British Army Boots 80's v Later Versions

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dont get ripped off buying newer style army boots

[@gazzaboo8461]

I joined in '76 so we were issued the short leg DMS boots with puttees, and they sucked donkey bawls. Best day ever for me was getting sent to Northern Ireland because we were issued with the DMS high leg 'Urban Patrol Boots'. Light, comfy and no puttees! Joyous day indeed. They didn't have sole problems as I recall. Took a while longer before the SLR and SMG were replaced, but I was overjoyed to lose the puttees 😁 Out in '84

[@PaddyInf]

Boots Combat High were not the same as DMS. The DMS boot was a short ankle boot worn with puttees for ankle support. They look a bit like ammo boots but without the studs. I remember wearing BCH back in the day. Feckin nightmare to break in, so you never wanted rid of them. once you got them right. The soles offered no shock absorption so your shins took a hammering.

[@MrZimmaframe]

Everything these days is designed to break so you buy another one a few years down the line. Sad but true

[@simongrushka983]

not necessary. everything has it's lifespan. there is really no need for military boots to be made to last for over 2 years. remember- you pay for such longevity either with money directly, or indirectly by sacrificing boots comfyness (modern army boots don't even need to be broken in /apart from defenders/), their lightness etc. modern boots feel like slippers when compared to the older ones. and yes it matters a lot if you have to tab in them.

[@simonroome5858]

Army gear is generally not made with this is mind. The issue bergen for example has robust material and zips, the boots are extremely reliable, and the combat jackets/smocks do exactly what they are supposed to do. My only issue witht he bergen was the draw cord on the interior which seals the inside from water and breaks fairly easily.

[@TheIbanezs5470]

Simon Roome I'm still using my father's greek army boots, issued back in 1972. 47 years later and they are still in great shape, even after the army tasks back then, and after he used to use them for gardening, hiking and other outdoor activities. I used to use them for my motorbike and now quite many times for outdoors too.

[@archiepreston6503]

Had my boots about a week now and they're already broken in thanks to your method. I'm a cadet myself and am looking forward to wearing them back when this lockdown is over. Cheers for the advice.

[@funkyprepper]

No problem at all, just keep them soft with plenty of dubbin on them regular 👍

[@1107Comedy]

I used to buy the boots from army surplus, the first pair you had shown I bought in the early 90's, they were great. They were lost in a relationship breakdown. I became aware of the floor in the design, and found the same in many countries military boots. I now buy the austrian boots. Stitched sole and strong, comfortable and long lasting. I get the seconds so there already broken in. I am saddened not to be able to patronise my own countries military boots. I'm not a goth, I just love big leather boots for daily use. I enjoy the whole process of cleaning, polishing, and shining the caps. I'm not a military man but do have my respect for the servicemen of this country. They always come up like brand new. Up to now at 23.30, I've not taken them off since I got up this morning. There like outdoor slippers. I'd be interested if you bought a pair and did a video review of them. I paid 38 quid for them, you can get the distressed range for 18 quid. Well worth it for a pair of boots that will last decades. Great video. Good job showing up these defective boots and how sad greed wins over standards. Take care bud.

[@jester5ify]

I remember when the combat highs were swapped out for that 'other type'. immediately switched to the pro boot which was amazing, no sole disintegration, warm dry feet...bliss.

[@GopanBushcraft]

it is exactly what happened with my Swedish M90 boots last Winter. i had some Cold feets on the way home haha

[@WheelieMacBin]

Shocking quality of those late 90's boots, totally bogging. I used the earlier style boot like yourself when I was in the RCT. We used to do a BFT in them too.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Thank you for the advice on these boots. The tip about heating them up, polishing them and cinching up real tight for a few days wear is excellent. Thank you for that. I recently resurrected a pair of these that I found in a cupboard, and I guess they are over 20 years old. I put a tonne of polish on outside, and used surgical gloves to rub a shit load of Carrs leather oil on the inside, onto every internal surface, all the way to the toe. Using my tactic, I have totally rejuvenated them, made them impervious to water penetration both inside and out, and as supple as kid-leather. I have also managed to make one of the heaviest boots in British history about 250grams heavier on each foot. I might try your way next time. +1 and subbed. Thanks for the very expert advice.

