Belleville has brought back the classic green jungle boot but with some improvements.
Based on the iconic Vietnam-era boot, the recently released BV503PR / CANOPY Olive Drab features a dual density rubber outsole which provides better shock absorption and a new Puncture Resistant textile insole that provides superior puncture protection at reduced weight and increased flexibility.
You’ll find the tried and true Panama sole, designed to release dirt and debris as well as drainage vents and barrel lacing as found on later issue models.
Here, Belleville’s Glen Becker goes over the boot.
Offered in OD and Black sizes 4-14.
Smiles in MACV-SOG.
Who is this for exactly. I am not aware of any of the services who authorize this for wear. Maybe a few SOF units but they can wear whatever they want. Curious if the US Army Jungle Operations Course allows these.
The whole idea of a jungle boot is silly. The natives in jungles don’t wear boots, they wear sandals.
Hiking sandals, chacos, water shoes all provide a chance to dry out and provide protection. There’s also no socks to rot. If ankle supports are a requirement that would be easy enough to add those, the Romans did. Militaries just can’t get over the cultural attachment to boots.
The locals don’t purify their water or take malaria meds either. There’s an acknowledgement of reality when we send someone from North America to a jungle – protecting soft toes and vulnerable soles from rocks, roots and punji sticks is part of the package.
Close toe sandals with vibram soles are dime a dozen.
Jungle Boots are still trying to get a hammer to do a screwdriver’s job all because you grew up with a screwdriver.
It all comes down to how much material you’re using that can retains water, socks nylon and leather being offenders that literally define boots. I mean the army literally requires those in the regulations.
Without boots your feet will be covered in infected leach bites and ticks, plus wounds from all the stinging vines and plants. Tactical movement in close country is very slow, a lot of time spent prone.
You are obviously unfamiliar with the multitude of spikes plants that carpet the jungle.
What kind of shoes did the VC wear?
VC or PAVN? If you’re going to ask questions, it’s a really good idea to know what you’re asking.
You’re being a bit pedantic again, but they both wore sandals. Both personally owned as well as sandals made with a jungle boot style lug sole. Black straps across the top.
Regular elements of the PAVN/NVA also had a short top jungle boot of sorts, more like a Chuck Taylor with lug soles, green canvas with a black rubber toe. But I’m sure you knew that.
Had I wanted to mention the PAVN in my original comment I would have.
Going to go out on a limb and say Joe hasn’t humped a 100 pounds of shit through the jungle for weeks at a time before. Sandals, great for the beach, vacation, and well traveled dirt path, totally suck for humping a ruck in the Jungle
From the website, it appears that the OD upper is nylon, not cotton like the heritage of this boot. Probably dries faster. Nice to see that they have wide sizes as well as regular. They are imported and their origin is not specified. That being said, most of the “tactical” boots on the marker are imported (with the exception of McRae and Nicks, and possibly others). I doubt the market for this is current units – instead and more likely for individuals who once were issued these and want to replace what they once had.
I suddenly have the urge to load up my alice pack and ruck 12 miles! NOT!
I’m just happy to see decent pricing on them.
Guys who think these are for blending in on missions deep into North Vietnam are missing the boat. These boots, much like the desert boots are not the answer for everything, but they work quite nicely and resole well.
As a SERE Jungle Instructor, Jungle Specialist and Operational Tracker Instructor (Jungle, too) I say… Perfection.
Got my ass blown up in Nam. The boot saved me. The Docs on the Sanctuary did a great job. My