at a surplus store and the new Vibram soles are unbelievably comfortable. Great video! I really enjoyed seeing what was inside these things.
USAF wore jungle boots?🤔
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
😂🤣😅😂🤣😅😂🤣😅
@@JohnDoe-fx9eb Maybe the building they worked in didn't have AC or something
I served from 1988-2014. Until the transition to ACUs and the split leather desert style boots in 2003/2004, the jungle boot was the go-to boot for combat arms soldiers (except in winter time). I’d always have a couple pairs broken in and in wear rotation. I’d have to get a new pair every 6-8 months from wearing them out. They have to be the real GI issue variety, not the horrible knock offs you find in most surplus stores. Altima was the manufacturer brand name of the good variety. The GI issue desert tan boots of the ACU era were pretty much just a suede version of the jungle boot.
I particularly like the later sole lug pattern for shedding foreign material. I don't know why more boot designers don't use this design.
Because if your not walking in 10 inches of shit you have less surface touching the ground, thus less grip.
looser lug design would make it *H E L L* to climb rocky hills, you need texture for overall grip
@@duffelbagdrag Yes. I had both, the original Vibram style and the improved Panama treads. The Panama soles were MUCH better.
I was introduced to Jungles while serving in the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. Long hot summers and rice paddies like Vietnam. Everyone wore them. I bought my first pair and never looked back. Wore one pair so long during Desert Shield and Storm that they looked like they were grey suede and the soles were completely shot. Most comfortable combat boots once they are broken in. I’m going to buy a pair right now :-)
Where did you look to get them
Casey/TDC
Second To None.🫡
I bought a pair of these years ago for hiking trips in an area where frequent water crossings were an issue. They were cheaper than almost any acceptable alternative, and still some of the toughest boots I've owned.
The vents definitely worked. As you walk, you can look down and watch water shoot out with every step for some distance after you come out of the water. Combine them with the right socks (not cotton!) and your feet won't be perfectly dry, but they'll definitely be reasonably dry.
IMO the spike plate and steel shank made the soles a bit stiff, but not horribly so. Out of 10, I'd give them an 8 for comfort, 10 for function and 15 for durability. One "mod" I'd recommend is replacing the laces with parachute cord. The stuff holds up so much better than any purpose-made shoe or boot lace and IMO has just the right amount of give.
What do you do to the ends of the paracord?
@@5Minuteman probably burn it
vibram tread？
This brings back memories. My two favorite boots were the jungle boots (desert version) which were about as good at it got in the desert heat, and for dress the Corcoran tanker boot, which were just amazing. The Corcoran’s were not official issue, but they looked so good nobody ever gave you crap about it. And yes, the jungle boot is not expensive.
Corcan tanker boots are authorized boots, anyone who says they aren’t just doesn’t know the order. Some older tankers used to wear them after they completed gunnery table 4
@@caseylopez7152 I am going back many more years than I care to remember, and i was wearing them on the flight line. (If they weren’t okay, why were they for sale at the PX? 😉 )
My Desert "jungle" boots are still my GO-TO footwear for my lawn or yard work.
As soon as I graduated basic I bought a pair of Cochran's. I eventually keep three pair in rotation. Formation, work, and field. Great boots!
I never knew tankers had their own style of boot. I looked them up very sharp. I also loved my jungles and deserts. I got out 35 years ago, but I still have a pair of each, they have side zippers now, but I wear them almost every day.
Wore those boots for nine years in the military, and they were awesome, had a pair for garrison, and a pair for the field.
When my feet would get wet, from water crossings, I could where them for about half an hour to hour, change my socks, and be good to go.
I thought they were good boots, but know I know they actually were.
Thanks for this one.
Makes sense. Instead of trying to keep your feet dry in the jungle, which is impossible, accept they'll get wet and figure out how to mitigate the problem so you can keep moving.
@@DanTaninecz especially that in the jungle your toes won't freeze off if your boots get wet
DOn't forget wearing them in winter because the sweat could escape instead of making the feet wet.
wear them.....
My Jungle Boots had the newer sole and the steel plate. These were the most comfortable boots, very comfortable. Water drained well, and walking helped with ventilation as air came in and out of the drain holes. I wore them after I received my DD-214 in my work.