[@Rog76]

I agree with you 100% bro, can't believe the crap they issue these days. I used to own a pair of the old style boots given to me from a friend who was a Marine cadet, and got a new pair issued when I enlisted (1992). I imagine if I served in today's forces it would be so different... Things change and not for the better.

[@saudakar9004]

ok boomer

[@Rog76]

@@saudakar9004 I ain’t a boomer i’m X Gen

[@sebjones1566]

That's why I got two pars of Altbergs and Lowa Boots when I was Two years in.

[@Blagger3000]

The 80’s NI Silent lightweight boot was totally magic if you wore it and never stepped into a puddle.

[@davidhood8598]

when i served in the 70s we were issued 3 pairs of boots 2 leather soled and 1 DMS i handed back in the same 3 pairs after 9 years service.

[@eaglpaul1]

That's like what happened recently with a U.S Military Combat Boot manufacturer. Turns out all their boots were made in China, but were being sold to the government as made in the USA. Absolutely horrible.

[@jonfrawley390]

Hi Funky just had the same thing wish I had seen this video before I got them!!!!! Keep up the good work i'ts always good to see your vids. All the best Jon.

[@soggz4246]

I had a pair of the soldier 95 boots. They were fantastic to wear and dead comfy. I clicked on this vid to see your review on them, as I couldn’t remember what happened to mine. Then you showed me the sole falling to bits. And then I remembered…🤣

[@johnleake5657]

Thanks! I just took my lovely 90s army boots off the shelf - I used them heavily twenty years ago - and found the soles had gone. Thanks for the info.

[@GetTheFO]

I'll always go for my Corcoran jump boots before anything else...

[@flatmoon6359]

Only ever wore these in camp,no choice.On exercise wore German Army high leg boots,padded,waterproof,and comfortable,last very well.

[@tomas19cronin]

Thanks for the heads up funky definitely stopped me buying then as I'm in the market for new boots ATB Tomas

[@miker5502]

Good video..this is exactly what happened to a pair of Bluntstones that I babied, the uppers looked new and the bottom actually disintegrated. Brought them to a reputable shoemaker and he said forget it. No welt to work with because they are moulded bottoms. Found a place online that specializes in fixing BluntStone boots but the cost with shipping was prohibitive. Took them back to the place I bought them and had it out with them and they agreed to sell me another pair heavily discounted. I took the deal but said I would never buy another pair again. They were originally made in Australia, but like a lot of manufacturers shipped their factories to the south seas somewhere and this is the result. End of rant.

[@johnallen7807]

Never found a pair, issue or civvy, that is truly waterproof.

[@MTPpanda]

I also have a pair of the old boots i went through two pairs of the new ones before my section corporal flogged me hers and they are comfy had them 3 years now and still servicable although getting a bit rough around the edges because they belonged to two people before I got em'. Old stuff is the good stuff.

[@pbrobotspbrobots1710]

I was issued one pair of these when they first came into service in 1983, it was fantastic getting them and saying good by to the old putties, we were all cutting around like we were American solders with high leg boots

[@kjumper1]

Government always going with the lowest bidder. Shame

[@harry9392]

The pro boot gortex boots are great can be resoled

[@harry9392]

Still got my first issue dms boot dated 1959 got them in 78 these were issuex2 with putties but have had them bees waxed bulled ever since been on a few parades with them my mate even borrowed them in 2010 for a parade still grand got my caubeen on them medals beside and boots are like glass

[@matthewbrooker]

The brown and black current issue Altbergs are much better. Though there is a special place in my heart for the DMS from my early years. Still use them for the garden☺

[@skids181]

The newer model boots came into service in 1995 and were designated Boots combat assault. They were a copy of a boot that was very popular with the 5 airborne lads that were sold in the pri shop in Aldershot. At the time, matterhorn boots were being issued for winter tours of Bosnia, these were then replaced with what was known as pro boots, the laces started a lot closer to the front of the boot than normal. They then went on to make the cold weather boots and the combat assault boots identical to the eye, the difference being inside with the goretex lining. I was heavily involved with the trials and development of cs95.

