Has anyone ever used Mickey Mouse boots?

2013-12-09T21:40:48-05:00

I've seen these at a surplus store but never seen them being used by anyone.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 9 at 2013 9:45 PM

2013-12-09T21:45:03-05:00

I've cut my grass in them before.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 9:50 PM

2013-12-09T21:50:29-05:00

I was issued them back in the day, used them once.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 9 at 2013 9:54 PM

2013-12-09T21:54:59-05:00

Those are extreme cold weather boot and issue with TA 50. In my time.Very comfortable to wear and very useful.You going to send me them as a Christmas present?  I can put them to good use we have heavy snow coming our way here in NYC  lol

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 10:03 PM

2013-12-09T22:03:30-05:00

Very Warm!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 5:36 PM

2013-12-10T17:36:12-05:00

I was issued the white ones when I has stationed on FT Drum for obvious reasons. I had definitely put them into good use.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 11 at 2013 10:13 AM

2013-12-11T10:13:21-05:00

Those things are issued only when you are assigned to the far reaches of Earth like Korea.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 11 at 2013 10:45 AM

2013-12-11T10:45:36-05:00

Had a pair issued to me while in Korea.  Never wore them though.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Dec 11 at 2013 1:02 PM

2013-12-11T13:02:03-05:00

Absolutely. Wore them during two deployment to "Operation Jack Frost" in Alaska from Ft. Lewis Wa, in the 70's. Also wore them during "Reforger" exercises in Germany throughout the 90's.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Dec 11 at 2013 1:07 PM

2013-12-11T13:07:39-05:00

Used White Ones while stationed in Alaska for four years!  Best thing to keep your feet warm in sub freezing weather!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 1:56 PM

2013-12-11T13:56:05-05:00

We had both the white (Dry cold weather) and the black (Wet cold weather) they would definitely keep your feet warm - a lot of times I would have water in them from sweating so much.  The only thing I didn't like was that the tongue area would dig into your leg - other than that they were great. But, I think the mukluk's were my all time favorite (a lot easier to run in and kept the snow out up to your knee).

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 11 at 2013 7:02 PM

2013-12-11T19:02:26-05:00

Used them in Korea, kept the feet warm enough. Would be nice to have a pair just in case. 

Response by SFC Donald Sweeting made Dec 11 at 2013 7:09 PM

2013-12-11T19:09:47-05:00

I was issued these while stationed in Korea from 1983 to 1984. They actually worked. Pretty bulky but useful.

Response by SSG Noah Grove made Dec 11 at 2013 7:15 PM

2013-12-11T19:15:42-05:00

Standard issue at Fort Drum, and Alaska.  Never seen the black ones...Not very comfortable but very warm

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 11 at 2013 7:23 PM

2013-12-11T19:23:53-05:00

I had these issued at most duty stations up until the late '90s, then don't recall seeing them anymore after that. I actually used them in Germany in the 80's, but can't remember any other places, just had them issued.

Response by MCPO Robert Kelley made Dec 16 at 2013 5:03 PM

2013-12-16T17:03:03-05:00

I had a pair on both ice breakers, they were very welcome (and warm) especially when spending extended time off the ship and on the ice.  One pair was white...  well that yellowish white color of a polar bear's fur.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 7:22 AM

2014-01-08T07:22:14-05:00

They are great unless you have to walk, then your feet sweat too much.

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made Jan 8 at 2014 4:06 PM

2014-01-08T16:06:44-05:00

I used them in Germany in the early 90s.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 12:58 AM

2014-01-09T00:58:23-05:00

Sergeant, I'm responding because am probably the most recent visitor to CIF.  I know that the "mickey mouse boots" are part of the CIF issue on Fort Drum. They are required for wear on last level of ECWCS gear for cold weather. I can imagine it is because of the geographic location of the base. 

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 2:31 AM

2014-01-09T02:31:53-05:00

The white ones are part of the TA-50 issue at CIF at FWA.  They are definately effective if worn properly and taken care of.  I can tell you that out of nearly 5 years at Wainwright, I wore mine maybe 3 times.  To me there were TOO effective. I have feet that sweat all the time. I found that bunny boots would make me sweat enought to take them off and pour sweat out of them into the snow at around -40 with windchill.  They are well worth their weight in gold, if you plan to spend anything length of time outside in extreme cold climates.

