Military Boots
These military boots follow patterns American troops have worn for generations: the vented jungle boot, the all-black combat boot and the leather jump boot. Rothco builds them in the traditional style, so they suit veterans, reenactors, airsoft players, hunters and anyone who wants a boot with a long service record behind its design.
The jungle boots are the core of the collection. The 8 inch Jungle Boots have breathable canvas and nylon uppers, two vent holes for airflow, an internal steel shank and a Panama-pattern cleated sole, in black, desert tan and olive drab. We also carry the Speedlace Jungle Boot, a 9 inch black speedlace version, a G.I. Type Black Steel Toe Jungle Boot and a 10 inch G.I. Type desert tan jungle boot with a ripple sole.
For an all-leather look, choose the 9 inch Combat Boot or the 10 inch Speedlace Combat Boots. The 10 inch Leather Jump Boot comes in black or brown and has a 12-eyelet lace system, a cushioned insole, an internal steel shank, a storm welt and an oil-resistant beveled outsole, ready for a high shine.
A note for service members: the Army's daily boot for the OCP uniform is coyote, and black or olive drab boots don't match that standard. DA PAM 670-1 does let certain Soldiers wear black leather combat boots with the ASU and brown with the AGSU. Our guide below explains who qualifies and what to check before wearing these military boots on duty.
How to Choose Military Boots
The three families on this page do different jobs, so start with the ground you'll cover and the look you want.
Jungle Boots for Heat and Wet Ground
Jungle boots were designed for hot, humid places where leather stays soaked. Canvas and nylon uppers dry faster than full leather, vent holes move air around the foot and the deep Panama-pattern cleats grip mud. They are the best of our military boots for summer field days, swampy hunting ground and Vietnam-era impressions. The steel toe version adds protection for work, and the desert tan ripple-sole boot suits a Desert Storm-era kit.
Leather Combat Boots for Shine and Support
All-leather combat boots give more structure around the ankle and take polish well. The speedlace versions lace up quickly through hooks or loops, which helps when you're putting boots on in the dark.
Jump Boots for Ceremony and Tradition
Jump boots trace back to paratroopers and remain a favorite for honor guards, drill teams and collectors. The 10 inch height and 12 eyelets give a tall, clean line with bloused trousers, and the black and brown versions let you match different uniforms.
Military Boots Sizing and Break-In
- Rothco notes that its 8 inch jungle boots fit about one size larger than marked, and lists them in sizes 1 to 16 in regular and wide.
- Wear the boot socks you'll actually use when you try them on; thick wool socks can take up half a size.
- Break in leather boots over short walks first. A light coat of polish or conditioner keeps leather from cracking at the flex points.
- Lace diagonally and tuck the extra lace into the boot top so it doesn't catch on brush.
Military Boots and Army Uniform Regulations
Coyote Is the OCP Standard
DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 20-5a, makes the coyote hot weather combat boot a clothing bag issue item, and Soldiers must own two pairs. Paragraph 20-5b lists optional boots a commander can authorize, including jungle combat boots and commercial boots similar to the coyote boot, but optional boots never replace the issued pairs. Black, olive drab and desert tan boots don't match the coyote color of today's OCP boots, so treat those versions as training, off-duty or civilian wear unless your unit says otherwise.
Black and Brown Leather Combat Boots with the ASU and AGSU
Paragraph 20-5b(2) says black leather combat boots are worn with the Army Service Uniform and brown leather combat boots with the Army Green Service Uniform, but only by Soldiers authorized the tan, green or maroon beret, MPs performing MP duties and Soldiers in air assault coded positions. Trousers are bloused when they're worn, and boots are laced diagonally. Our jump boots are commercial, so compare them with the paragraph's description of the combat leather boot and confirm with your unit before wearing them to a ceremony.
Other Services
The Air Force and Space Force authorize only coyote brown boots with the OCP uniform, and Marines must wear Marine Corps certified boots, so these military boots are best kept for off-duty wear in those services. Local command policy can always be stricter than the regulation.