[@lib556]

The tread pattern on the first pair is based on that of the Canadian Mk III combat boot issued o/a 1977.

[@wallbars8684]

I wore the Boots CBH in the 80's early 90's and even whilst in basic training, put a pair of insoles from my running shoes in them before progressing to a pair of gucci Sorbothane insoles. These made runs/BFT's a lot more comfortable and probably helped avoid injury although eventually I sustained stress fracture from too much pavement bashing around Plymouth on AACC. Wish I'd have had a pair of Altberg Tabbing boots back then!

[@bobbybrainstorm]

Issued in 1989, still looks like it came out the factory yesterday

[@evilbadger3455]

DMS were issued before BCH.

[@user-to4dy8ve2m]

The old combat high were good boots as they were my first issue in the mid 80,s However the combat assault boots which were the issue from mid 90,s to 2000,s were good boots at the start. However, I remember when marching in public my soles started to fall apart. The rubber was flying off and I started to march like I had something wrong with me. So you can imagine uneven steps

[@onanysundrymule3144]

I am sitting here in a brand new pair of 10" (250mm) Combat (high) DMS boots. I am breaking-them-in by just wearing them around the house..... making lunch or a cuppa, doing odd chores, running upstairs to the loo etc. That is all you need really, is to tease them in with a bit of house wear until they supple up a bit. I do that with walking boots and new shoes too. In fact I've got a pair of brand new Armond sympatex 10" sitting here as well, a similar process going on in parallel. That sole break down is due to improper vulcanisation of the rubber. The manufacturer may as well terminate the final production line conveyor at a landfill site and cut out all the retail hassle/purchaser disappointment in between. Happened to me too with workplace safety footwear, hardly worn at all but useless and 'sticky' underfoot. Damn the corrupt MOD supply chain process or official that awarded the supply contract to that shoddy supplier based on bean counting principles (in the case of your second boots). Damn my workplace for doing similar with their safety footwear provision. Kind regards.

[@gazlyno]

Had this issue with Meindl Desert Fox British Army boot. Got them of ebay next to new with loads of bottom tread. Used them once on holiday in Scotland same thing happened ! Cobblers story as with your boots 'Seen this so many times, they have a 5 year shelf life'. Notice it when I got out of the car. Was told by the shoe repair man to count my blessings that i didn't have an accident using the brake pedal!

[@mg_claymore8611]

you did help me. thanks alot mate.

[@SeanHendy]

Did '92 to '94 and '97 to '06. Can't say I've ever seen sole degradation like you show ever. Original boots I was issued, maybe 3 pairs, did literally 1,000s miles in harshest of conditions and never wore out. The first pair you show made a distinctive sound on Tarmac and pavement being a 'harder' material. Later boots had more give and barely made a sound great for urban night patrols. I was lucky enough about '98 or '99 to get issued some danner matterhorns, part of some trial, and from that moment on it was my every day boot. Comfortable from day one, great in the cold especially.

[@anthonyjohnston5530]

Sean Hendy

[@ChristopherVickers]

Sole degredation happens when they are kept in storage. The rubber actually needs to be compacted so if you don't use them they break.

[@julianwilliams4695]

Got my Matterhorns back in the 80's and still going strong (although they did need a resole). Combat 95 boots were rubbish.

[@alexarcano]

Got to admit that my favourite boots are the older German para boots, they have this quick release in the middle so that you can get them on and off without using a naff speed lace system. I've used mine for everything from motorbiking to walking and fishing, great quality leather supple tough and warm. Padded around the ankles, a nice impact absorbing sole, even walked through a bit of sea water at Stranraer with no leaks and the sole on them lasts for years. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th pair in the past 20 years. Down side is they are damn heavy as well, just weighed mine which are fairly worn now but still at 1.1 kg each.

