History of Military Boots: From Brogan to Modern Combat Boots

When you picture military gear, what comes to mind? Maybe it's a helmet, rifle, or pocket knife. While those items are essential, we're taking a closer look at the evolution of another type of gear, combat boots. During the 19th century, many military members weren't issued standard boots and were left to find their own footwear. It wasn't until the War of 1812 that soldiers were issued combat boots with their uniform. The boots were made to be symmetrical, molding to one's foot as they were broken in. These were called Brogan boots. During the Civil War, Union and Confederate boots varied greatly. Union armies had better access to materials and used this to their advantage, while Confederate boots were of lesser quality and in need of constant replacement. World War I marked a new kind of warfare, and with it, a new boot design. With war conditions primarily being wet and muddy, a new boot design was needed. Thus came russet marching shoes. They were easy to care for, but had a hard time lasting in the elements. This eventually led to the creation of the trench boot, which was made of inside-out cowhide and had rows of metal nails for traction. While serving in World War I, General Patton was inspired to develop the tanker boot. The boots were made for Patton's tank corps. Fast to get on, but supportive. World War II saw the introduction of the garrison shoe. However, poor quality and a shortage of materials led to quality control issues. In 1943, General Martian ordered a new design featuring a rubber sole and heel, as well as rough-out leather for improved waterproofing. More stylized boots were worn during this time, including tanker boots and paratrooper boots. Paratrooper boots were one of the few styles designed for specific tasks during World War II. While other boots were commissioned by the army, paratrooper boots were almost entirely built by Corcoran shoes. Jungle boots were introduced during the tail end of World War II. The design was simple. A vibram outsole, a leather and canvas upper, and a couple holes near the sole for drainage. When war broke out in 1990 in Kuwait, it was determined that jungle boots were not suited for desert conditions. General Norman Schwarzkopf tasked U.S. manufacturers with a list of specifications, including leather ankle reinforcement, 10-speed lace eyelets, and a Panama sole tread pattern. Today, the army combat boot comes in both warm and temperate weather versions. While the army still issues boots, soldiers are authorized to wear commercial boots with similar designs if they are regulation. Comfort and functionality are emphasized today, because the army knows that every step a soldier takes starts with the right boots.