Combat boot facts for kids
Combat boots are special shoes worn by soldiers. They are made for fighting or training, not for fancy parades. These boots help soldiers walk on rough ground. They give good grip, support the ankle, and protect the foot.
Most combat boots are made from tough, sometimes waterproof leather. Today, many boots use new technologies. These include materials like Gore-Tex, which help air flow and make them more comfortable. Some boots are made for specific places, like jungles or deserts. Others are for cold weather. There are also special boots for tank crews or paratroopers.
Contents
History of Combat Boots
Early Military Footwear
The first soldiers known to wear special boots were from ancient Assyria. The Roman Empire also had well-known military boots. Roman soldiers wore boots called caligae. These boots had hobnails, which are small nails in the sole for better grip.
Later, around the late 1st century, Roman soldiers started wearing a closed boot called calcei. These boots gave more protection and warmth. They quickly became popular for both soldiers and everyday people in Rome.
Boots in England and the UK
During the English Civil War, soldiers in the New Model Army received three shoes or ankle boots. They would switch them around to make them last longer. After 1660, soldiers wore shoes with buckles, like regular people. This lasted until about 1800.
Later, in the Napoleonic Wars, the British army started giving out ankle boots. These boots replaced the buckle shoes. They were used throughout the 1800s. Soldiers wore them in wars like the Crimean War (1853-1856) and the First Zulu War (1879).
These boots were later replaced by "ammunition boots." These were used from the late 1880s until the 1960s.
Boots in the United States
In the War of 1812, US soldiers wore calf-high boots. From the 1820s, soldiers got ankle-high boots. These boots were made without a left or right foot shape. They would slowly form to the wearer's feet. This meant they were very uncomfortable at first and often caused blisters.
In 1858, better boots were introduced. They were called Jeff Davis boots after Jefferson Davis. He was the Secretary of War who updated the army's gear. These improved boots were used until the 1880s.
Combat Boots in Fashion
Combat boots are also popular as fashion items. Many people wear them in different styles. These include goth, punk, grunge, and heavy metal styles. They are becoming more common in everyday fashion too.
Many people choose combat boots because they are strong and comfortable. They are made to be worn for a long time in different conditions. Combat boots last longer than regular fashion boots. This can give them a cool, old-school look. You can often buy them at military surplus stores.
Images for kids
-
Standard combat boots of Bundeswehr
-
Standard combat boots of Bundeswehr
-
Sole of BW combat boots
-
The Australian Terra Combat Boot.
-
Brand new Mle 1965 combat boots made of shined black leather with direct molded soles.
-
Norwegian M77 Boots by Alfa
-
Swedish army boots made by Tretorn. These are NOS from 1968. Over time (and with the use of shoe polish) they turn black.
-
The Singapore Armed Forces Combat Boots. Top to bottom: Army Combat Boot (ACB), Enhanced Combat Boot (ECB), RSN Combat Safety Boot, RSAF Combat Safety Boot.
-
The out-of-production Gore-Tex boots.
-
M-1943 Combat Service Boots.
-
Boots similar to the older IDF combat boots
-
U.S. Army soldiers are issued their boots
See also
In Spanish: Borceguí para niños