[@lewistaylor1965]

I managed to get some german army walking boots 'used' from an army surplus market stall in Exeter in 1990...3-4 vibram soles later and repairs to the thinner internal heel part of the boot ,biking ,hiking etc....and they are still going strong...They look like the traditional type norwegian hiking/ski boot and had a square sole at the front as if they could be clipped into cross country skis...They look big...and feel like there's no give around the ankle...but man are they hard wearing...literally lifetime boots...Best boots I ever owned...Can't find them anywhere these days...but then again I'd need another lifetime to make full use of a new pair...lol

[@daleskidmore1685]

I knew what was coming, Funky. I started wearing my lad's boots from CCF and the soles bio degraded like mad. Great shame as they were really comfortable.

[@simoninglis7437]

I agree with your concerns. I served here in Australia in the 90s and we had the locally made version of the black DMS boots which if properly worn in; were outstanding. On keeping up to date with whats happening, I was very impressed to learn that the Australian army is now quite flexible in that troops get an allocation ( 3 pairs combat units and 2 for service units I think) and they can choose their own brand from a choice of half a dozen that have been tested and approved. I think its a great idea. When shit happens, and the high tech options may not be available, you want good basics including very high levels of personal fitness, high levels of training, a resilient innovative and highly proactive attitude and good comfortable well protected footwear.

[@gazlyno]

Had the same problem with the MEINDL British Army Desert Boots. Barely used when I bought them, loads of tread,( if all of ) seemed to be in very good condition. Bottom of boot fell apart after using them once on holiday in Scotland. Same thing said to me by a cobbler when I showed him. Lesson learned!

[@steveoutdoors5964]

Hi. I had a pair of dms boots given to me when I was still at school. they lasted years well over 10. I replaced with the newer style and they lasted well over 8 year . My second pair of the new style boot only lasted about 6 month's before they fell apart. I now gave a pair of German boots made my haix. Great boots use them every day for work and also use over the weekend when out in the woods.

[@old-schoolnortherner.4652]

Hi Funky,after trying several so-called "tactical boots"off E-bay got some of the 2nd type you show here with the brass fittings,maybe i've been lucky but they have proved to be some of the best boots i've ever had and so far have stood up to daily wear and tear including rough countryside,through water etc daily with my dogs,hey maybe i've just been lucky ,but thanks for the info.

[@rikkiwells4564]

I had two pairs of them newer boots and kept then for work, and wore them and had the exact same issue with the bottoms they feel apart, never knew they had a self life good to know.

[@chrissing64]

The DMS boots we were taught to fill them with water and soak them for an hour or two then wear them around fill them with news paper to dry them and soak them in saddle oil, Worked a treat !! Brand new they were like a carved tree trunk no give at all.

[@royalirish4208]

I could swear I still have my old issue pair of DMS boots somewhere in the roofspace.

[@flatmoon6359]

Hi,pls keep them there,I hated mine.

[@daniel17319]

Really enjoyed your video I was in the us army

[@rows10]

Combat high boots were first issued in 1983. They came about due to the poor proformance of DMS short boots and putties in the Falklands war 1982. (Many cases of trench foot as once wet they were very difficult to get dry in the weather at the time. Winter in the Falklands and boggy ground). Army needed boots which were more supportive and with better waterproofing. although once wet boots combat high were still poor. It wasn't until goretex liners or socks became available that any chance of keeping your feet dry became possible.

[@BackwoodsLaw]

While I was in the US Army we wore Cochran's if you were Para certified, over in Germany we wore the Matterhorn's during the winter months and Jungle boots during the summer...still have all of mine and they are still wearing well after 20+ years out now. :)

[@littleadventures6280]

I found my old boots it the roof and the sole fell apart within about ten miniuts. When I was in the army most of the guys used to buy their own boots usually lowa. we just wore the issue boot for monday morning parade.

[@ronbutler6526]

That was a good review, I've never seen soles fall apart that quick

[@robinford4037]

I bought a pair of soldier 95 boots in early 2000s, never wore them, kept them in my metal army chest with all my army gear. When I moved house did a bit of a cleaning out and came across the boots, the soles had returned to ther liquid state, they were as thick as black treacle I am ex FFL (15 years) and our boots had buckles and a rock hard injury causing soles. Used boots sold in Aubagne by the Regimental master tailor for daily use.

