How can you tell if boots are authorized?

The answer is no. They are unauthorized.

AR 670-1:

• 8 to 10 inches in height
• Tan flesh out cattlehide leather
• Plain Toe and sole matching color of the upper
• Rubber or polyether polyurethane outsole
• Sole will not exceed 2 inches in height when measured from bottom of sole
• Sole will not extend up the back of the heel or over the top of the toe
• All leather upper or leather and nonmesh fabric

Some of the most common unauthorized boots are show in the attached image, which is part of a slide show outlining such.

The sad part is that this has existed in the Reg. for a long time, and we are now just starting to enforce the standard.

At least they are not smurf green.

The ones on the left look to be too short (must be 8" minimum), and the sole looks to be a questionable material.

The Nike SFB is unauthorized, as it is made with synthetic leather. The reg clearly states flesh-side out cattle hide.