I wore these for work boots for around 20 years. They were cheap at my local surplus store, and even if they wore out, I could afford to replace them. It was great to have my soles protected while walking around on re-bar and cut metal.
I used them as an auto mechanic for years, but I found that the constant kneeling down that was required in working on cars caused the spike protective plates to crack after a while and then you'd click when you walked!
My father was in Vietnam and Thailand, from the beginning to the end of the conflict. He came home with a few pairs of these boots. They have lasted for decades as work boots and camping boots. Amazing boots
Great video. Wore them in VN 1967-68. They were great boots for the era. Many, many years later bought a pair of Merrell boots that separated from sole and upper after a year of light use. Never saw anything like that with jungle boots.
After basic training in 2000 we we’re allowed to wear the jungle boots with the black canvas, during our basic training we’re only allowed to wear the all leather Army Boots that were issued to us. Those leather boots had done more injuries within our battalion. Finally got to my duty station and were allowed wear it until it was phased out by desert boots Vibrams
OK, I thought something went wrong into I saw this that I'm not alone - I was in Army ROTC in college 2001-'03, we had BDUs when active duty getting deployed were switching to the new patterns, & I still have my all-leather black combat boots in the trunk of my car for emergencies. They didn't breathe much at all, but that's not too bad when you only wear them at most 2 days in a row for an FTX & we saw a lot more snow than hot weather. They cover about 1/4 of my shins, almost always overkill unless there's deep snow; then it would be better to have my insulated snow boots. For a backup to handle most roadside surprise emergencies, they're at least "good enough" to get through a wide variety of conditions.
I used to get them resoled at a place on Yadkin Road outside Fort Bragg. New Vibram soles on broken-in jungle boots made for boots that felt like slippers but still supported your ankles. Best field boot ever, even in the winter.
My Sargent who was a ranger did exactly that. I was a sp4 and we were in 25th ID scouts in Hawaii
All the way
@@DH-cm1ds Airborne!
In Germany jungle boots weren’t authorized from Nov 1 to May 1 IIRC, but when we went to Graf or Hohenfels our battery commander wore his so a lot of us did, too LOL. Jungle boots with Sealskinz Gore-Tex socks under the issued wool socks were warm and dry!
I had many pairs of boots resoled on Yadkin! The green jungle was my favorite, I could run for miles in those while wearing my ruck/LCE/weapon.
I have had several pair of jungle boots. The better made ones are very comfortable once broken in. Had one pair resoled with ripple soles. Made a huge difference in comfort. The tan desert boots were made just like the jungle boots except they were tan suede and they did not have the vent holes.
Same as video? Boots do they still make it for $50??
My tan desert boots had vent holes...
How exactly did you get them resoled? It’s not a Goodyear welt or anything. Where did you do this at?
@@Rokaize I get the ripple soles put on my jungles at Ft. Polk, LA. but that was 20 years ago now.
@@Rokaize I had them done at a boot shop right off of Ft.Eustis. Some little old Korean guy. Did a excellent job. The fabric on the uppers wore out long before the sole.
These were my favorite daily-wear boots while serving in the Army from 88-92. However, my other favorite pair of boots was the Corcoran jump boots highly polished with Kiwi Parade Gloss. I was an MP and would wear those while on the front gate or on patrol on day shift. Any other time, I was in the jungle boots. Once either of these boots were broken in, they were some of the most comfortable boots. The basic issue boots (black leather all around) sucked donkey balls.
I was thinking the same thing, they were my favorite authorized daily wear boots when I was in the Army during the same time. Especially during the summer months.
I was an MP at the same in Germany. I wore both of those same boots, for the same reason!! I wore the soles off my jungle boots and they always made a “click” noise when I walked!
Yup. Jungles and Jump boots were all I wore. Jungles in the summer.
Same here but from 91-99. I couldn't stand the standard issue black boots. Unless I was wearing my Corcoran jump boots in my Class A's (Airborne) I was wearing my jungle boots. Those things were great
Buhwahaa you said Donkey balls 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 but true!✅
I wear these year 'round for yard work, roof work, painting, snow shoveling (with extra socks), hiking, climbing ladders --- everything imaginable. So comfortable, durable, and with great traction in every situation.
