What Are AR 670-1 Compliant Boots?
AR 670-1 boots are boots that are allowed to be worn in the military. AR670-1 Boots are issued in the military but you can bring your own boots when joining the military as long as it meets AR 670-1 regulations.
Soldiers are allowed to wear commercial boots, as long as the the design is similiar to the army issued boots. Commercial boots are considered an optional purchase since the military issues 2 boots for every soldier.
- AR 670-1 Compliant Boot Guidelines
- Best AR670-1 Compliant & Approved Boots List
- What To Consider When Choosing AR670-1 Boots
- Military issued Boots
AR670-1 Compliant Boot Guidelines
The features mentioned with the military issued boots are decent and do the job, we do however question how comfortable they are in a ruck march. The army ruck march standard is 12 miles in 3 hours, so you can expect to put some miles with these rucking boots.
So before you go choosing your army AR 670-1 boots, avoid wasting your money on non AR670-1 compliant boots and check out the regulations below so you know you’re making the right choice (source):
| Specification | Mandatory Feature |
|---|---|
| Color | Tan or Coyote |
| Height | 8 to 10 Inches |
| Material | Cattlehide Leather |
| Steel Toe or Plain Toe | Plain Toe |
| Outsole Material | Rubber and Polyether Polyurethane |
| Mixed of Fabrics | Either all leather or Combination of leather and non-mesh fabric |
As obvious as it is, but all boots must be authorized by the commander. we felt obligated to mention that.
Best AR670-1 Compliant & Approved Boots List
Here’s our list of the best AR 670-1 Compliant boots you can bring with you and wear in the army:
1- Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot – Coyote
The Garmont T8 Bifidia boots are boots that are made for the military. They are lightweight boots weigh in at 3.5 lbs, which is great for ruck marches because it provides as much comfort and helps you with your rucking speed.
These also come in handy when speed is an important part of the mission
The outsole is made from rubber (so that it conforms to ar 670 -1 regulations) and is slip resistant with deep treads.
Breathability and ventilation is key when wearing boots for a long time and the Garmont boots have got you covered.
Check out our full review on the Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot or Check out the Garmont Bifidia Tactical Boots on Amazon
2- Altama Foxhound SR 8 Inch Boots
The Altama Foxhound SR 8 Inch Boots are a popular choice for soldiers and military personnel who need boots that are AR 670 -1 compliant, durable, comfortable, and slip resistant. These boots are common because they’re comfortable for every day and all day use.
The exterior of these boots are made from 1000D nylon. Furthermore they are slip resistant and exceeds the ASTM F489-96 slip resistance test. A big differentiating point for these boots is that they are travel and airport friendly since they are non-metallic.
Check out our full review on the Altama Foxhound SR 8″ Boots or check out these boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)
3 – Belleville 390DES Hot Weather Combat Boot Desert Tan
You will see a few boots on this from Belleville and for good reason. They make boots primarily for the military meaning you can rest assured that these boots are AR 670-1 compliant.
These Belleville 390 DES boots are primarily made for hot weather. The focus here is on breathability. The exterior of these boots are made from Cattlehide leather (as per AR 670-1 regulations).
The shock absorbent cushioned midsole dissipates the huge amount of kinetic energy that enters your body with each step (source). This energy typically works its way up to your joints and without it, it can cause massive discomfort when walking for long periods of time.
Oh and its made in the USA!
Check out the full Belleville 390 DES Boots Review or check out the Belleville 390 DES Boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)
4- Belleville 790 GoreTex Boots
The Belleville 790 GoreTex stands out from the rest of the Belleville line up. This is because of the Gore-Tex technology. This new technology of putting together these boots makes these boots waterproof and breathable.
These boots are also made from cattlehide leather, so no surprise there. The outsole is made from 100% rubber vibram outsole. This ensures that these boots meet AR670-1 compliance and also make them highly slip-resistant.
Check out our full Belleville 790 Boots review here or check out the Belleville 790 Boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)Best Boots For Rucking Reviewed
The belleville 790 boots are certainly designed to be military focused. How do we know? Well Belleville’s line up of boots are almost exclusively ar670-1 compliant. Otherwise, they’re built to last thanks to the cattlehide leather. As the name suggests they include GoreTex technology which basically meants that these botts are waterproof and breathable.
Check out our full Belleville 790 Boots review here
5 – Belleville 340 DES Boots
The Belleville 340 DES boots is a comfortable choice if you’re looking for a safe AR670-1 compliant boots. They also include a vibram slip-resistant outsole.
Similar to the Belleville 790 DES boots is also made for hot weather.
Check out the full Belleville 340 Boots Review or check out these boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)
6 – Belleville One Xero C320 Ultra Light Assault Boots
The Belleville One Xero C320 are unique from the rest of the Belleville line up because as the name suggests, they are lightweight. The height of these boots are perfect for the military and due to its design, build, and color these boots are AR 670-1 compliant.