[@Admodeus]

These were the first army boots I ever bought, I didn't know anything about breaking in boots at the time, so I just went out a walked in them like normal, brand new. They beat the hell out of my feet and I hated them, but after a while they became super comfortable, I would power-walk in them with ease. They just died today, sole is detatching from both boots, letting in water.

[@pachy444]

You answered it in the video, you can either have a hard soled heavy uncomfortable boot that last ages or a grippy lightweight sole that has a shelf life. The manufacturer clearly states the soles have a time limit on them & that was accepted in favour of grip & weight.

[@borninthewoods4482]

My combat hi DMS boots arrived today, cheers for the review helped me lots!!

[@swosheeplays9453]

Howd you manage to find a pair to fit?

[@borninthewoods4482]

@@swosheeplays9453 eBay mate, I posted this a year ago now I have 5 pairs in size 12 4 pairs in ankle height size 12 And 2 pairs of prototypes size 12

[@thelzmovement6480]

some nice boots I use the wellco boots the u.s. military uses

[@738polarbear]

So a soldier could go into combat with boots that are 4 years and 6 months old and 6 months later they are literally falling off his feet . That is disgusting . Surely our soldiers deserve at the very least the best kit we can provide them . UNBELIEVABLE.this government .

[@davewellings6281]

Back in the day we used to call the DMS high legs 'Mark 2's' and the other boot does look as if it were based on the Britton Boot.

[@damianjones7554]

I've had this same problem with the fast rotting rubber soles, got through three pairs of these modern British army issue boots. I never had the issue with my cadet pair, like your 80's vintage.

[@mikekelsey639]

Most squaddies binned the second pair of boots, called Assault boots and went and got Magnum boots, Altberg's etc and found they were a lot more reliable or as you said, went and bought US Boots

[@BRISTOLPREPPER]

Nice one bro good information on the boots they 80s boots look awesome man

[@allanthompson9695]

I'm really surprised with the different in quality of the upper and the sole. Wouldn't have thought that. Someone in resources at the time of sourcing made a major mistake. Great Vid, information and advice.

[@tseftz]

I left cadets in 2010 ish, and I had two pairs of CBHs I'd gotten off ebay. I did one shined to a mirror, the other just in good nick for fieldcraft. Both were a little worn on the soles, but fine. Sold the polished ones to a mate for a pretty penny (obviously didn't want to polish up a pair himself) and kept the others for work boots. Don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but even the soles on the Combat Boots High degraded like the modern ones here. Took me ages to think what it might be, but I was restoring an old lambretta at the time, and think it must have been oil or petrol that got on them. Anyone else see the rubber go to pieces after wearing them in a shop / around some petrochems?

[@belgarionbob]

I left the Army early 1981 and the high leg dms boots were not on issue at that time. We had the ankle length boot which saw service throughout the 70s.

[@kitjunky133]

when I joined 1986 I was issued a pair of high combat boots and a pair of the much older dms boots with puttys.

[@johndevitt2164]

interesting video. I started using pro boots back around 96 and they were fantastic. 3 years ago I bought another pair. I used them for cold weather. Went for a walk after they had been in the cupboard all summer. They just disintegrated. I have used the boots for many years and they were a great fit. It's a pity I can't wear them. Change the souls and I would buy them again. As the stand they are an absolute risk, totally non reliant

[@Lifechanger_67]

fantastic review mate .... really understand how you feel

[@enochpowelghost]

hair dryer on hot then baby oil let it soak for a day then boot polish. the boots will not get a rash for years

[@JohnoO_O_]

the later issue boots - made by the Iturri group, a Spanish military contractor conglomerate I believe. The soles don't last and become sticky and break apart after a few years. I had a couple of pairs of the excellent pro boots - probably the best boot they ever issued! - Got them resoled by Altberg and still going strong.

[@robertdeathridge8148]

When I joined in 63 we were issued ammo boots with studs in bloody lethal on a smooth surface but when broken in they were comfortable. Biggest draw back was that were not high enough to keep the water out. But they were much better than the DMS Crap that superseded them. They made your feet so hot especially with the nylon insoles. I never got to wear any but was told that the commando boots were much better with screw on soles.