Response by CW4 Juan Morales made Feb 10 at 2014 7:42 PM

2014-02-10T19:42:43-05:00

Had the white ones issued at Ft Drum but didn't use them. I did use the black ones while in Korea in ''93.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 12:14 AM

2014-02-11T00:14:42-05:00

Issued in Alaska. Extreme cold weather boots. And they were white.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 7:34 PM

2014-03-27T19:34:47-04:00

Yup, as a doorstop in the Barracks of Korea!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 23 at 2014 8:14 PM

2014-08-23T20:14:50-04:00

Fort Drum, but mine were white-ish.

Response by MSG John Wirts made Sep 1 at 2014 5:40 PM

2014-09-01T17:40:59-04:00

Yes we were issued those in Germany, walking guard duty on a cold night, sleet storm came in, the sleet froze after hitting the ground. I wore my "Mickey Mouse boots and was glad for them. They had the best traction of any of our footwear, and I still slipped and fell every two to three paces. Unless it is pretty cold out they will be too hot to wear. Those are the newer boot with the pressure relief valve, the earlier boots without the relief valve tended to explode when transported by plane, or when it got too hot out.

Response by SPC Joe Boots made Jan 30 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-01-30T21:11:54-05:00

those are awesome!~

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 31 at 2015 1:22 AM

2015-01-31T01:22:06-05:00

This is part of the standard issue in Alaska. They are pretty good. Not the greatest like boots from REI, Cabelas, or EMS. But they do a good job at keeping your feet warm at -0

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 4:03 AM

2015-01-31T04:03:10-05:00

The thing I remember about them is having to dump out a 1/2 inch of foot-sweat-water every rest halt. The things are so warm, it is nearly impossible to keep your feet dry if you are exerting yourself at all.

Response by SGT Patrick James made Jan 31 at 2015 4:14 AM

2015-01-31T04:14:13-05:00

I used the white ones when I was in Korea for Team Spirt 86, 87 and 88.. Going there from HI was pretty cold.. especially when we did have to pull any type of guard duty..

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 4:45 AM

2015-01-31T04:45:10-05:00

When I was a mountaineering instructor we used to teach Marines to ski with those things. We called them the great equalizers, because no matter how good of a skier you normally were, once you put those things on you were just as screwed up as everyone else.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 8 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-02-08T16:08:35-05:00

They issued them to me in Korea on my first tour in 93 but never needed to wear them.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 7 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-09-07T10:22:06-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Roger that when I was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division and the 8th ID in Germany ..see profile
https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/106303-sfc-joe-s-davis-jr-msm-dsl

Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL at AMSEC Cheatham Annex - NAVELSG (Navy Expeditionary Logistics...

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, Army | RallyPoint professional military profile.

Response by SGT Apollo Sharpe made Sep 7 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-09-07T12:15:55-04:00

I used the white ones in Alaska '04 - '07. They work wonders. You really won't see them in areas that don't get extremely cold. They're mainly used with the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) uniforms.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-09-07T12:22:23-04:00

Mickey Mouse boots! The ol' sweat lodge for your feet! Not a big fan, but they do keep your feet warm.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Sep 12 at 2015 8:00 PM

2015-09-12T20:00:25-04:00

We were issued them in Korea in the 60's. They were great for duty on the zone where we were not moving much but on road marches they filled with sweat and got real uncomfortable. They were also pretty heavy if I recall.

Response by SFC Christopher Springs made Sep 21 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-09-21T12:28:05-04:00

Yes, when I was a Soldier in 1993 and stationed in Germany I was issues a pair of Mickey Mouse boots to use with my extreme cold weather suit. They keep your feet dry better due to air filtration system and they work. Keeping your feet dry and clean in extreme cold weather is the key to not getting frost bite and I used mine for 4 years and I never had a problem.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Oct 15 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-10-15T15:58:42-04:00

They are great boots for being outside in cold weather. I use my pair for deer hunting. Helps me sit longer at my stand without my feet getting cold.

Response by MSG John Wirts made May 6 at 2016 2:28 AM

2016-05-06T02:28:29-04:00

I too had Micky Mouse boots in Germany 1962-1965, mine were the old style without the pressure relief vaalve. That was a modification after the originals popped when carried in an aircraft non-pressurizes baggage compartment.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 19 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-07-19T10:34:50-04:00

I had them issued my first our in Korea. Never wore them.....

