British Boots, Combat, High

A brief overview of British Boots, Combat, High, first introduced in numbers in the mid 1980s.
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[@mickm234]

Used to run the lace up through the lace holes as a single lace, knotted at one end, and then wrapped around the top of the boot.

[@mickhall88]

Had a chuckle at 'not to be shined!!' 😂

[@RiflemanMoore]

Yes, the design ideal versus reality!

[@mickhall88]

@@RiflemanMoore if they'd had more dubbing or gwax and less kiwi 'parade gloss' they might have performed better? Doubt it though

[@RiflemanMoore]

Perhaps so, did you not have one pair for best to be bulled, one pair for the field?

[@pasha578]

@@RiflemanMoore I remember getting two pairs as initial issue (1990), one of which seemed to gain the default designation of 'best boots' and the other as 'field boots'. This continued right up until I got out in 2014, around which time a new boot was brought in. By then, most guys had racked up pairs of desert and/or cold weather boots that had been operational issue for Telic/Herrick tours. Also, guys were habitually buying their own Altbergs or Lowas by then. Issue CBH seemed to be the mark of a 'Crow-bag' (new recruit). It wasn't not just for the 'allyness' or 'gucci' factor either. I remember treating myself to a pair of Altbergs after doing Junior Brecon (Infatry Corporals' course) and wishing I'd bought them before. They were like wearing slippers in comparison.

[@mickhall88]

@@RiflemanMoore yes, had a pair of bulled up best boots, but only really wore them with no. 2 dress for parades. Other pair also had to be highly polished when in barracks though. I do remember using saddle soap to soften them, which did improve the comfort, along with some sorbothane insoles.

[@canarbn3com]

The soles on the Boots,Combat ,High are known as Greb soles...and were developed in Canada by Greb manufacturing..From Kitchener ,Ontario Canada.And were used on the MK .II (Later iterations)and MK.III combat boots ( are still issued by request) and were also licensed to a company known as Sorel here in Canada as well...I believe that the design that was used by the British Combat boots were taken from the Canadian Combat boots as the British Army has had a training base since 1972 in Suffield ,Alberta ,Canada...and there are some tales of British troops buying Canadian Combat boots from surplus stores ..and were quite popular..i know you have done a few videos on the Canadian Combat boots...great work

[@carmina776]

What’s interesting is that the modern British army has largely reverted to ankle boots with the phrase ‘mobility over stability’. Common favourites seem to be aku pilgrims and altberg tabbing boots.

[@66kbm]

What goes round, comes round.

[@robertosullivan672]

Yeah but the modern boots are Goretex lined unlike the DMS boots.Also the move to ankle high boots has a lot to do with the IED threat when soldiers are mounted in armoured vehicles.Soldiers are more likely to not use the foot stirrups which keep their feet off the hull if their high leg boots are cutting into the back of their calves.Blast injuries travel up through the ankle causing shatter injuries.These are next to impossible to treat thus leading to more amputations.

[@richardbrealey989]

A lot if military kit now runs parallel with civie hiking kit. Think of all those none issue things people used to wear under there smocks, the RM used to wear hiking boots on exercise. Then look now kit runs in parallel just different colours added protection here and there.

[@simonh6371]

@@richardbrealey989 I remember seeing booties in hiking boots back in the late 80s/early 90s.

[@karlborgwald2228]

Aku need a resole every 12months garbage

[@MrJimJD]

I was issued the mk1 in 1988. I do remember seeing the mk2 at the same time. They looked OK but gave no support. I suffered swollen/bruised ankles and achilles tendon problems. I wasn't the only one. Some blokes even had their arches collapse on both feet. An absolute abysmal boot. The boots were only good enough to be thrown at someone.

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, thanks for the update on these boots. I have worn most of the British army boots starting with Boots Ammo, hobnails and shod steel heels. They and all the other armies boots were really crap as they were made to the lowest cost and stuff the quality. The first good pair of boots I got I paid for them myself and they were my hunting boots in New Zealand, they were expensive, but they were so comfortable and took me all over the South Island Alps hunting deer. These boots lasted me two seasons and didn’t need to be broke in. A pair off Brit boots that I wore when we jumped into Greece in the sixties wore out after four weeks. Thank God for civilian gear! Harera..

[@LFH02]

Reckon you got the dates about right. We were issued BCH in Mid 1984 in training as one pair but also were issued a pair of DMS (For best boots) which we were allowed to bull up then they were taken away and issued a 2nd pair of CBH which we bulled up to the 5th eyelet (from memory) which was a nightmare. I laughed when you said no polishing as they were polished (even the sole) many times a day, which never stopped when we arrived at Regt, although not the sole !!! Great vid to watch. thanks for sharing.