I was issued a pair for my stint in Belize in the 90s. It was a 7 week jungle infantry training exercise with the British army. Excellent boots at the time British boots where definitely sub par in comparison. I believe they have finally sorted this out and now they issue some decent kit.
I was in the Army from 1987 till 1992. These were far and away my favorite boots. I have a NOS pair from 1979 that I've barely broke in. Those are my bugout boots. I've added modern cushion insoles for my high arches.
Have worn this style since the late 60's. Once these are broken in, you can walk for miles and miles in comfort.
Couple of years ago I walked across Spain, 500 miles, no foot issues at all.
You did the Camino Of Santiago pregrination didnt you? 😂 I am spanish
I have a pair of Rothco reproduction boots
This was a very interesting video. I still remember being issued two black pairs of jungle boots when I arrived at my first Infantry unit at Schofield Barracks, HI in 1996. We walked, hiked, and road marched many miles in those boots. Thanks for doing this review!
A Filipino here and from where I'm from, these boots are pretty much still In use. I had used them myself during my days in the Reserve Officers Corps. It gave me an ingrown toenail during my jungle training but held really well throughout the Training Course and even during the tactical formations.
I wore my jungle boots for years in the military. They were my absolute favorite and most comfortable, extremely durable and long lasting. The only change to them many of us did was to add 550 cord instead of the black laces. The jungle boot is by far the best military boot I have ever had or worn.
For Moctober this year, please consider examining some of the Midwest and east coast moccasin brands. It'd be great to see Minnetonka, Rancourt, Anxynt, Yuketen, LL Bean, Russell, and Quoddy cut in half and exposed. Why do they cost so much and is it worth it?
that is a really great idea.
Seabago.
Great idea, extremely expensive idea. If he puts an order in for Russells now, he might be able to get them for next year...I'm in that boat right now.
When I was in the Marine Corps in the 1980's they authorized the wearing of the jungle boots for garrison and well as field. Initially we were only allowed to wear the all leather, black combat boots. We found the jungle boot to be a more comfortable, practical boot for everyday wear. The ones we had, had the second generation heavier and spaced out lug soles like shown in the video. I thought they were great boots and after I got out the Corps wore mine for duck hunting in the marsh until they finally fell apart from use.
I absolutely loved my OD green jungles. The most comfortable combat/field boots I ever had besides the Oakley's I wore for Garrison use in the 2010's. Every where else in the army, you were only authorized to were the black ones with the big cushion around the top, except at Bragg. They didn't care. At least half of the base wore the ODG jungles, and this was in the the late 90's, early 2000's.
3:15 the thicker lugs are angled inwards as well, so as the sole pushes into mud the pressure increases between the lugs and the previous footfall's load of mud gets forced out sideways.
As an Ex soldier, I wholeheartedly agree with you, I love these boots and in a 20 year career in the army, I wore a lot of different boots!! We spitshined these babies and were glad to have them at inspection time with highly pressed BDU’s
@itp5x5 Yessssss Brother!! Those things were great on the feet!! Light and your feet didn’t sweat!! I retired in 2004 after Operation Iraqi Freedom! Thanks for your service!!
Jungle boots were great. They were light and dried out fast, just as they were designed to do. We wore them three seasons out of the year and even wore them on parachute jumps. Some people thought that they didn't provide enough ankle support to use them on airborne operations but in SF, we had no problems. I still have a couple of pairs!
I had a pair of these that I bought in a surplus store when I was around fifteen (1973). I grew up on a farm and helped on neighboring farms. I remember how comfortable they were while working in hot hay fields in the summer. I had them for many years.
"I bought in aurplus store when I was around fifteen (1973)" The smallest size available.🤣
@@internetcensure5849 10D. They fit just fine.
Great video! Was issued 2 pair of these when I reported to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii back in ‘92. After 28 years of service and wearing many types of military boots, the green jungle boots were hands down my favorite.
