U.S. Army Boots

Frequently Asked Questions

The regulation specifies coyote brown boots at 8 inches for wear with the OCP uniform, along with requirements covering the upper material, the sole, and the absence of features like exposed metal and prominent logos. Because AR 670-1 is revised periodically and commanders can impose additional restrictions, verify the current text and your unit's policy rather than relying on a boot being marketed as compliant.

Optional-purchase boots meeting the regulation are generally permitted, which is why this category exists at all. Many soldiers buy their own because commercial boots are often lighter and more comfortable than issued ones. The boot still has to meet the specification, and your chain of command has the final say. Confirm before you spend the money.

Hot-weather boots use mesh and nylon panels for airflow and dry quickly, sometimes with drainage. Temperate boots use more leather and often a waterproof membrane. The distinction matters more than most people expect: a waterproof boot in a hot wet climate traps sweat and holds water once it comes over the collar, which is how foot problems start.

In cold and wet conditions, yes, and Gore-Tex models are widely worn for garrison and cold-weather field use. In hot and humid environments, no, and a drainable hot-weather boot is the right choice. Many soldiers keep both and choose by deployment or season rather than treating one boot as universal.

Standard uniform boots are soft toe, since field mobility matters more than crush protection and a rated cap adds weight. Some roles involving materiel handling or maintenance specify a safety toe, and composite versions exist that meet uniform appearance requirements. Toe type is stated in every product title.

The Berry Amendment requires footwear bought with Department of Defense funds to be made in the United States from domestically sourced materials. It applies to issued boots and some allowance purchases rather than to boots you buy personally. If you are spending your own money it does not bind you, though many people choose Berry compliant boots regardless. See our Berry compliant boots range.

Progressively, over two to three weeks, wearing the socks you will actually wear, since sock thickness changes fit substantially. Modern lightweight boots need far less break-in than traditional all-leather ones. If a boot is still causing hot spots after a couple of weeks, that is a fit problem and an exchange is the right answer rather than pushing through it.

Danner, Rocky, Bates, and Belleville all build to the specification, in hot-weather, temperate, waterproof, and insulated versions. Danner's Tanicus and Rocky's S2V platform are both widely worn. Browse the Danner military and Rocky military ranges.

U.S. Army Boots

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What boots are authorized under AR 670-1?

Do I have to wear issued boots?

What is the difference between hot weather and temperate boots?

Should Army boots be waterproof?

Do Army boots have safety toes?

What is Berry compliance and does it apply to me?

How do you break in military boots?

Which brands make regulation Army boots?