Some of the most comfortable boots I've ever worn! After Vietnam, the Army went to black canvas---just as comfortable, but not nearly as cool!

@LKS-1976

Жыл бұрын

Sir, may I ask a question. By chance, were you helo pilot during Nam? My pop was a medic that took care of a wounded helo pilot with last name of Sheppard. It's a long shot to ask but I'd ask anyway.

@petesheppard1709

Жыл бұрын

@@LKS-1976 No, I was way too young for Vietnam. I wore jungle boots as work boots later on.

@LKS-1976

Жыл бұрын

@Pete Sheppard ok. Cool. Figure I'd ask. My nam vet pops been reliving the past, asking if there's a way to look. Appreciate the response.

@petesheppard1709

Жыл бұрын

@@LKS-1976 Tell your dad, "Welcome Home!" I remember well how badly returning vets were treated. As a medic, he can rest assured that he made a positive difference as a life saver!

@LKS-1976

Жыл бұрын

@@petesheppard1709 will do. Cheers

When I was young, my neighbor gave me her son's jungle boots he wore in Vietnam on his first tour telling me," He died over there on his second tour." I still have them.

I remember reading about jungle boots being ideal for national guard soldiers during hurricanes. Wading through deep water and being protected by stainless steel plate in the soles from rusty nails and such. They were vaccinated against hepatitis as well.

@swirledworld340

Жыл бұрын

They vaxed the boots?? Interesting 😅

@agentp6621

Жыл бұрын

You’re funny! 😄 Swirledworld340

@xtelevisionset

Жыл бұрын

It’s not a plate it’s just a small shank that runs down the boot in the middle for support.

@Alex-oz9eh

11 ай бұрын

​@@xtelevisionseti thought some had a thin flexible metal plate used for puncture protection?

@m1a1abramstank49

9 ай бұрын

@@Alex-oz9ehAfaik the green canvas jungle boots were spike resistant, not sure about the black or tan ones.

You're the only channel who I bother watching shorts for.

@theapplekingdom5493

Жыл бұрын

Mikey just does not fuck around. Full length or short, he's always got something interesting to say.

@Mr1121628

11 ай бұрын

There’s a ton of similar high quality channels with shorts out there too lol. Don’t just need to stick to one channel.

If only this dude was our history teacher🙏

Mcrae still makes the green and black jungle boots! I wear them everyday at work.

@andrewgates8158

Жыл бұрын

Panama style?

@hamie7624

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewgates8158 yep

@AB-vc7ox

Жыл бұрын

I finally found their site, they even have (at the moment) coyote tan, not just the green/black of the old military production. Original panama soles and all! You might have to look in the hot weather boot section to find them.

@AT-xr8qh

Жыл бұрын

There is also the company Altama that makes the same pattern. I like the McRae shoes better, since the leather is a bit thicker, and the stitching is stretched out wider. The Altamas I had eventually split because the stitching is too close together and popped all at once. I believe the McRae shoes are cheaper too.

@jamesb2291

9 ай бұрын

McRae are made in North Carolina too. I wear all black ones for work because it's hard to get good US made boots

Style #4 was still I use in the 90's. I had a pair

@LKS-1976

Жыл бұрын

Ditto. Green sides to black at Bragg in mid to late 90s

@JosephDawson1986

Жыл бұрын

The 4th pattern style was used for desert boots too. They swapped OD canvas for tan Canvas

@mcschneiveoutdoors3681

Жыл бұрын

Yup...I wore the green ones in the 90's. Had em resoled to ripple sole.

@austinrothjr

Жыл бұрын

I wore them all the way until 2006. 100% the most comfortable and coolest looking boots I’ve ever owned.

@aweezywun

Жыл бұрын

I wore #4 in the 90's, once they were broke in they were great....... the break in was no joke.

Love the Panama sole jungle boot. Wore them whenever I could get away with it in uniform.

One thing that he did not mention is that they had little if any arch support for people with high arches. Other than that they were comfortable and dried quickly after you went for a romp in the swamp.

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

I only have a minute to fit as much info as possible..... That's not pertinent to the basic history...

@Totemparadox

Жыл бұрын

Arch support is fir people with weak feet.

@Golgi-Gyges

9 ай бұрын

​@@Totemparadoxactually not untrue. It just doesn't sound PC

I was issued jungle boots in the '90's (USMC) I loved them except because of the shape of my foot, they would give me blisters right above my arch.

@bloop6812

11 ай бұрын

That was common even back in Vietnam era. We would get a razor blade and cut open that one area where it would rub and give you blisters😮

@Golgi-Gyges

9 ай бұрын

A size down and wider (E width) seemed to work well

1st and 2nd pattern boots from WPG?