[@neilmaston5116]

In the RM we were issued combat high boots but with the 'commando' sole which was very similar to the sole on the sv boot. We renamed them 'boots highly uncomfortable '. They were better than the DMS boot once worn in, the DMS didn't even have a sewn in tongue ,so leaked water in at a depth of about 2".

[@RiflemanMoore]

It's good to hear confirmation of RM issue of the commando soled examples. A friend of mine has a pair dated 1982 which I hope to cover in a future video.

[@andrewjohnston4127]

I remember half the lads in my troop had boot zips in their BCH, By their reckoning it was an extra minute in bed lol

[@Adam-if3zd]

# me too

[@davidbrennan660]

Great until the break... then emergency override ( Mk1 boot lace).

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

All very well until you had to do a CFT in them… :)

[@ianh.6825]

I served 1982-92, so began with DMS and putties (what fun they were) and then was issued with BCH. I still have my last pair of 2nd design BCH, probably issued to me in about 1990 and little used. I dug them out yesterday and went for a walk to see if they are still any good. Yes, absolutely fine. No cracking of the soles and reasonably comfortable, once I'd got used to how hard each step lands. I spend too much time in trainers these days! I plan to strip off all the old wax polish and rub in some leather conditioner. I wonder how easy they are to come by today? I can't find a single pair for sale on ebay.

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

I had a pair of Danner Tachyons early in my army career (first ones I bought after having to deal with the heavy, poorly made DLATs issue desert boots I got in basic) that developed a similar painful fold in the heel. But it only happened with the left one and I am the only person I know to have ever experienced that. Wore great for the first few weeks, absolutely loved them, and then when they'd finally broken in all the way the cordura shaft decided that it was going to fold itself over in a manner that makes walking excruciatingly painful.

[@Mick028]

I was on the recruiting team for my regiment in 1970 (towing a 105mm Pack How around schools in Norfolk) a publication at the time (Soldier magazine??) showed images of, Boots, Combat, High Leg and our team leader tried to get us kitted out with them, of course it never happened! The MOD appear to have been talking about high leg boots some 12 years before the Falklands showed how inadequate DMS boots were.

[@AlecFlackie]

I still have my BCH 'best boots' from recruit training in 1992; they still hold their shine but have no tread left 😄

[@christophernewman5027]

Not to be polished? Ha, we tried telling our BSM that with predictable results! Of course, there had been a previous high-leg boot; the NI patrol boot although I appreciate that, strictly speaking, that wasn't a combat boot.

[@66kbm]

Yes, i remeber as an Army Cadet one of our Staff wore high leg, no toecap, lightwieght sole. "P" Boots in 81. Very rare.

[@christophernewman5027]

@@66kbm Yes, they weren't exactly common by then. Due to their relatively lightweight construction and flexibility, they were the boot of choice for BFT's.

[@66kbm]

@@christophernewman5027 I would really like to see a good and informative video on the "P" Boot.

[@christophernewman5027]

@@66kbm Yeah, me, too. How about it, Rifleman Moore?

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@christophernewman5027 And ICFTs. 😀

[@richthompson1234]

I served between 1977-1988 and from 1983 onwards, used both Mk 1 and Mk2 versions of BCH. I was also issued a tin of dubbin that was supposed to be used instead of buying 'Kiwi' boot polish and was supposed to make the boots waterproof. This was around the time that Gore-tex boots were entering the civilian walking boot market. The dubbin made the boots dull and grey-coloured, which didn't go down with CSM's and the like on parades. The order came through to use 'normal' polish on one pair for use in barracks, the other pair was to be 'dubbined' for use in the field. Personally I found the issued dubbin to be useless, as when moving through grass longer than that found on a cricket pitch, the dubbin stripped off down to the bare leather which leaked like a sieve. Many of us resorted to purchasing civilian Gore-tex boots for use in the field, I left the Army before the next generation of Assault boots were issued!!!

[@ontherunplmr1218]

Another great video, very detailed Take care out there

[@thebadgerman1211]

I love your video I actually own a pair of these boots I was looking to find out more about the history of my Army boots. I have a first pattern combat high boot after listening to you and looking at my boots. Thank you so very much.

[@nickwilkinson5849]

Still have mine nearly 40 years on👍

[@zerotwofive4997]

That's always a good article to read. One of my favorites from that series of magazines.