I loved my Jungles, i bought a pair when i was still in service and even though we were state-side i was still allowed to wear them. While the sole had those large (what did you call them again?) tread on the bottom, making it a little odd to walk on pavement with them. The fact that they were designed to circulate air and let your feet breath in them was a god-send on hot summer days. I got to the point that i wore them exclusively, while everyone else just wore those black Cadillacs.
Panama mud release soles were the later pattern. The first pattern vobram soles held mud like a sonuvagun.
I went on active duty in the late eighties when some units were not allowing these boots anymore, but I wore them a lot because I didn’t get free replacements of the leather boots until halfway through my contract. Unless it was really hot, the late eighties leather boots were actually more comfortable for me. You could also buy knock offs at surplus stores without the steel for when you were riding a desk. They were great so long as you didn’t have to walk farther than the parking lot. 🤣😂🤣
Vibram
@@nunyabidness3075 What are the best boots for comfort, and what is your favorite for sport/outdoor work?
@@Pearmesan Well, my army experience is about 3 decades old. When I hike now, I don’t carry much. I use a lightweight, gore Tex boot. High enough to protect my ankles from rolling because of a snow board injury. Can’t tell you the brand or model, I left them in another state.
Over the years I was in the navy. I ran hundreds of miles in every kind of terrain in these jungle boots with the panama soles and the mesh insoles. They work. These boots stayed comfortable, cool, and dry. They last for years without a problem.
I preferred Jungles over leather Cadillacs...especially on a 35 mile hump. Plus that contrast between the leather and cloth when you spit-shined was lovely.
Lol those leather Cadillacs are my default footwear
I would be very angry when first sergeant would require Cadillacs as part of the uniform of the day. Those boots were too hot in the field.
After my uncle got out of the army he gave me his jungle boots. I used them as a motorcycle boot when we went on long rides. Still the best boots I've ever had
Bunny boots, more formally known as Vapor Barrier (VB) boots, have saved my toes more times than I can count while being stationed in Alaska. I've seen them cut in half already but looking forward to your take on them.
Funny, my dad called them Mickey Mouse boots from the time he was in Korea. Probably not as cold as Alaska, but he said it routinely got to 50 below in the "frozen chosin." He said they had valves on them to relieve pressure or vacuum, I assume while in an airplane.
@@bigblocklawyer yup, pressure relief and extra insulation. Korea was the reason they were invented and redesigned twice.
@@bigblocklawyer Exactly what they are for, my boots say "Keep closed unless airborne" by their valves.
Mickey Mouse boots is what we called them.
@@TeensierPython Mikey Mouse boots and Vapor Barrier Boots are not the same thing, VB Boots are much better at cold weather -0f and below while MM Boots are good only from 32-0f or so. As stated above VB Boots have a valve for when you are in aircraft to vent pressure, which is part of the reason for their extra cold protection. With out the valve VBs will swell up and can damage your feet. Mickeys as far as I know do not swell to that extent.
I was issued a pair of these over 40 years ago, and they were my favorite of every pair of boots I ever owned outside of winter/spring. For obvious reasons of course. The drain holes just in case you hadn't already guessed.
FANTATIC! I have been telling people for many years that these are the best value exactly because they are designed with function being the top priority.
I worked in the field for decades and inherited them from retired family members and really like hw well they work for me, and they last much longer (for me) than civilian boots that I had tried.
Great review. I had two pair during my year in Danang. Not remembering which my first pair was, but the second was the later design. I mostly had to deal with sand and the rain. They worked great for that. Didn’t experience the jungle condition or the punji sticks, so can’t speak to that. I was allowed to bring only one pair back, (the later design) and used them for several years afterwards. Finally wore them out. Loved them.
*In 2006(?) I had the opportunity to visit Danang again and was shocked to see it hadn't changed much since 1974. Nothing was spic and span and general base decay always present but I was instantly transported back decades. I showed my kids where the Shenanigans took place and was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the people were.*
Very interesting video, I wore this exact boot in Vietnam , we were issued the boots with the bigger lug sole. They were a very comfortable boot, and having the extra protection in the sole of the boot made you feel a little bit better about walking thru those jungles, and swamps. The drain on the side worked amazingly well, with everything step you took your foot would push water out. A lot of that had to do with the insert you showed. Seemed like the laces were indestructible as well, being wet you would think they would rot and break. This was one of the best improvements the military made in footwear. I find your videos very interesting and educational . Take care, Semper fi
My question tho is did you have quick drying socks? Cos even in new Danner Rat boots with the holes on the side, I always hated getting my feet wet cos the sock would stay wet. Wet feet in the field sucks lol.
