What is your stand on AR 670-1/DA PAM 670-1 and the continuing boot argument? Do you stand for the regulation or wear the same boots?

MSG Clifford Gaston — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:44:05 -0500

I get asked all the time as a Inspector General, what do I support. I as a NCO support the regulation, but when the regulation states "The exterior of the boot upper will not contain mesh but will be constructed of either all leather or a combination of leather and nonmesh fabric." I choose to pick my battles. Realize this if you h ave been deployed and seen a burned body then you know that issued or commercial they all melt. I have CSM's / SGM's that have told me it's a battle they don't worry about just as long as the Soldier does their job to the standard.

Optional boots.
(a) As an option, Soldiers may wear commercial boots of a design similar to that of the Army combat boot (tan), as authorized by the commander. The boots must be between 8 to 10 inches in height and made of tan flesh-side out cattlehide leather, with a plain toe and a soling system matching the color of the tan upper materials. Rubber and polyether polyurethane are the only outsole materials that are authorized. The soling materials will not exceed 2 inches in height, when measured from the bottom of the outsole, and will not extend up the back of the heel or boot or over the top of the toe. The exterior of the boot upper will not contain mesh but will be constructed of either all leather or a combination of leather and nonmesh fabric. Soldiers may wear optional boots in lieu of the Army combat boot (tan), as authorized by the commander; however, they do not replace issue boots as a mandatory possession item.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 4:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 16:50:16 -0500

I think the Army made the regulation with specific makes of commercial boots in mind. Frankly, I think boots are an item where appearance (within reason) means less than comfort and durability. Some of the commercial boot designs are pretty far removed from the Army standard, hence the belief by some that they are "so much better".

If the Army were to specifically allow certain commercially available boots for wear, great. Since they have specifically denied certain boots, we need to conform.

I loved my Rocky C4Ts, until I found out they were not authorized. I haven't worn them since.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 5:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 17:12:03 -0500

I am not trying to sound all high and mighty, but the regulation says which boots are authorized and which are not authorized, not if we decide to follow the regulation or not. I am sure that downrange the last thing people will look at is that if we are wearing a specific type of boot, but in a garrison environment is a different story.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 8:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:06:23 -0500

There are many options out there that comply to regulation and look and feel better than standard issue.
Just find one that works for you and stick with it. I used to wear the Nike's until I found out they were not authorized. I now wear the Reebok's you can find at Clothing Sales. They are not as light but have way more support.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 11:59 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:59:16 -0400

Are steel toe boots ok to wear to a promotion board?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 10:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 22:57:52 -0400

I have worn standard issue boots for as long as I can remember, fallen arches from miles of road marches aside. That is UNTIL, on my last deployment some younger guys, not inexperienced soldiers mind you, let me in on their previous deployment tricks. I tried on a pair of Reebok's and have been hooked. I'm not trying to advertise in the least. Any other boot would be just as good, but these particular boots were so comfortable that it made a world of difference in how my feet, knees, and hips felt. I understand that there need to be standards governing the uniform. I understand the issue of safety. I cannot understand how one of the most uncomfortable wearing boot could be declared the uniform accessory. I've been through four different uniform changes and never have I had a comfortable pair of issue boots. The hiking boots in Afghanistan were the worst. If I had purchased them myself, I definitely would have asked for my money back. As long as the boot conforms, is neat in appearance, and provides adequate safety, I see nothing wrong with it. Then again, I still have some black shoe polish laying around somewhere.