Netizens
One of the residual problems with theatres of war in different climates means boot design changes with time. The UK boot in the Falklands was waterproof but held in the water, too. Water poured inthrough the laces and filled the plastic sole (made form a cross mesh of plastic) Trench foot become a problem and the advance across Goose Green had to completed within the shortest possible time to avoid major casualties. Argentinean boots were taken to protect against the wet cold conditons. The Argentinean boot was considered the best for wet conditons. Both designs would be quite inappropriate for Desert Storm and Afghanistan. Reports from wars in the Middle East confirm the UK boots were not entirely perfect for the high temperature conditons. There is at least one website dedicated to boot talk for army recruits (Canadian) which is interesting to lurk. The Australian boot does have a lot of research behind it and was thought to be a good quality boot. There has been tons of research on squarebashing and shin splints. The bulk seems to come from Isreal and Jim Philps did some work in New Zealand about a decade or so back.
The Kiwis had a extraordinary amount of recruits drop out from squarebashing and many complained of shin splints. Much of the symptoms were caused by limitation of dorsiflexion caused by high lacing boots. The recruits had to wear them for all activities are were not able to wear trainers for running. Needless to say the incidence of shin splints is lower in these armies. There is also reported a lot of pride and recruits who come through their training will wear their pain (breaking their boots in) with honour and treat other recruits with disdain should they fail to make the mark.
Bullying is very commonly reported with enthnicity and gender cited focus.
So back to your question, no one has yet come up with the perfect military boot. Different contitions necessitate different styles. US boots are probably better quality than others simply because there is a strong fashion element to the uniform and the boots must be made from homegrown hides. Consequently there are dedicated manufacturers on mainland US.
Fashion and the military comes from Nazi Germany where the SS had designer uniforms
which included quality leather boots. The US were quick to catch on and by the Sercond Wold War and the introduction of females in the military then better cut uniforms were a must.
Sizing and comfort should be a priority but seldom is, and this has certainly been the case in UK, over the war years. Research shows concentration on recruiting based on arch height may have increased the number of service people with boot problems. This is now much less frequent.
What say you?
Cameron
Hey, What do I know?
Last edited: Nov 10, 2005