@@Eirik_Bloodaxe No we didn't have socks that dried quickly, I carried an extra pair or two and would change them if we had time to sleep. Those damn jungles were so wet as soon as you took a half dozen steps your feet were wet again. Even with today's water proof boots like the Danner boots with gortex liners your feet would still be wet, the water in the jungle was ankle to knee deep on average , until you found a hole. Semper Fi
Besides my Corcoran Jump boots, I had 2 pairs of green jungle boots in DIV early to mid 90's. 1 was a garrison set due to less polishing and the 2nd was my field set. I still have them, although I did have waffle soles put inplace to lighten them. I love my jungle boots.
My older cousin was in Nam. He told me as a combat medic he loved these boots. The steel sheet was a life saver.
I loved my jump boots. They were the first pair that I purchased (versus issued boots). Most of my peers transitioned to Hi-Tecs and the like, but even the last pair I wore (20 years later) were Corcoran Marauders. Great boots, very comfortable, and they even made women's sizes.
Jump boots could be more accurately called landing boots. All momentum is arrested at the ankle.
Faceplanted on basketball court. Friends thought I had a stroke.
Old stock Jungle, Jump and Ft. Louis are the BEST ... if you can get them.
I just used the old german issue ones that are pretty much exactly the same as these for 4 months in the jungle in Costa Rica. they cost me £25 surplus and lasted better than anyone else's altbergs and so on
Nice! I almost never find deals on surplus stuff... because I'm a bigger guy. All the surplus boots and clothing always seems to be in sizes no bigger than medium or maybe large. That doesn't work when you're 6'3" 250lbs with size twelve feet.
5.11 jungle boots are amazing, they're like £100 though
@@dogslobbergardens6606 Yeah haha i had to search around a bit but really worth it for the savings
@@dukeofleinster4524 4 people in the group had those but they complained that the grip on wet rock/wood wasn't the best
@@isaacwallace6783 I'll have to proper test it out on some wet rocks
As a 15 year US Army Infantry veteran, I've worn dozens of different types of boots, and these were probably my favorite. I remember when they banned the OD green type in the late 90's early 00's, so I picked up a black pair. It wasn't long after that that they banned jungle boots altogether. I still probably have a pair floating around somewhere.
So why did they ban them altogether? Was it a case of the newer boots being pushed or some kind of issue with these ones in general
@@eliaspanayi3465 it was because they were green and not black. Someone somewhere decided that green wasn't acceptable. 🙄
@@geraldleatherman1899 probably some dumbassed CSM that didn't have better shit to do. Probably was in fact, the CSM of the Army. And who is quite often a turd that has nothing better to do. - signed, a former field grade who prefers function over form.
@@geraldleatherman1899 I wore a pair of OD green jungles to work in 2004. My company commander told me they were only authorized in Hawaii and that he didn't want to see them again haha.
@@eliaspanayi3465 in the late 90s through the phaseout of the woodland camo BDUs, the only authorized boots where the all leather boots, black jungle boots, and tanker boots (if you were a tanker). You could wear Corcoran jump boots if you were in an Airborne unit, but mostly with dress uniforms. I was never given a hard time about black jungle boots anywhere while I was in. I'm not doubting @geraldleatherman1899, all it takes is one commander or CSM having a problem with them and they can be banned at a particular unit. You were allowed to resole your boots so a lot of guys would go to stores like Ranger Joes and get fancy vibram or ripple soles put on. The only place you couldn't have them was Ranger school.