Breathability is key with these boots and the lateral dual ventilliation zones help push out the hot air out and allow for air circulation. This stops the build up of moisture and sweat (which is great for preventing blisters when ruck marching).
Check out our full Belleville One Xero C320 Boots review or check out these boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)
7- Danner Men’s Tanicus 8 Inch Boots
According to Danner’s website, the Tanicus 8 inch boots are the lightest boot in their line-up. They added a midsole that is cushioned for increased comfort (this helps absorbs the shock when walking).
The mesh is breathable and moisture-wicking which helps cool your feet during those long ruck marches. Paired with rucking socks, your feet will have a good time!
Check out our Danner Tanicus 8 Boot Review
Check out these boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)
8 – Danner Women’s Prowess Military & Tactical Boots
These women focused AR 670-1 boots have the same qualities as the other boots on this list. These boots are made from a mix of seude leather and nylon. This mix creates a strong, durable, and abrasion resistant boots.
Check out these boots on Amazon (link to Amazon)
What To Consider When Choosing AR670-1 Boots
There are a few things to consider when buying your AR670-1 compliant boots based on the activities you will be performing in the army.
1- Fitting & Sizing
Two important indicators when trying to choose the right fitting AR670-1 boots are:
- The fitting should be that the space between the end of the big toe and the toe of the boot should be the width of the thumb (source).
- When the boot is unlaced, you should have enough wiggle room to put in your index finger.
2- Socks
The fitting of the socks are key to succeed in those long ruck march sessions. The way to test wether your socks fit you well is to simply wear the socks and stand. If you feel any tightness or if you feel that they are too loose, you may want to change them.
Check out our full list of rucking socks here
The recommended fabric for the right socks is wool, merino wool to be specific. This is because it keeps you warm during the winter months and colder climates while also keeping you cool during hot months and warm climates.
Check out our recent guide on what ar670-1 socks if you’re looking for military approved socks!
3- Cleaning
One thing that some people fail to consider prior to choosing their boots for the army is that it is expected that you will be cleaning your boots very regularly. With that said, choosing boots that are easy to clean is key.
Having a removable boot insole makes it easier and better to clean. The exterior leather material should be easy to clean. Same can be said about the rubber outsole.
4- Keep them Dry
It is also expected that both your boots and socks are cleaned and dried daily. The same goes for your feet.
This is important because cleaning and drying your feet and boots prevents the build up and blisters and other common rucking injuries.
5- Toe Nails
Toe Nails must be trimmed on a regular bases and for good reason. This prevents a toe nail from stabbing the toe next to. Bleeding toes and sweat don’t mix well, especially if you 6 miles to go.
When choosing your boots, make sure your toe nails are trimmed to ensure accurate fitting
Military Issued Boots Specifications
There are two army combat boots given to soldiers: HW (Hot Weather Boots) and TWB temperature weather boots. These boots are made from cattlehide leather with a plain toe. The outsoles are made tan and coyote colored.
1- Hot Weather Army Issued Boots
HW boots are made from a tan or coyote color. The flesh-side is made out of cattlehide leather along with a nylon duck upper. The boot insole, also known as insert is removable, along with a closed loop speed lace system and drainage eyelets.
2- Temperature Weather Army Issued Boots
Temperature Weather Army Combat boots are also made come in tan or coyote color. It is made from cattlehide leather and a nylon upper. The material is waterproof, breathable, and will have limited flame resistance. Other features include:
- conduction heat resistance
- liquid penetration protection
- removable insert
- closed speed lace system
Related Questions About AR 670-1 Boots
laced-in zipper or hook-and-loop inserts are not authorized in the military. Boots with a laced-in zipper or hook-and-loop inserts do not fall under AR670-1 regulations.
Different companies make different army compliant boots. You should look for “AR 670-1 Compliant” somewhere in the description of specification labeling of the boot.
You can start your search for army authorized boots by checking out:
1. Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot – Coyote
2. Altama Foxhound SR 8 Inch Boots
3. Belleville 390DES Hot Weather Combat Boot Desert Tan
Check out their reviews above.
No. Army boots, as per AR670-1 regulations, must be plain toe.
Most army boots should be good for hiking. Companies like Danner and Garmont produce military boots specifically to ensure long lasting comfort. Learn more about the best boots for rucking and ruck marching.
Not all army boots are waterproof but you can find waterproof army boots easily. For example, the Belleville 790 Boots are waterproof.
Not all army boots are good for the snow, but you can find snow-friendly army boots easily. The Garmont T8 Extreme GTX boots are snow friendly army boots.
Not all army boots are good for running. The Altama foxhound SR 8 boots are the best army boots for running.