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

Yes. I have an original pair of 2nds, I just couldn't find them for this.

i had my grandfather's 3rd ones .. (he was an air force colonel*) he left it in '73

These, along with jungle fatigues, were still in regular use in Fort Campbell in '86. Both were well loved.

@shadowwolf9503

7 ай бұрын

My Indiana National Guard Field Artillery Unit trained at Ft Campbell on our drills, and i had my first 2 week summer camp there in 83. We were issued regular black leather boots but could buy and wear the jungle boots. Most all of the guys i liked and respected wore them, so i quickly picked up a set and wore them for my entire 6 year enlistment. I liked them so much, i picked up a pair to wear at my civilian construction job too. I had alot of good times at Campbell. The 101st is a great group of soldiers !

@rc6184

3 ай бұрын

We wore jungle fatigues and Jungle boots, when I got to the 3rd Ranger Battalion in 1988, then they made the battalion switch to woodland fatigues.

@EricDaMAJ

3 ай бұрын

@@rc6184 Yep. The Army was DONE with jungle counterinsurgency in 1988. Big conventional warfare force on force in the woods in and around the Fulda Gap was the new hotness. Everyone had to dress accordingly. The Army would never need all that 'Nam institutional knowledge again! /s

We were issued two pairs of jungle boots when I deployed to the Gulf in 1990. About two weeks before coming home, we we issued desert boots... 😂

@MikeB128

3 ай бұрын

My buddy was in the same boat lol.

not just a steel shank, there is an insole shaped sheet of steel in the midsole.

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

That’s what I was referring to.

Probably always my favorite boot. Even though they weren't technically regulation, when I wore them

@shadowwolf9503

7 ай бұрын

Roger that ! I was issued the regular black leather boots during basic training in 1982. But once at my unit, we could purchase and wear the jungle boots. Most guys in my unit that i liked and respected wore them, so i quickly picked up a set. They are one of my favorite boots ive worn.

As a former Marine who enlisted in the early 1980s, the jungle boots were an "optional use" at the commanders discretion.I actually had several members in my Batallion who were Vietnam War era Vets wear them in the feild. Sadly, a few years after I enlisted, the jungle boots were no longer an option per direction of headquarters from the CMC. They were outstanding for the field, especially in the rainy weather and river terrain. There's nothing like getting a ass chewing for not being in a "proper" uniform boot while training riverine crossings at an Army jungle schooling Panama. Myself and most of the time, until members got a lovely case of funk foot ( athletes foot from hell) because they would never dry out in the 100° Temps and 90% plus average. Humidity . No matter how many times one changed socks or how many pairs of socks they carried with them. Go figure?😅

@MikeB128

11 ай бұрын

Lol if it makes sense, you're doing it fucking wrong..... So fucking glad I got out 11 years ago today.

I have a mint pair of 3rd pattern that I sometimes wear. Really good boots.

Didn't know Fred Flintsone served in Nam

@MikeB128

11 ай бұрын

Yay, another lame ass "fat joke".........

Thanks knowing this bit of information in the 21st century is so thankful.

Not all troops were issued jungle boots.The black leather boots which required huge amounts of shoe polish to look presentable, but they went well with starched sateens and were standard issue as far as I know.

My pops was 70/71 in Nam, probably had Panama soles. I was at Ft. Bragg in 90s, we wore green sides until phased out to black sides. Loved them.

Informative. Thank you. Learned something new. Also just subbed.

All boots were the standard for Philippine Army. They remained as such because modern combat boots are much more suited to urban warfare units like those stationed in Cebu, Manila, Leyte and Davao

I had a pair with Panama soles when I was on Okinawa. 3rd Marine Division, 85-86.

Loving the shorts, Mike. Hopefully you'll get more reach with 'em, too. Ya damn well deserve it, God damn it.

Can you cover german jungle boots, i got a pair and they are fuckin awesome

Wore Jungle boots in Panama 91-97 in the Army but they still were issuing and selling the older version. I got gifted a set of Panama style that did not like them. One fact you forgot later in the 80s they issued Kevlar sole inserts to offer more spike resistance but the truth is the metal plates inserts would break and push into soldiers feet. The Kevlar sole inserts may have had polymer layered inside. Still got some some where along with other types.

I wear these boots every day, incredible boots.

@No_fritz01

11 ай бұрын

Same mine are the #3 style and i had them along time and they are still comfortable BUT there just really scuffed up.

