Why do soldiers wear boots?

Question

Is it to keep their feet dry? What about when they're in dry climates? I don't think it makes sense to wear thick heavy boots in the deserts of Iraq. Why don't they just wear something that will keep their feet cool, like tennis shoes? They can make them padded/armored, if protection is the concern.

Answer 1

The reason why boots are high is that they minimise the risk of ankle sprains & twists by limiting the angle of movement.

Of course, boots are also to keep feet dry in ankle deep water. These days, there's Gore-tex that allows feet to "breathe" while keeping them dry at the same time. Alos, there are some models that have kevlar in-soles that prevents your feet from getting blown apart when you step on a mine. It minimises the injuries to that of broken bones.

Answer 2

(1) Boots provide a thicker sole and better ankle protection.

(2) Boots are easier to resole and maintain that civilian footwear.

(3) Boots are stitched at their seams (the good ones) and much more durable; civilian footwear is mostly glued.

(4) Boots can be very light. The fabric uppers on jungle boots or desert boots reduce weight by a good deal.

(5) Padded or armored tennis shoes are not an option, nor should they be.

I have worn "thick heavy boots in the deserts of Iraq" for two years now. I neither find the footwear thick or heavy. I would rather chop my feet off than wear tennis shoes and have thorny plants cut up my ankles, sand and gravel get under my socks, twist my ankle on every rock out there, and have glass and metal fragments puncture my feet.

Perhaps this convinces you now that it makes sense to wear boots in any clime for serious outdoor activity. If you aren't, take a look at any outdoor magazine involving trekking, rock climbing, etc and see who wears tennis shoes. Or better yet take a look at trekking shoes at a site like http://rei.com and tell everyone those aren't boots.

Answer 3

Boots are worn for protection as well as support. But you are all too funny. TENNIS SHOES ? LOL. OK, Have you ever heard of a sidewinder. It IS a rattle snake. Now I am not saying they have them in Iraq, BUT the sidewinder DOES lives in deserts. Like right here in CA. Snakes do and will bite a person. VERY little if any protection against this if you wear tennis shoes. BOOTS are needed. I only use the above as an example. There are all so many reasons to wear boots.

Answer 4

Not a stupid question; it's exactly that type of question for which Yahoo Answers was designed; trivial little things you won't find in a lot of other sources.

But it has to be for protection. They're climbing around rubble a lot of times; you'd be begging for a sprained/broken ankle in anything else. From what I understand, they're a lot more comfortable now than they were for previous generations of soldiers.

But I have to say, the notion of armored tennies will keep me smiling the rest of the day. :-)

Answer 5

Well, lets see, they don't really have a choice, they just do as they're told. If it were up to me, they'd all wear ugh boots at night and dressing gowns to match. For the day, I'd recommend flippers for those scuba diving expeditions while they are in the desert. They may come across an oasis - You never know, it could happen!

Answer 6

also, the thick leather of the boots are resistant (though not proof to) to chemical agents, You wouldn't want your boots to breathe in that agent orange. Boots are preferrable, as they are actually light, compared to gum boots (which are horrible to march in)
The only problem with them, is that they aren't usually warm enough for winters, and can easily start leaking after some wear and tear. Oh, and the constant polishing.

Answer 7

The boots, when broken in properly, are comfortable. They are easy to polish to a shine when needed. They give support to the ankles when worn right. They also help to break up the "human pattern". The tread on them help keep you from sliding on hillsides and the soles are quiet enough to sneak up on the enemy. For me, there isn't a boot made to compare to the military boots.

Answer 8

If the tennis shoes were "padded/armored" wouldn't they end up as boots?

Answer 9

Firstly, those boots are to protect any sharp objects sticking out from the ground. Secondly, as soldiers are made to move through rough terrain which may sprain their ankles and also to protect them from any snakes or insect bites etc...

Answer 10

It is not only about heat. It is to protect their feet from EVERYTHING! wetness/sharp objects/heavy objects/fire/,etc. Duh. If I were fighting a war, i woudl not want to be wearing Sketchers!! Haha! I have stepped on a peice of glass that cut through my tennis shoes! Armored tennis? Are you kidding me? Why not just wear boots?