[@66kbm]

276/104. One never forgets ones size. I was issued first pattern when i joined RCT in 84. The first recruits to be issued 2 pairs, not 1 DMS and 1 BCH. I never knew of anyone in 6 and half years that had a problem with them. As seen, the heel crease still exists in the second type/pattern/issue. Problem not solved. I exchanged a pair 1st pattern for 2nd pattern in 89 in London. I actually found them harder to break in. As for not "Bulling" them.....There are many hundreds if not thousands of SSM,CSM,RSM etc responsible for destroying the boots integrity by insisting they would be "Bulled" up. I actually blame this for the problems with the boots, not the design at all.

[@RiflemanMoore]

Interesting details, thanks for that. You could well be right on that, I simply understand the change was introduced to try and alleviate the issue, much as it evidently doesn't.

[@kelvynmoore4882]

@@RiflemanMoore still have my mk1 BCH for prosperity. I never had any problem with them at all, except for lateral grip, which I found abysmal. Uphill they were brilliant and kept the heel stable. They could be made pretty much waterproof too with plenty of gloop. Had a very high leg which helped. They didn’t deserve the bad press IMO, but maybe I didn’t walk far or hard enough in them to experience a problem 😂. I’ll never get rid of them, they’re a nod to my past. However, i do have a pair of issued Prabos made ECW boots from 2007 that I have no great memories of. Yours if you want them. I’ll post FOC if you want to keep them as a piece of history. Soles are rubbish though

[@lib556]

Tread pattern was Canadian from our Mk 3 combat boot (approx 1977 - 2010). I finally turned mine in for new, light brown, crap zip up the side, running shoe style boots around 2014.

[@vincentbrooker3062]

I had the first pattern, I loved them they fitted me like a glove. I was sad to lose them

[@66kbm]

Ditto.

[@vincentbrooker3062]

Kept a pair of dms to go with No 2 dress, made bulling easier. Kept them with a pair of socks over the toecaps!

[@flatmoon6359]

My unit never wore them outside of camp,new O.C. had a parade first week,wearing BCH,very shiny."This is what I expect you to wear in camp".He then said ,wear what black military boots you want on EX because that's what I'll do.As long as you can operate in them I don't care.SSM spontaneously combusted,but since he never came out on ex. it didn't matter.Local Bundeswehr surplus store made a fortune.

[@petethebastard]

VG vid as always Simon! I love the "Boots, Cardboard, Horrible" nickname! Ah, the good old Tommy humour! It reminds me of "Smock, Tropical" being called "Smock, Psychological" and "Biscuit, Cereal" getting renamed "Biscuit Bulletproof"! As for not shining... Pfft! As if...! Aussie DPCUs weren't supposed to be ironed either... Yeah, right.

[@wessexdruid7598]

Cheese, Possessed?

[@mikefaulkner3163]

I joined the TA in early 1989 and I was issued the MK2 version.. I always felt aggrieved as I preferred the look of the MK1! - also, I recall a RM version around at the time, a BCH with a commando sole?

[@RiflemanMoore]

Quite correct, a friend of mine has a pair of the commando sole examples, I hope to make a video looking at them in the future.

[@karlborgwald2228]

I was issued 2nd pattern at bassingbourne in 1986. We were told we was the first training depot to receive them. Mine lasted to year 2000

[@steffanflint3779]

Was issued one pair of these in 1983,they at least kept your feet dry and I never had any problems wearing them.I still have them somewhere but lost track of them when I lent them to one of my lads in the cadets a few years ago.As an alternative to the DMS boots some blokes used to use the Bundy high leg boots which were very good ,in fact I have just bought a pair off Ebay.

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

When I joined in 1984 we got two pairs of CHB we kept one for drill and one for everything else. But I can't remember having many problems with them. But after training my UDR mate got me a pair of NI boots for running around in the Field. When I joined the TA after full time I got mark twos I think but was around 90/91

[@deltafoxtrot2]

With having small feet (Size 6) there was always plenty of old stock that I always seemed to get. I joined the Royal Signal Reserves in 1995. I got two pairs of the Mk1 high leg boots, one pair which had to have a mirror finish on them and the other for work . I remember that they were incredibly uncomfortable with the heel seem rubbing on the ankle on the sides and at the back, plus the cheese grater insole insert didn't help matters.

