History of combat boots and their role in fashion
Combat boots have become commonplace among military organizations around the world. The first soldiers to be handed over to them were the infantrymen of the Assyrians, they wore spike boots called caligae.
Soldiers in the English Civil War were given 3 sets of this special footwear and would change them after each march to make sure they were worn evenly. Instead of laces, these had buckles that were used by most armies during that time period.
The Napoleonic Wars saw the first set of lace-up combat boots and they were issued to replace older buckled shoes. The first to be issued by the Americans were lace-up ankle boots. However, these did not have a right or a left shoe. Instead, they were meant to be molded around the soldier’s feet. These boots were uncomfortable and caused a lot of blisters.
The next official pair of American boots arrived during World War II. They were part of the uniform set M-1943. With this theme, the Americans returned to using the double belt that they would maintain until 1948. During the Vietnam War, the United States returned to using laces made specifically for the war in the jungle.
Today’s American combat boots are available in two different styles. The first is a 2.5 lb warm weather boot and the second is a 2 lb warm weather boot. Current US combat boot manufacturers include Altama, Bates, Belleville Shoe, McRae, Rocky, Warson, Converse, and Wellco. All branches of the military wear a rough tan, except the Air Force, which wears a foliage-green suede.
In recent history, combat boots have found a new genre of people looking to buy them outside of the military. With the invasion of the gothic, punk and industrial, children have become a much more mainstream accessory. They have become a fashion statement for a large portion of the young American population.
Many people who choose combat boots for fashion want something real that creates an authentic, vintage look and feel. As a result, you can buy them at virtually any military surplus store or online at a number of different retailers.
Beyond fashion, some people also wear them simply because they are so durable and long lasting. They can be used for long periods of time in any condition, making them ideal for many industries, even outside of the military.