50 bucks for a new condition 3rd pattern jungle boot with vibram sole? That's a realy good deal! You should try to contact Altama - they are one of the manufacturers of the classic jungle boots, and now they have a more modern model called Pro-X. Maybe they will be kind enough to provide you with a pair of Pro-X's. Also army has a new pattern of jungle boot (Belleville Burma 901), and USMC adopted two new jungle boot models (one by Rocky, another one by Danner). Would be interesting to see them being cut in half :)
No no you wanna contact Mccrae. They were one of the OG contractors from back in the day. They make probably the closest copy of the 3rd pattern jungle boot that you can get. Problem is they’re not available in common sizes right now but I’m hoping for another run soon. They also make what’s called the hot weather boot. It’s all in black but uses DuPont Codora nylon but it’s built the same way. The new material is really quite thin but it’s great at staying durable but not giving in ( I’ve had a park with it in use for over a year). Rock rooster makes a jungle style boot as well but it’s got a sole more oriented towards work. Still it features the lightweight cloth and leather construction. It’s got the screened vents. This type of boot makes a great 3 season boot in the mid Atlantic states though for winter your better off with something more solid, but from say mid spring to mid fall ( before the nighttime temps drop below freezing) this is a very comfortable style of shoe
There's also a company called What Price Glory that's making repros with vibram soles
@@kilo393 the vibram was not preferable cause it tended to “ clog up” faster. The Panama sole will actually self clear
@@matthewcaughey8898 Yea, it's more for reenactors
@@kilo393 well Vietnam OG-107 jungle boots and uniforms are a very wide discussion with 3 different patterns and ERDL camouflage patterns, might be a bit long winded but here goes. When initially headed to Vietnam the us army issued the Cotten sateen uniform. Those included a black leather version of the M-1943 style combat boot. It became obvious that the sateen uniform was too hot to wear and the Goodyear welted construction of the 1943 rotted away very fast in the jungle. The type 1 jungle fatigue was introduced and it was based off the us airborne jumpsuit with a looser fit for better air circulation. The type 1 jungle boot was introduced about the same time. Both were liked but the exposed buttons and epaulettes would still snag jungle vegetation. Around 1967 they introduced the type 2 fatigue ( probably the most common) and the type 2 jungle boot with the spike protection. The type 2 suffered from the same seat and knee failure as the type 1 uniform but troops liked them. The type 3 was introduced around 1971 or 72 with the type 3 boot following. The type 3 was the Panama sole spike protection boot. You’ll see a lot of mix and match for uniforms cause all 3 pattern OG-107s were still being issued by the end of the war ( as the army used up stocks of previous pattern uniforms in stateside or Vietnamese warehouses). The type 3 jungle boot followed a similar pattern as most ended up in stateside warehouses after the us started to reduce our involvement in Vietnam. You’ll still hear stories of Vietnam vintage jungle boots being issued as late as Iraq in 2003. Though officially the boot was supposedly phased out in 1994 the army had vast stockpiles of them. You still hear stories of collectors who find vintage Vietnam uniforms still boxed up and never sent overseas. ( oh of note pattern 3 jungle fatigues introduced the rip stop pattern type 3s are what Rothco copied )
By far the best boot I ever worn. I used them in every environment imaginable sans artic. They were even my go to boots for jumps. Had more ankle support than they would seem due to the tighter fit around the leg/ankle. But the best part of the jungle boot by far was the look. They just went so well with BDUs. That OD look with a spit shine was STRAC.
"Strac" . Says it all. Hi there, fellow Camo Gang :)
Very interesting. Loved the dissection. Unfortunately, both of my ankles were injured because the high top did not provide enough protection from ankle sprains and a fracture. Wore them 1969-1970, U.S. Army II CORPS. Today every step I take hurts and x-rays show osteoarthritis and old fracture & joint damage. But, I thank God I have two feet still attached. "MOVE OUT!"
Saddle up! 1970-71 I Corp, mostly. Wore mine on RR after till returning to university studies.
probably should've done ankle muscle building and flexing exercises to make them more resistant to fracture. bone gets tougher if you load it and bang on it, and joints are less likely to be damaged if you bend and flex them
Try some glucosomine and oral BPC-157.
@@pollodustino Also take vitamin D and K (both 50 to 100 micrograms daily) so the calcium gets deposited better in the bones. Vitamin D also helps against the auto-immune aspect of arthritis, if present.