[@leecolclough2492]

I had both types issued in 1987 also my feet preferred the first pattern In my battalion we always bought our own boots for exercise or NI I always wore lundhags combat far superior a boot but were a 100quid at the time alot of lads spent even more money dinners The second mk of these boots on a 65 km mountain lion march stripped the skin off my feet that tinc benze is something else when they treat your feet with that 👌

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

I’ve just acquired a new bottle of tinc benz for my hiking first aid kit. Apparently it’s official use is to apply on hot spots BEFORE a blister forms, not inject it into the blister, as our medics did :)

[@nucleargaz1]

Great & informative vid, do you do a vid on the DMS boot itself?

[@marksimner8734]

I have a mint unworn pair of the second pattern somewhere. This has prompted me to dig them out. Had them since they early or mid-1990s! 😯

[@allanshillinglaw3083]

When I joined in '89 I got issued 2 pairs of CBH as standard. Most guys got 2 pairs of mk2, but I got one pair of each, so I kept the mk1s as my best boots as the heel plate was easier to bull up on them. Both types were absolutely solid when new and were a nightmare to break in and would cripple you for the first couple of weeks, but were actually ok once they were broken in and had a few tins of boot polish worked into them. Pretty heavy boots too if my memory serves me correctly. Don't forget those weird plastic woven insoles they issued us too that used to wreck the balls of my feet...binned them and bought sorbothane insoles instead. There was one guy in the troop in basic too who was issued the CBH with the commando soles. ATB, Allan

[@DavidFraser007]

Better than DMS, but still a disappointment, ok for standing in a NAAFI queue. But for exercises lots of us managed to get hold of German para boots, including the officers. I couldn't help but notice the magazine photo with soldiers in no2 dress. I remember in the late 70s there wastalk of shifting from Khaki uniform to a bottle green colour. A short time later 2 RMP were in our camp wearing the new style and colour uniform. I thought it looked really good and it had a double pleat at the back. But it never happened, the Light Infantry and the Greenjackets objected, probably all the old curmudgeons still serving too. The same curmudgeons who were lamenting their DMS boots. Our old CSM wanted to us all to continue wearing puttees with the BCH.

[@willjohnson1273]

From a medical perspective they found that the trauma from landmine detonation caused greater damage in wearers of HIGH leg combat boots compared to the DMS with puttees. Due to greater resistance from material. I say high leg as some guys may have worn NI Patrol boots down south or ectended DMS, some obtained Argentinian boots, and some may have worn stuff that the average PBI would not have been wearing.

[@RiflemanMoore]

Many thanks for the information. There were quite a few different types of boots worn down shout for sure, particularly by RM, notably the civilian Cairngorm from Hawkins which were unit purchased and issued and the ski-march boots. I've also seen German para boots in a couple of instances.

[@willjohnson1273]

Those wearing DMS and puttees got above ankle amputation, those wearing higher leg boots got below knee amputation from the blast and then needed sometimes more taken away surgically.

[@chaz8758]

German para boots (high leg and many had zippers in the front) were still common for blokes who were or had served in BAOR on exercise or tour rather than the DMS when I joined and first got to Germany (83 joined, Germany in 84).

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

I’d be really interested to chat more with you about that, as I have a professional interest in not getting my foot blown off :) In the late 90’s early 2000’s there was a number of ‘mine proof boots’ on sale, utter garbage and completely misunderstanding the epidemiology of mine accidents, as well as the nature of the injuries. The worst was the infamous Med-Eng ‘Spider Boot’ which turned you into a giant Subbuteo player :)

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@RiflemanMoore Yep - German Paras were readily available and widely used as exercise boots, before BCH started to be issued. The BCH were a lot better.

[@chaz8758]

