How can you tell if boots are authorized?

SFC Pedro Requena — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:26:59 -0400

Seeing alot of Soldiers wearing these boots today around post...are they authorized?

Response by SGT Brendan Beely made Jun 12 at 2014 9:12 PM

SGT Brendan Beely — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:12:04 -0400

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.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 14 at 2014 8:48 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 20:48:21 -0400

At least they are not smurf green.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 10:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 10:21:00 -0400

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.