Stomping feet first into a hot issue

AGAIN we are issued with a new combat boot that the ADF and the manufactures regard as the best boot for all.

I have taken part in a number of boot trials and it seems that most of the bad points that my peers and I highlighted have been built into this so called great boot.

Since these boots have been worn by fellow troops I have seen blisters that I would expect after a stomp over the Brecons. Pity it was just from walking around the barracks.

Yes, I will acknowledge that they may be an improvement on previous issues and need time to break in - but still not the best boot for all.

They are heavy, hot and not even close to being water resistant. When they are wet they take forever to dry.

Like all soldiers required to stomp great distances and run in boots, my feet, my walking and running styles differ greatly and I have worn many boots to find a pair that are a military style, cost effective and allow me to do my job in all conditions for extended periods without discomfort and long-term pain.

But now I must wear a boot that is probably fine for some - but not for all.

Now, I can hear the hierarchy yelling, "What about resupply out field". Well why not as part of a soldier's DP1 have two pairs of the same boot. Problem solved. And should these boots die out field, well we all know that the mum and dad Q system through AustPost is quicker than the current one and mum won't want my old boots back.

Others and I ask that the people who made this decision to enforce the one-boot policy listen to those on the ground that stomp, run and work in some of the worst conditions this country and others have to offer. Look at our feet after wearing the new boot and have some compassion for those soldiers who are practically crippled by them.

Pte D. Simmonds
3RAR
Holsworthy, NSW

Maj A Scheidl, A/SO1 Combat Clothing and Equipment, replies:

When the combat boot was developed, there were several essential criteria that had to be included in the new boot. One of the critical criteria was that the boot provide some form of shock absorbency to reduce lower-limb injuries. The boot has this capability as it has a sandwich layer of low-density rubber in the sole that helps to reduce the shock-loading on the wearer's lower limbs.

The brown boot that the combat boot replaced weighed 855g per boot - version one initially fielded weighed 1kg. As new and better materials have been developed, we have reduced the weight, and version three weighs 835g. Current modifications include a change in the thread pattern - the latest version weighs only 620g.

The comment that the boots are hot is interesting. Compared to previous boots, the new boots have a nylon side with breathable substrate. Additionally, the drain holes in the in-step also allow airflow. Given that previous boots did not have these features, and the user never complained - why is the new boot suddenly too hot?

The leather in the boot is breathable and waterproof. Note that when you get the boot you should read the care instructions and not use any form of polish as this blocks the pores.

The use of drain holes is one we cannot gain a consensus on. Some complain that when they walk through a two-inch puddle their feet get wet. The boot is designed so that when the combat soldier walks through a creek and the water is over the top of the boot, the water that gets into the boot can also get out. I suggest to any reader who does not like the drain holes that you go to you friendly RAEME and use some silastic or loctite to block the drain holes.

The single largest fault with the boots is incorrect fitting. If you are suffering from blistering or similar problems then you have been incorrectly fitted. Do not accept a boot that is "near enough".

Your last point is on entitlement. The current entitlement is that units of 28-days-or-less notice to move are entitled to two pairs of boots. All other units are entitled to one set. If you require a change to the entitlement, then your unit should staff this request up the chain of command.

Everyone has an opinion on the combat boot, yet we have received very few RODUMs. Apart from some pro-active units such as 1RAR, 2RAR, 6RAR and the School of Inf, we have seen less than 12 RODUMs this year. As a result of the RODUMs from these units we have evolved the boot into the product detailed herein. If you have an opinion then take the time to put pen to paper.

Thank you for your letter. It is only with user feedback we can further improve the combat boot. For other people reading this article, if you have a comment, take the time to submit a RODUM.