First got BCH while in JLRRE as an urgent issue die to a piece of CGI slicing through my boot on the final ex. As we were going to 3 Trg Regt all the new boots were going to be issued to new recruits while us due to head on were to manage with our boots no matter how worn. The first BCH were great compared to what we had used, new methods of lacing them up were used to try and make them the easiest to lace, most comfy or just different. Traditional lace up with a bow at the top (laces straight from one eyelet to the other) Single lace - knot one end and starting at the bottom thread it up, wrap around the top of your boot and then tuck the end under the wrapped round lace a few times. Add zippers Lace up in a cross pattern from the bottom to the top and tie with a bow (tuck the spare lace in the front of the boot). - The cross over could be under from one eyelet to the other, over from one eyelet to the other, or from top of one eyelet to bottom of opposite We had variations in that the bottom lace run could be under or over the bottom two eyelets. I cant recall a problem of the boot digging in the back but we did find them uncomfortable when kneeling or bending the ankle forwards with the middle of the front of the boot digging in - so we started to miss out the middle hole when lacing up - this allowed the leather at that eyelet to spread outwards instead of digging in - later CAB's had a V cut section to do similar around the middle eyelets). When we were issued one set of BCH around 86/87 we had problems with the soles falling off after a weeks wear, that if you worked in MT around POL the soles disintegrated very quickly (they were not POL resistant). So for a short while we were issued a pair of BCH style boots with screw on soles (we were told they were for Commandos) - they were heavy and not easy to break in but very good boots when your feet wore into them (bit of a joke not quite that bad). Resoled mine a few times before they died. As for cost cutting, all military suffer with that no matter where you are. at one point we had to hand back our second set of combats as there was none in the supply chain for the foreseeable future - leaving us with one official set (that was at the time we had really horrible combats replacing our early 1980's ones) If you needed new combats you got a chit to take to the tailoress who would patch them (which went down well with the OC and SSM at times on inspections).

[@jeevansingh6944]

I was issued with DMS boots and putties as a cadet in 1994 🙄 the quartermaster must have taken a dislike. Along with post war wooly shirts 'hairy mary' (that we would shave the inside of). Was a mish mash of uniforms from 1955 to 1995. Sennybridge in winter with putties were the pits. I can only begin to imagine what the brave souls fighting in the Falklands had to put up with. The Combat High boots must have been a real welcome news.

[@Yandarval]

You were issued boots. 80s for me. I was issued puttees, but never boots. Hopefully you were not issued the terrible "Cadet Smock". It came with no chest pockets.

[@markmagreehan7734]

Great vid again. However be aware MOD made an interim change to the first model before designing MK2. They simply removed the curved upper rear part of the heal and made it straight cut. Keep up the good work. Mac.

[@RiflemanMoore]

Ah interesting, thanks for the information!

[@chaz8758]

IIRC it was still stitched as if the exterior support was still there. They were the ones with the useless soles - either fell off after a week or if you worked in MT the soles just melted with the slightest POL touch. For a short while we got issued a version of the BCH with screw on soles - weighed a ton, your feet broke to them but they were tough and once worn in were very comfy (just dont do your BFT/CFT in them). I resoled mine a couple of times before the leather upper finally gave out and the bottom could no longer take new soles. We were told they were supposed to be for Commando use

[@Limabelasun]

Both MK of boots left lads on sticks, strapped up ankles, hobbling around with tendon & arch damage & shin splints. We looked like something out the triller video in our Reeboks. We would pad out as best that heel and keep them on 24/7 to batter them in. Often in the field, we would revert to Ammo Boots , puttees with Gaiters. Oh and both issued pairs were Gleaming, inc the sole. Once broken in fully they were good boots. But yes, Boot Cardboard Orrible was a phrase banging around.

[@zaynevanday142]

Those creases could be devastating on your feet blister and hot spot city

[@bill8784]

On the subject of boots, the RAF had flying boots back in the 70s/80s which looked far better than the Boots DMS.

[@KTM-xz9qj]

Got issued two pairs in basic. One working and one best. Had to polish the instep on the best ones and " highly polish " the toe and rear of the achilles support. Best boots I had once broke in they were like wearing slippers. Pity they afforded zero support. I got given a pair of northern ireland patrol boots in belfast and never wore them once. Used hi legs the whole tour.

[@mickhall88]

I only recall ever having mark 2 as of 1990. I'm surprised that you didn't mention the awful, plastic 'Shreddies' style insoles that came with the BCH. I do remember some particularly painful blisters from these in basic. Crap boots. The CAB boots that replaced them were a massive improvement

[@chaz8758]

They came with the DMS, the ones we got with BCH were an improved version of them.

[@mickhall88]

@@chaz8758 improved?? You mean they'd been worse?? Were they made of barbed wire and nettles? 😂

[@mikel6517]

I still use these insole today because of the good airflow. Still good

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@@mickhall88 not to mention the pure nylon socks that were still issued until the mid-80s. The combination of cardboard DMS, nylon socks and cheese grater insoles was *^%#%^ lethal and a bloody disgrace. I had my first pairs of BCH issued in 1983. They were immeasurably better than DMS but by then I had already acquired a pair of German para boots for exercises and NI boots for the BFT. I only really used BCH for cutting about barracks in working dress. I avoided barracks dress like the *^%#%^ plague. But then I preferred KF shirts so I’m admittedly a bit odd :)

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@bob_the_bomb4508 Another like here, for KF shirts - at least once they'd been well lived in, ironed, starched and gone thin and smooth.