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made May 7 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-05-07T16:34:14-04:00

Yes. Standing security during missile transfers in Blizzards Holy Locke Scotland. It will motivate you to get an education.
M. Morris RVT

Response by SSG Lewis Smith made Jun 21 at 2017 12:57 PM

2017-06-21T12:57:57-04:00

They keep you feet very warm.

Response by SGT John Keaton made Jun 25 at 2017 9:40 AM

2017-06-25T09:40:41-04:00

I've used them during winter training with the 1st AD in West Germany in 1977.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2017 9:48 AM

2017-06-25T09:48:20-04:00

They are great. We used to wear them all the time at Fort Drum.

Response by SPC John Parmenter made Jun 25 at 2017 1:07 PM

2017-06-25T13:07:45-04:00

Wore Mickey Mouse boots in the 1960s in the Colorado mountains & West Germany. I loved them! The trick to successful wear is to change socks at every opportunity -- wet socks will dry between your long john shirt & OG shirt. Don't go to sleep wearing Mickey Mouse boots & be sure to scrape out the ice before lacing them on.

Response by SGT Voyle Bissett made Jun 28 at 2017 12:47 AM

2017-06-28T00:47:02-04:00

Yes I have 1970 Germany

Response by SPC Frederick DeGonia made Jun 30 at 2017 12:47 AM

2017-06-30T00:47:02-04:00

They work great for what they are made for bit can be really bad for your feet if not used in appropriate weather.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 2 at 2017 2:40 PM

2017-09-02T14:40:54-04:00

Pickle Meadows/Bridgeport for arctic/mountain warfare... for brief period at the North end of Chorwon Valley in Korea.

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Sep 2 at 2017 2:53 PM

2017-09-02T14:53:35-04:00

Hell yeah. They kept your feet super warm. Still do as a civilian.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Sep 2 at 2017 2:59 PM

2017-09-02T14:59:18-04:00

Cold weather.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 2 at 2017 3:06 PM

2017-09-02T15:06:19-04:00

Used extensively for 5 years stationed in Alaska . Used correctly very effective, used incorrectly, not warm nor safe.

Response by SPC Phil Orem Jr. made Mar 17 at 2018 6:32 PM

2018-03-17T18:32:59-04:00

Had the black ones when I was. In Germany

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 17 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-03-17T22:32:20-04:00

I wore them in February and March at Fort Drum, New York in sub zero weather. They are clumsy to walk in but they keep your feet warm. Unless you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in extreme cold - i.e. below zero - you won't need them. On the other hand, if you are going ice fishing in Alaska in January - you will be glad you got them.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 17 at 2018 11:24 PM

2018-03-17T23:24:16-04:00

All of the time in Korea, except summer. What do you do now

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 18 at 2018 12:40 AM

2018-03-18T00:40:33-04:00

I once saw a guy wear those on a very cold and wet day in Korea at Camp Casey around 2001. He got chatised for not being Soldier enough wear regular boots then he was told to change lol

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 18 at 2018 1:15 AM

2018-03-18T01:15:47-04:00

Yep,
_Warm as can be.
_Awkward to walk in until you get used to them
_Make sure the pressure valve is open if you're flying in them.
_Change your socks about every 2-4 hours or your toes will fall off after a couple of days.
_They do not fit comfortably for anyone with extra wide feet unless you go 2-3 sizes too big, then you'll get blister from your feet sliding back and forth.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 18 at 2018 1:59 AM

2018-03-18T01:59:57-04:00

I used them in Germany in the early 1980's. The Army issued boots and the jump boots had no insulation. During the cold winter field exercises, those boots saved my feet from freezing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 4:44 AM

2018-03-18T04:44:03-04:00

In Korea

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 18 at 2018 6:14 AM

2018-03-18T06:14:22-04:00

Used them a couple of times before we had to turn them in to supply. Put in a little air feet nice and toasty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2018 7:09 AM

2018-03-18T07:09:30-04:00

How to Spit Shine Mickey Mouse Boots, "Armor All".