Jungle boots are by far my favorite boot to date. I wear a full set of Vietnam era gear for work, but my boots are my pride and joy. I applied some sno-seal to them to keep the black exterior from eroding in the mud and to add some water proofing to them. In the summer I wear cushion sole socks with them and in the winter I wear sealskinz waterproof socks because of the draining holes that let water in occasionally and because they add their own insulation to the setup. They are my only pair of work boots, and they are the only pair I need honestly. I do freelance work, so I've worn them in just about any situation you could think of. Irrigation, landscaping, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, logging, snow, rain, hail, hot, cold... you name it, I've worn them doing it. They're cheap, lightweight, and durable. They have great ankle support, indestructible soles, good quality materials, and they look so nice you could wear them to a funeral. For the price, you cannot beat the jungle boot.
0:17 my experience was wearing the desert version. While lightweight and comfortable, they didn't offer much in the way of ankle support over rucks and rough terrain.
Wore jungle boots four years, US Army 75th Ranger Regiment…those boots went through hell and back, and kept my feet safe and in good condition. Long hauls on hot roads or tarmac weren’t so grand, that steel in the sole would heat up and encourage blisters, but for every other temperate clime they were the bomb.
As a collector i was quite shocked at first. After watching the video about the german boots i have to say im with you on this. This gives a new insight into interesting objects
In boot camp in '90, I preferred the jungle boot over the leather combat boot mostly because of the tread. I now prefer ankle support, foot protection and durability of full leather. Yes, we had soles replaced with Vibrams.
I liked the boots in Vietnam and when I brought a pair back home I used them on my dairy farm. The problem was the same as other farm boots: they rotted away after being exposed to cattle manure; leather parts went first.
Neats foot oil!
Neighbor has a pair of red mud caked jungle boots hanging on the wall of his machine shed.
Came home to farm after flying medevac chopper in Vietnam.
They make oil for cleaning leather boots yo. A little care and love goes a long way
@@anormalbloodangel843 fresh cowshit (and other animal manure, and urine) tends to be pretty acidic, yo.
Even if you condition them properly and clean your boots every day, piss and shit is still going to rot the leather in a hurry. If you have to work around livestock, leather is just about the worst choice for durability.
There's a very good reason those ugly rubber "wellington" style boots are so popular among farmers: They only cost around twenty bucks a pair and they basically last forever unless you cut them somehow or just plain wear through the soles... which takes a long time on a farm because you're usually not walking on concrete or asphalt. They're awful when it's hot though, because obviously they don't breathe worth a damn.
@@anormalbloodangel843 Dairy farmers don't got time for that.
When I was in the Army Airborne, I loved these boots. The first time I saw them, I said I was going to get a pair. Light weight, easy care, and enough ankle support for airborne opporations. Also, less to polish for inspections 😁
Plus eyes all he way up with no hooks.
Less to polish was my reasoning as well!
Less polish was the key factor
My first experience with jungle boots was when I got stationed in Panama after Basic. We were issued 2 pair after arriving in country. The where the most comfortable boots. It was general practice for us to remove the the steel sheet and shank. I preferred the green cotton canvas over the black nylon. They were softer and lasted much longer than the nylon. Plus the green looked better.
Before leaving Panama I took my boots back to CIF and exchanged them for 2 new pairs. I kept one pair for daily wear and the other pair I had resolved with the spongy Vibram soles for road marching. The resolved pair lasted me around 6yrs and 2 more resoles before the had to be tossed.
I was able to get by with them for a few years after the reg change which banned the green by showing the CIF stamp on the tongue, proving that they were issued and not purchased on the market.
I even wore them in the field in winter, my feet stayed dryer in them since they didn't retain the moisture like the heavy assed winter boots that just made my feet sweat.
I was out before the new boot types came out, but I must say they look very comfortable and would probably make a good replacement for my trusty jungles.
Just an observation - my brother brought back his jungle boots from a Thailand tour (1970) and I acquired them. They worked well in northern winters for a couple of years (with heavy socks) but eventually the soles cracked due to the below zero temps.
I wear 2 of the german versions.
I learned to appreciate the non sweaty feet fast.