[@maxbodymass6288]

Reason for issue delay was due to the central army clothing store accidentally combusted loosing 10s of thousands of boots the old DMS were more comfortable. Also making boot to a price was cost the MOD a large sum of money due to cases of shin splints tendonitis in compensation could of issued each member of the armed forces £200 (that's 1980s value) boots and still saved the tax payer a shed load of money and Soldiers and Marines a great deal of pain.

[@slur7625]

We had Brits here in Australia on Ex Long Look which was an exchange programme between Australia/New Zealand and Britain, the first thing the Brits wanted when they arrived were our GP's which we were able to acquire for them from the Q Store, when I went to Germany in 1980 and then again in 1982 I was forever being asked if I wanted to sell or swap my GP's

[@zaynevanday142]

A good pair of American Jungle boots on selection was awesome plus spare pair in the pack doesn’t take up much room in your pack I had to purchase privately a pair of Matterhorn from the UK cost $750 after postage ! Now they are issued lol but worth it for the NZ winter months only boots to ever keep my feet warm in the snow

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

I had the 1st issue in '85 and there was a rather unique method of lacing them up when new, if there is anyone here that was in Cassino Platoon in Winchester in '85 may remember Taff who's boots turned blue after a river crossing

[@michaelguthrie7315]

DMS in training with putees,then to regiment,DMS with black polished gaiters, then eventually boots combat high,however for N.I tour mid 70’s in Belfast most of unit bought and wore 14 eyelet Doc Martins,then for tour in mid 80’s squadron leader acquired enough DMS and paid for them all to be extended by 4 holes.

[@matt6477]

I still have my first pair from 1987 in the loft 😅

[@johnsabini3351]

Flogged mine on eBay about a year ago, got £20 for from a buyer in Hong Kong, which I thought was a bit odd!

[@SafetyProMalta]

Still got mine. ..Bollocks the sole cracked!

[@davidbrennan660]

First pattern, How long before they destroy your feet..... ? Spin the chamber...... “click”....repeat.... if you had the wrong shaped feet for the boots. Second pattern Better..... (did tear my feet up once, but was sedated afterwards) Reconstituted Leather ...... work in progress. Mine got spongy after awhile, sold them on .

[@robmiah4501]

Used to wear them for work few years back not bad boots

[@01ianca]

I think the 2nd pattern were available from about 1988 onwards

[@davel831]

Used to fill with olive oil to soak in to soften them

[@pbrobotspbrobots1710]

what is it about the British army that it seems to be able to get your feet wet whenever its out in the field. I remember my days in the late 70s early 80s i just remember having wet feet all the time.

[@sorlochabo]

Grafters 6 Eye Cadet Boots is thes a good remake? thx

[@kelvynmoore4882]

Still have my issued MK1 pair, just for prosperity. Pros: 1) High leg, much higher than the Iturri modern boot, so will keep out water if properly maintained with globs of dubbin like product (it’s not a waterproof boot otherwise). 2) Uphill heel stability is awesome. 3) Forward grip. Cons: 1) Lateral grip is a joke 2) No welt at all. 3) Relatively thin leather so not a lot of protection. Some might say that it lacks a speed lace system. Never found that an issue personally. A good boot for the time IMO, but things have moved on.

[@wessexdruid7598]

Lots of people used to buy a lace on zipped front, IIRC. We were also taught (as with DMS) to knot the lace at the bottom, lace circularly all the way up, then wrap the end round the top of the boot, through the loop at the back, to secure. This made it a very simple matter to cut the lace to get the boot off, if injured.

[@simonrobertson4257]

Are you going to do a video on combat assault boots? @riflemanmoore

[@RiflemanMoore]

Probably not, I don't have any in my collection and they are beyond my era of collecting really.

[@shurdi3]

The tread pattern is pretty much identical to the Canadian mk3 boots, that were also directly molded. No clue which one came first though

[@RiflemanMoore]

The Canadian Mk 3 which I believe arrived in the 1970s.

[@mikel6517]

Think I had the mark 1 in 1988 during my training and possible once these were worn out had the mark 2. Personally preferred these to the assault boots didn’t like the newer lacing style and they felt to soft in the leather not as supportive. Also to me the mk2 is still better than the chunky, bulky modern altbergs. Once you go used to them they were great. Not forgetting all running including the BFT and tests were done in all these boots.

