Are Army Boots Comfortable

Army boots are designed for durability first, but do typically have features like cushioned midsoles and waterproofing features to be more comfortable. Army boots can be comfortable if they have the following features:

• Breathability
• Eyelets
• Cushioned Midsole or Insole
• Lightweight

Army boots are either issued by the government or made by private companies. If made by private companies, they must be ar670-1 compliant. In plain english, this just means the features of these boots must adhere to the guide to the wear and appearance of army uniform and Insigna (source).

Companies like Belleville and Garmont produce boots like the Belleville 330 DES ST and the Garmont T8 Bifida boots manufacture these boots so that these boots are ar670-1 compliant while being as comfortable and practical as possible. Here’s how they do it.

1. Breathability

Having rucking boots or army boots that have some form of ventilation is crucial for increasing comfort.

Why?

Breathable boots allow the heat and moisture to exit your feet and allow for air circulation in and out of the boots. This not only keeps your feet cool, it keeps your feet dry. Keeping your feet dry is key to avoiding wet feet and blisters.

In the photo of the Garmont T8 Bifida military boots (above), you can see the 2 circular wholes, more popularly known as outlets or vents, is an example of how private companies have been making army boots more comfortable.

2. Eyelets

The belleville boots are another ar760-1 compliant boots that focus on comfort. They do this by have strong and durable eyelets.

You may be asking, what on earth does that have to do with army boots being comfortable?

Simply put. eyelets on boots (a minimum of 3 for ar670-1 compliant boots) are usually holes in a boot through which shoelaces are threaded. While they are meant for you to tie your boots, they also allow you to put on your boots easily and for your feet to be secure in the boots, and allow you to take off your boots easily.

3- Cushioned Midsole Or Insole

In some military boots, manufactured by private companies, they’ll insert a removable cushioned midsole or comfortable insoles.

A cushioned midsole and a good insole allows the boot to absorb the shock caused by regular or typical army activities which include:

• Rucking
• Jumping
• Exercising
• Running

This also insure typical rucking injuries are avoided.

4- Lightweight

If you go to a Nike store, and hold up one of their super light boots, the first thing you’ll be thinking of is “wow, these shoes must be super comfortable”. Thats actuallya logical and fair thought to have and is true.

Having light boots is an important feature to ensure that army boots are comfortable. Soldiers are expected to ruck march for 12 miles in 3 hours. Therefore, the last thing these soldiers want to deal with is putting more effort just to drage their feet from point A to point B.

That’s why a lot of these boots are made from some form of synthetic leather, to keep them lightweight. A classic example of a military style boot that is lightweight is the Altama Foxhound SR8 boots.

Frequently Asked Questions