And when I quickly had to retrieve a dog from a river, I learned to appreciate those drain ports.
With good care and high use, I got 16 years out of my first pair.
I still wear them some times, when threads on the soles are less of a requirement.
At one time I hated this boot. But I soon learned to LOVE it! You did a good job describing this boot, but you left out comfort. These boots are like house shoes. You can sleep in them. They keep you feet dry, and low odor(pending your hygiene). I'm completed surprised that you left out snake proof. I love these boots. I hear the current boot is even better. I would assure so, for they ain't cheap! Good job with the video!!
Ehhh, the current boots (as a kid who just got back from BCT) are alright. Personally liked my jungle boots more (I own a pair for daily work). Even after putting decent insoles in the boots, they kill your feet on marches. And are overly heavy compared to what they need to be. I say bring back the jungle boot🤣
More military boots please!!! Love the channel. Ended up buying my first pair of boots because of you. Thursday captain in tobacco
I second more military boots. I would love to see whats inside of a pair of Corcoran Maurauders. I had a pair and they were super comfortable.
Military boots are the best
I served in the USMC from 1976-1979 and bought a pair of these boots, it was a great lightweight boot, but my favorite boot was the 1960’s all leather biltrite heel and sole boot. I know these boots failed in the Jungle but were great Stateside. I was a heavy vehicle operator and I felt these boots gave me more support and were very heavy duty. I’d really like to see your analysis of these type of boots, I believe they were called McNamara boots and were a bit shorter than the previously issued boots as well as than the ones I was issued with the rubber molded soles. Keep up the awesome work!
I had those boots when I went to Vietnam. Thay are a great boot for what they were made for. If your feet get wet, they dry out fast and I don't remember my feet ever feeling hot. I think that band around the ankle is for abrasion as that is the part that frayed from ankle rub,
The strap is there to prevent ankle sprains.
I wore the 1st generation of these in Vietnam in '66. Good, comfortable tough wearing footwear. I always thought the military finally got it right along with the jungle fatigues. Great video, thanks
Can't wait for the WW2 boot series--my grandpa was a USAFFE vet and survived the Bataan Death March!
Never replaced mine! Still my go-to boot for three-seasons, just make sure you use thermal mesh insole insets. Do not use foam inserts; you'll regret it very quickly if you do!
They were my favorite boots. Especially after the soles wore out and I got them re-soled with comfort soles. Had 3 or 4 pair of them. I wore them until the day they were no longer authorized. If I remember correctly, the all black version was around a while longer until desert/digital/urban camo replace woodland camo. Great boots. You knew it was time to replace them when they started clicking when you walked. That clicking was the sheet metal breaking from metal fatigue and the broken edges clicking past each other as you flexed them. Yes I cut them open to learn this. Haha! I still have a pair or two in a box somewhere.
Lol, I remember hearing about the clicking from guys before my time. Now we all know what it was.
Quick question for you. It wasn’t a problem to get these resoled at a cobbler shop? I thought cause they were vulcanized that it was impossible
I purchased jump boots when I reached my 1st Duty Station. They were removed from the Army around 1990, so if you already owned them you could wear them with your BDUs, but they could no longer be purchased from clothing sales. They do allow water to drain and air to circulate, drying your feet while you march. My last pair gave up the ghost in 1999 after 12 years of daily wear.
Those other boots were called Mickey Mouse boots when I was in the Army and they are extreme cold weather boot. They also work amazingly if inflated properly.
The mickey's had a little fart vent to let the sweaty steam out. They were nice and warm in the snow of S.Korea but a bear to wear on long marches. Great for guard duty.
Jump boots were the best
I have a pair from active duty going back to around 1992. I had to wear safety toes so I used these for 4-wheeling in Georgia mud and water crossings, etc. They still wear great when I occasionally use them. What's surprising is I thought they were low end boots but after seeing your review it makes sense why they've held up for 30 years.
I use my father’s boots for the same thing in the same state. Cheers sir, thank you for your service.
@@Nevernotalone Thank you! They saw a lot of action around the Ocmulgee River South of Warner Robins, areas up near Macon, the mountains in North Georgia, etc. We were constantly going out 4 wheeling looking for new spots.