[@chaz8758]

We started missing out the middle hole when lacing up (we used different methods of lacing at different periods and how you found more comfortable) as it gave more flexibility and comfort - with the later CAB they actually made a V cut which did similar

[@nordic0815]

I was issued a part of BCH, in the late 90’s, when I joined the Army and a pair of CAB.. CAB I hated wearing them, but for my BCH, they mounded to my feet and where so comfortable to wear... OK I have to admit, we were teach to put trainer insoles inside them ;)

[@mikel6517]

We did the same missing the middle hole but only till they were broken in. I do remember missing the top hole until broken in I think and then just wrapping the lace around and around and tucking the end in. Funny how these became very comfortable boots even better than some civi types.

[@66kbm]

Exactly what so called "Assualt" Boot are you on about? And the "Different" lacing system? Are you talking about the same boot?

[@brodequin8261]

@@66kbm The assault boots appeared in the mid 90's and had a speed lacing system, the BCH had plain lace hole eyelets.

[@MGMan-ce7sf]

I've heard stories that some British troops found that, after arriving in theatre for the first desert war, their boot would melt in the high desert heat. Firstly, is that true or is it just so much bunk, and secondly are these the said boots?

[@SafetyProMalta]

Just looked gay against the Yank dessies..Stood out like a sore thumb!

[@dorianwolf2198]

No also called desert boot same tread pattern as D M S boot and sole did melt of cheers

[@georgewashington92]

What did they put on to take care of them? Dubbin , just normal shoe polish? Great Video as usual

[@andrewjohnston4127]

Kiwi from the naafi

[@johngreen-sk4yk]

You normally got a couple of pairs, one pair were usually used for the field & cacked in dubbing/G wax, as well as black boot polish, the other pair were highly polished with kiwi parade gloss! Don't believe all the bollocks about not having to bull them! Lol

[@georgewashington92]

@@johngreen-sk4yk thanks !

[@petesheppard1709]

This is surprising indeed, since the US issued black combat boots from the '50s up into the early '00s. I was issued two pair at Marine Corps OCS i n 1975, and despite many complaints by others, found mine to be supremely comfortable. Maybe I just had boot-proof feet...

[@wessexdruid7598]

Much, much thinner leather - and consequently a lot less enduring. I knew people who acquired US-issue boots (mainly on exchange/courses) - but they never lasted long.

[@simonh6371]

''Those soldiers who LIKE shining their boots are warned...what we don't is for people to bull it up'' (1:48). That's hilarious. Sure we loved spending hours bulling our boots and it was nothing to do with the fact that we could get all kinds of crap from show parades to actually getting jailed if they weren't bulled, or ''highly polished'' as the euphemism was. This was actually detrimental to the suppleness and longevity of the leather. As we had two pairs issued, one would be extremely ''highly polished'' and only used for parades, and the other pair used for working and in the field would also have to have at least the front bulled.

[@blatherskite9601]

Why did the boot need "L" engraved in the instep? (around 4:40 or so) L for Left Boot - is that not obvious by the shape?

[@allenprior8573]

The L refers to the width fitting: L = wide. (S = narrow etc)

[@blatherskite9601]

@@allenprior8573 Thanks, man.

[@zaynevanday142]

Did these replace those shocking DMS boot that failed spectacularly in the Falklands War ? Ha ha ok now I’ve watched further in you’ve answered that lol thx. In NZ we had boots called Guerrilla by Dunlop (yes the tyre company) and the soles were screwed on great parade boots not bad in the field either

[@johngreen-sk4yk]

While an improvement on the DMS boot, they wasn't of the best quality, I had a brand new pair issued in the late 90,s which I never used just put them in a wardrobe. About 10 years later I decided to use them for walking, when I got them out of the bag the the soles were disintegrated & crumbling after no use whatsoever!

[@chaz8758]

That happens anyway - had that with a pair of Brittans and Materhorns (both cost over £180 in the early 90's) soles crumbled and got all sticky - I was told it was due to them not being worn and the conditions they were stored in. I still wear CAB's and BCH I was issued in the 80's and 90's for walking my pups as well as Dessert boots I was issued in the early 90's (the BCH are pretty slick now though).

[@johngreen-sk4yk]

@@chaz8758 they were stored in my bedroom in warm dry conditions, I had another slightly older pair in the same wardrobe unaffected! I think it could be a problem with the soles from original manufacture maybe a fault in the chemicals used!🤔

[@brodequin8261]

@@johngreen-sk4yk it's a problem common to a lot of dual density polyethylene soles, it happened a lot with combat assault boots, the cold wet weather pro boots and the desert assault boots issued in 03/04 . The older dms and high leg boots had a harder nitrile rubber sole.