[@DavidFraser007]

I don't believe they could last for 15 years, I wore out the soles after about 1 year. But they were a big improvement on the old DMS boots. However they were cheap and not good quality, as was the newer style combats issued in the 1980s.

[@timtim0007]

Great advice mate.

[@Jon6429]

The speed lace jobbies are Soldier 95 "Assault Boots" and I feel your pain. They are well made, the top half at least and you couldn't ask for a more comfy boot so I got mine resoled. Touch wood they are still holding up after two years regular use.

[@wallbars8684]

Were they better for running in etc than the earlier boots CBH? They look a bit more substantial anyway.

[@mikemanners1069]

Who were the bloody contractors who made those crap boots.....

[@simonroome5858]

I used my standard issue army boots for 5 years and the soles were/are still fine. The boots you have there were probably in storage a long time causing the soles to degrade. I even brought a pair of of very expensive boots(nearly 200 bucks iirc) just to have a better pair, but still found the standard issue ones to be more comfortable for tabbing. Just my opinion. I would recommend them to anyone looking for long-lasting and comfortable boots. If you want to talk about shit army gear, then talking about the SUSAT might have been more appropriate, but they've fixed that issue with the newer ACOG.

[@iatsd]

Yes, I know, very late to comment, but the DMS style of boot can be re-soled if the cobbler knows what they're doing. They'll need to add a last and it assumes there's enough edging to take it, but once it's done they can add whatever sole you want.

[@D__Lee]

You’re right. The old style combat boots are “bombproof”. I was recently cleaning out my storage locker and I discovered my two combat boots that were issued to me in 1974 and 1978. One was issued 47 years ago when I was in USAF basic training. I was issued another pair of combat boots at the end of my first enlistment which I never wore since I was discharged from the service. The combat boots were the only piece of uniform that had reissued because it was the only thing that I could use in civilian life, but I never wore them again. I was amazed that after 40+ years, both combat boots are still in great condition. The leather hasn’t cracked. The laces are still good. I’m going to treat and condition the leather and go hiking with them. Hopefully, I won’t end up with blisters. I can’t believe I did PT wearing these bulky combat boots. Now days servicemen and women are allowed to wear athletic shoes for PT. If they have to go “humpin” in the field, I hope they have the option of wearing athletic shoes because I sure didn’t.

[@simonperry330]

The High Leg DMS was introduced after the boots they wore in the Falklands which was a horrible cheap copy of the old ammo Boot but with a DMS sole if I remember they were only 6 holes high and were totally useless at keeping the wet out. Everyone wanted the Argies Boots.

[@jamescharteris4921]

I'm a cadet with the CCF, I have a pair of the later assault boots, my soles cracked on both boots back in the summer on camp, It was terrible, they polished well and were/are the most comfortable pair of boots I have ever owned :(

[@sappersteve1443]

the first pair of boots you looked at were issued to my Squadron for the Falklands conflict.The heel counter was reinforced like the DMS ankle boot but the model you have is a later one without it.A fella from BATA who made the boots,came to my unit to fit each man with one pair of boots.The eyelets were not designed to meet. There was supposed to be a gap between the laces which is why there is a reinforcing strip of leather down the front.Laces were knotted at one end,and starting at the bottom,they were threaded from one eyelet to another,working your way to the top.The top eyelets were not used and the remainder of the lace was wound around the top and tied off with a hitch. We were constantly being bribed with all sorts of war booty(pistols etc) to part with them,only we had to hand them back for assessment when we returned(if you made it back,of course?). As many of your comments suggest,the quality slowly got worse because the Government think they can get £150 boots for £25.Nothing it seems changes?

[@lastpostbugler]

+sapper steve Indeed, whilst most of the kit the argies were issued with was 'Jack''. Their boots however, in comparison to even ours appeared to be ''Ally'' kit.

[@flatmoon6359]

Had Mk1 ones,compressed cardboard rubbish,couldn't proof or really soften before these broke apart or tread gone.Always wore Bundeswehr para boots on EX and ops,early ones had very hard soles and heels,noisy on concrete,but so soft insoles,bought 2 pairs lasted 7 1/2 years,which was length of service,couldn't ask more.