Response by SSG Dale London made Mar 18 at 2018 8:25 AM

2018-03-18T08:25:09-04:00

Oh, yeah! Best thing since sliced bread. Just make sure you change your socks regularly.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 18 at 2018 8:38 AM

2018-03-18T08:38:17-04:00

Black boots good to - 20 degrees whites boots - 65. I was issued black boots but during cold weather training issued white boots. Temps hit way below -100 with win chill.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 18 at 2018 10:33 AM

2018-03-18T10:33:30-04:00

Yes Frosted Gold at Norwich University in VT. They work if you use them correctively. Sock management is critical. If your feet sweat, you need to change your socks so your feet don't freeze when you stop moving (like when you occupy a patrol base). You take your damp socks and put them inside your clothes (not a pocket). Tie them at the upper end and drape around your neck.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Mar 18 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-03-18T12:50:24-04:00

Yep, a long time ago. They felt like Frankenstein boots to me.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Mar 18 at 2018 6:08 PM

2018-03-18T18:08:17-04:00

Yes, in cold weather with muddy terrain, and they were great!

Response by SSG Anthony Pugh made Mar 18 at 2018 6:50 PM

2018-03-18T18:50:47-04:00

If you were in Europe in the 80's/ 90's you would have worn them.. lol

Response by MSG David Densmore made Mar 25 at 2018 7:02 PM

2018-03-25T19:02:30-04:00

Nows there's some memories! We were issued the black ones in the Ohio Army National Guard in the early? 80s, along with the accompanying cold weather gear- parka etc. I think it was probably because of the possibility of being activated for a blizzard. That was back in the day the next ice age was coming. I did use them a couple times for winter operations, they were nice and warm, but like others said, didn't breathe at all.

Someone else said this as well, but I understood that the white ones were for even colder weather.

Response by SFC Dagmar Riley made Jul 17 at 2018 3:37 AM

2018-07-17T03:37:44-04:00

Plenty of times in Germany and Korea.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jul 26 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-07-26T16:42:40-04:00

Did a few six-milers in the snow in Korea. The boots, OG wool uniform and parka.

Response by SSgt Danielle Pelletier made Apr 17 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-04-17T21:54:45-04:00

My dad had a pair

Response by SGT Robert Page made Apr 17 at 2019 9:59 PM

2019-04-17T21:59:33-04:00

Yes, Mickey Mouse Boots were standard issue when I was stationed in Germany in the early 80s. They are a cold weather boot.

Response by LCpl Jake Henderson made Apr 17 at 2019 10:03 PM

2019-04-17T22:03:13-04:00

Used them in Japan Mt. Fuji cold weather training

Response by Sgt Paul Blumstein made Apr 17 at 2019 10:29 PM

2019-04-17T22:29:55-04:00

Used them as cold weather gear in Korea 1952 and 1953....best ever in extreme cold

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Apr 17 at 2019 11:33 PM

2019-04-17T23:33:29-04:00

I bought some 25 years ago to go deer hunting when I was stationed in WI. They keep your feet warm but cause them to sweat a lot if you do more than average walking. Be sure to get the right width about 1/2 size bigger then normal for your heavy socks. Wear some of the new polypropylene wicking action socks for dryer feet. I could stand in 35° water for hours and not feel it when I Duck hunted with them. Be sure to dry them out thoroughly each time you wear them or you will have cold wet feet. These are regular issue in Northern WI, MN and in AK. The other color they come in is eggshell white, those are older, pre 70's, my first encounter with them both was '78.

Response by SSgt Jon Hess made Apr 18 at 2019 12:38 AM

2019-04-18T00:38:47-04:00

Wore them in Minot out on the flight line. White ones. We called them Bunny Boots.

Response by TSgt John Sorensen made Apr 18 at 2019 12:51 AM

2019-04-18T00:51:17-04:00

These were standard issue when I served in Alaska, but mine were white. Had to wear two pairs of socks because they made my feet sweat so bad.

Response by SGT Marc Riordan made Apr 18 at 2019 12:57 AM

2019-04-18T00:57:40-04:00

Climb to Glory!

Response by SGT Marc Riordan made Apr 18 at 2019 12:58 AM

2019-04-18T00:58:59-04:00

I had the black ones on the 90’s, then only the white ones in 2007. 10th Mountain.