[@johngreen-sk4yk]

@@brodequin8261 looks like a bit of the supplied by the "lowest bidder" thing going on there doesn't it .🙄🙂

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@@brodequin8261 when I started to work in SE Asia I found it happened to a lot of footwear…

[@muwuny]

Still looking for a pair of these in my size, but might just buy a period-appropriate pair of private purchase boots like Solovairs instead.

[@muwuny]

@Clive Wills I'm not sure what size BCHs were produced, but I wear 285/113 German boots, so something around that size.

[@muwuny]

@Clive Wills Ah, 282 is the right length, but I've got wide feet and a high instep, so I need the L sizes.

[@sauceymistersausages]

I had both types of hi leg boots I was in 87/90. Not to be shined ?? Lol I also had lightweight NI Patrol boots

[@kiwiadventures3773]

Yes my boots rubbed my Achilles’ tendon. They were dreadful boots.

[@4002corbe]

The Mk I basically broke a lot of blokes feet and the Mk II’s weren’t much better either, (but were ok with a pair of sorbothane insoles chucked in). I basically purchased my own boots as did most at that time …

[@GavTatu]

i got a pair in maybe 84/85.... horrible boots !

[@skylongskylong1982]

Talking about boots , on a Course I was issued with USA Jungle Boots, and on each inner soul inserts in block capitals it said " DO NOT BOIL". Anybody understand what that was all about ?

[@wessexdruid7598]

Presumably the ones with the canvas sides - that could get mouldy?

[@andysanger7723]

Nice boot's

[@flatmoon6359]

Try telling RSM 1 Div Signal Regiment,1985,HA.

[@chrissheppard5068]

I was lucky enough to be issued a pair of high leg boots in 1981. They were well made and I used them in the Falklands. My feet stayed dry for longer than most. However after they were accepted stupid bastarts in the MOD put them out to tender and they were made cheap as fek. They fell apart quite easily.

[@chrissheppard5068]

I should add mine were trial boots which were far superior quality to the garbage they made on the cheap.

[@flatmoon6359]

Everyone had Archiles tendon prob,company clerk's to rifle company.

[@66kbm]

Not in my experience in BAOR within a Divisional Transport Regt. Possibly 1000 guys total. What boots were you using?

[@flatmoon6359]

@@66kbm BCH worn,old style CFT done 3 times a week,every week,and not infantry.Short detachment with infantry units,4 weeks at a time,they had same issues.If they could they used non issue boots.

[@user-co4rs7ob1t]

Сейчас делают ,одноразовую, обувь...

[@andysanger7723]

58 pattern webbing belts were just horrible as a cadet in 1983

[@chaz8758]

After they replaced our 58 pattern most of us kept the belts as they were a lot more comfortable that the solid plastic/nylon belts when not wearing stable belts.

[@Dave-cw9ie]

Good old boots combat heavy lol.

[@johnnunn8688]

Not to be shined 🤣😂🤣😂.

[@stephenrglover]

I was issued my first pair of CHB in 83, I remember im 84 PT runs in boots were banned due to Achilles tendon injuries. Some years later my nexy pair had the soft leather strip a the rear as shown. 22 years in black boots both DMS and CHB but british soldiers in BROWN boots nah brown footwear is for officers

[@Sabrina-jn7ts]

For sure yes for you British, Here in my Germany much better we have

[@beardvsmess3657]

Not good boots . we used to buy our own boots 😀👍

[@paulcollins7185]

It was a shit boot all round! Better than Boots and Puttees for their own inconveniences but for all their worth in use in the field they were not up to task. Back then soldiers, troopers, tankies, Para's everyone! If they could would invest in aftermarket boots for use in the field a variety of other boots made by other specialists. Which we shouldn't have had to do.

[@kevinporter3212]

not to be shined? lol

[@grahamarnhem8659]

These where terrible boots.very injurious to recruits. Best boots at woolwich had to be fully billed including the instep underneath.working boots toes and heels.

[@General.Longstreet]

Typical of the Britïsh army to put cost before the needs of the soldier.

[@mh53j]

Happens in the US as well; as is often said, contract goes to the lowest bidder.

[@Gepedrglass]

@@mh53j typical of all armies really

[@HO-bndk]

AKA Boots, Cardboard, Horrible