[@stevethomas5849]

I have a pair of the old Hi boots from new got them in 1990. They are fantastic, well broken in.

[@TheGromit840]

Carboard highs ....they were a killer when they got wet ....certainly don't miss them

[@milesfinch]

Ive got a pair of them new style boots in me loft, the soles are like liquid rubber!!!

[@eleveneleven572]

You've just saved me a load of time, bother and expense trying to resole mine. I was having a clear out of some clothes for the charity shop and "found" a pair at the back of my wardrobe I'd bought some years ago and forgot about them. When I bought them they were perfect but now, when I picked them up the soles fell apart and were a sticky mess. Great pity as the uppers are excellent. What a waste.

[@funkyprepper]

Could not agree more, its crying shame as you said the uppers are great. Can't stand waste like this

[@vandoren156]

actually repairable by a cobbler using a whole unit sole like the Vibram Bifida cupsole. tons of boots repaired that way, it is made on purpose for cemented construction

[@peterscotney1]

i was issued DMS boots in the mid 80s , i found that as soon as you lay down for a rest your feet would quickly swell in them ! i remedied this by adding lace in zips ......later on in west germany i acquired german para boots which were hell of a lot better than the dms

[@Beagleman1996]

I'm immensely glad I found this video; those newer boots were the exact style I was going to buy, but the shoddy soles have put me off for good. Just one quick question; I am really set on that style of boot, so what do people think is the best brand of combat/army boot that looks similar to either the 80's or modern-day British Army boot?

[@men5crumm]

my cadet detachment gave me a pair of those pro boots for summer camp. the soles did not last 5 minutes.

[@TacBlades]

great vid, i learnt something on breaking in :) i really love my german para boots :) they go everywhere with me.

[@steveoutdoors5964]

Ive got German para boots too. The sole is a similar compound to the old dms boots and last very well. My last pair of British boots wore down and crumbled within 6 month's. Had my para boots over 2 year's and they have hardly worn at all.

[@plipp6889]

we have that problem with our main combat boot here in sweden Marschkänga/Vinterkänga 90 (marchingboot/winterboot 90) where the souls dry out after ten years (the army is making improvements) if you can get your hands on a brand new pair they are wonderful boots

[@ianh.6825]

I served 1982-92 so started off wearing low, knobbly leather dms boots with puttees. (What fun they were!) I still have my last pair of high leg dms, issued about 1990. After having the soles fall apart on civvie work boots and shoes at less than 10 years old, I thought I'd better dig them out and see how they are. Still good, barely broken-in and quite comfortable for walking. I'm planning to strip off the old wax polish, rub in some leather conditioner and start using them again. Perhaps they're hard to come by now, as I can't find a single pair for sale on ebay.

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

Hi Funky, home again mate and playing catch up on your vids. Old school booties, lol. Nice. Cheers Moose

[@richardcraigallenkantartri4738]

Derry slippers best boot ever,still got mine

[@thomasclarke2880]

Over the last two years I've took a few chances on different army boots as I used to love them. 4 out of 4 didn't last more than two days before the sole was gone. The most recent pair I just put on in my living room and they broke there and then after a few steps. When bought online on ebay they don't even ask for them to be sent back for a refund. As you said and a shoemaker told me it's not worth it trying to revive them.

[@williamrayner7383]

somehow i manage to rip the whole sole from the uppers of my assault boots

[@MadDogSurvival]

Great vid mate.... I feel your pain! The later gortex vibram ones were much better! best wishes bud

[@lyndontrundell5063]

I got a pair of the second pair of boots and I had the same problems,no wonder the rifles are falling to bits,grind back the ankle high ammo boots,and 48 webbing

[@Daedalus_UK]

Velcro is also a temporary concept as it is and does not last long.

[@baroquer]

The best army boots I owned....with THE worst split 'n' cracking sole rubber in the World. What a shame...

[@kolinmartz]

It dude regranted because it's meant to be issued as soon as they're made and used regularly. If they're stored improperly for a long time the material start to degrade. And they're not even that short. They're the same height. It's just that the first boot has a thicker sole.

[@threepot5874]

I bought a pair of Altberg Combat. They feel indestructible!!