Response by SSG Bruce Nichols made Apr 18 at 2019 1:15 AM

2019-04-18T01:15:39-04:00

Big item in Minnesota

Response by SFC Mervin Shreve made Apr 18 at 2019 3:00 AM

2019-04-18T03:00:45-04:00

Cold weather boots used them in Korea

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Apr 18 at 2019 3:53 AM

2019-04-18T03:53:49-04:00

Got them while in Germany back in the 70s. It was part of our "Zone Six" clothing issue which included the Parka, hood, and trigger finger mittens. The MM boots were great in three feet of snow at Wildflecken because they kept your feet warm and dry. Combat boots back then weren't near as good as the insulated boots available now.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Apr 18 at 2019 7:44 AM

2019-04-18T07:44:36-04:00

Korea, 1966-1967. Worked well in the snow.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 8:25 AM

2019-04-18T08:25:13-04:00

Yes twice, we had them for Korea Team Spirt, but never used them and then cold whether training Det Fort Drum and then Iceland Det, they issued, used only when snowed. They were hot. For work we had Cold Weather Matter hons they were outstanding, and got some for Pakistan 2005-2006 also, nice boots.

Response by SPC Samantha Stapley made Apr 18 at 2019 9:51 AM

2019-04-18T09:51:54-04:00

I was issued Mickey Mouse boots while deployment training in Ft. McCoy as a reservist from December to February. All of our training was outside in the snow.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 12:47 PM

2019-04-18T12:47:33-04:00

Was issued them in Germany, but I never wore them. I spent several winter exercises in Grafenwoehr and just wore my wool socks and Gortex boots. It was fairly cold, but bearable... in Germany.

I would likely just sweat in those mickey mouse boots & end up colder in the end. Unless I was in the Artic, or some other mountainous snowy environment, I probably would not wear those boots.

Response by SFC Gerald Bultman made Apr 18 at 2019 3:09 PM

2019-04-18T15:09:07-04:00

Germany 1974-1978

Response by SGT Anthony Brown made Apr 18 at 2019 3:37 PM

2019-04-18T15:37:23-04:00

Be careful some people it hurts their feet and these are really used for extreme cold.

Response by CPL James Covalucci made Apr 18 at 2019 3:37 PM

2019-04-18T15:37:58-04:00

Years ago I wore them while snowmobiling. Now to old me not the boots. Jimmy, Viet Nam Class of 1969.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Apr 18 at 2019 6:09 PM

2019-04-18T18:09:02-04:00

Yes, haven't seen them in 30 something years, kept my boots dry, and feet warm, but you had to change socks often because feet would sweat

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Apr 18 at 2019 6:45 PM

2019-04-18T18:45:55-04:00

Yep. Except they were white.

Response by Sgt Gary Hilt made Apr 18 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-04-18T21:21:40-04:00

carried mail 32 yrs they work fine but very heavy

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Apr 19 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-04-19T11:12:30-04:00

I still have my black Mickey Mouse boots from the 60's and here I am wearing them while participating in a memorial service at a B-52 crash site on Elephant Mountain in Maine about four years ago. The site is several miles into the bush by snowmobile. As a bugler, playing Taps at sub-freezing temps in January is always challenge but my feet remain toasty warm. The USAF Honor Guard of the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor ANG Base conducts a memorial program each January to remember the crew lost when this B-52 crashed many years ago during the Cold war. My grandson, an Eagle Scout and now an SAirman with the unit went along that year to help fold the Flag during the program with COL John Thomas, now retired and a fellow bugler.

Response by SFC Charles McKay made Apr 19 at 2019 4:03 PM

2019-04-19T16:03:34-04:00

Yes, Greatest invention since slice bread. Foot powder and 1 pair of socks is all you need. Keep feet warm and toasty. I live in MD it doesn't get that cold for me to wear them.

Response by SFC Charles Cagle made May 22 at 2019 10:09 PM

2019-05-22T22:09:55-04:00

I used them very heavy

Response by PFC Gene Schein made May 23 at 2019 1:31 AM

2019-05-23T01:31:10-04:00

I had them when I was in Germany

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 17 at 2020 7:36 AM

2020-03-17T07:36:16-04:00

Yes, they issued them to the 73th Brigade when they assigned us to 6th Arctic Light. I've never seen the black ones, the ones we were issued were white. Heavy, but did keep your feet warm.