I got a repro pair of the 1967 pattern boots about 5 or 6 years ago. Most comfortable footwear I've ever had and even though they're beat to shit they are still truckin

So comfortable. I was wearing them in late 1980's early 1990's in Marines.

I have a pair of the last pattern for years and they were really great boots. Lasted forever.

Thank you for your service

@MikeB128

9 ай бұрын

No

I prefer the looks of the Okinawa boot personally. When I was in we could wear these in the early 90's. I always wanted a pair, but I had to wear electrician boots.

Got a pair of hand cobbled 1967 paratrooper boots- unissued. Great and reliable pair!

3rd pattern are easily some of the most comfortable footwear I've ever had. My current pair are going on 20 years now and only just now need replaced.

Wow, great video! I love the detail.

@MikeB128

11 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

I came across my great uncles vietnam era army training manual the other day thought that was pretty interesting

In 1989, the issued jungle boot in most sizes was Panama pattern with a Rosearch logo on the sole. I wore a size 9, so all issued pairs for these sizes 6-11 or so were Panama. The larger sizes however, like 12-15 were leftovers , and had the Vibram style. We would go through a few pairs per year, and could DX them. I always made sure that they said Rosearch on the sole before accepting.

Fortunate enough to have served in the early 90’s when you could still wear the OD green jungles. Most comfortable boot ever made!

I still have my 4th style...love them

The first jungle boots didn't have the steel shank.

Wore 4th pattern from 88-92 with BDUs. Best in the field whilst serving on Ft. Bliss, Ft. Clayton, Panama and West Germany. Today's desert boots suck dishwasher water.

Unfortunately you failed to mention the Double Buckle Jungle Boots, those are my favorites!

@MikeB128

10 ай бұрын

The "Okinawa Boots" that were worn by about .0001% of the advisors in the Vietnam War?

We wore jungle boots in Panama, hated switching back to the black Cadillacs when we got back stateside.

Wow that ankle support style where it bulges out is still in use across the services to this day.

Love the last version they're the best boots for the hills of Kentucky ever was

Hello there?! "General Kenobi!"

I had a pair of these in college I bought from a surplus store. Apart from the obviously stiff soles (because of the metal shank), they were fairly comfortable.

Thank you very informative 👍

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

Very welcome

I would argue that the first pattern of jungle boot was the old m45 pattern also known as "Okinawa boots". I cant remember the source, but there is a photo of an early MAAG advisor wearing those boots in the 50s

@Totemparadox

Жыл бұрын

When it comes to boots, yes. The US was testing jungle "boots" that were more like canvas leggings with a converse type shoe part. Very cool looking, but not really boots. Funny enough I am currently wearing a repro of those Okinawa Boots. Honestly my favorite boots to date.

@michaelbenjmitchell1

7 ай бұрын

Basically the M45's had their lineage linked to the M1943 Double Buckle boots but made in canvas instead of leather.

Went out of my way to get some Altama jungle boots and i love these things

I loved my jungle boots, wore them exclusively during the warm months unless i had to wear my jump boots to be in uniform. I wore those until the uniforms changed and i had to wear those tan kicks.

My only comment is that the 1st and 2nd pattern boots didn't have the built in steel shank and a stop gap insertable was issued in 1963 to go under the insole but caused blisters and so many soldiers didn't bother with it. It wasn't until the 3rd pattern vibram sole that got the integral steel shank.

I was in 'Nam '69-'70. We all had the 3rd style. Never saw the 4th.

You have super fun topic with tons info crammed into short bit ,good personality and delivery! U got my sub buddy ,keep it up you got this shut down

And now, 15 years later, im looking for them last pattern boots to use. took me 4 years to wear a single pair out. Where can i get a resole or a new boot. (I'm a size 12R btw).

They reissued the 1967 pattern in 1988, but they were nylon... they were popular back then!

@MikeB128

11 ай бұрын

They were still canvas, and had nylon reinforcements. I have several original examples of them and love them.

Loved the Panama style boots.

I had the 65' version acquired in 1969. Breathed well enough, but no real ankle support. I never saw the 67' version, they still weren't circulated except maybe in the States and rear areas, at least through 1970

I have the 1967 variant replica. It's a good boot. Fun to wear.

I wore jungles as a Marine in Gulf War I. Took out the steel shank. Reason for wearing jungles and removing shank was for comfort as the issued "slick black Cadillacs" were way to hot and drag. This idea was not smart, I tore a huge gape in the right boot on a tent stake in the dark, but the jungles were cooler (weatherwise) than issued full leather boots. I swapped out the jungles for my steel toed engineer boots after the tear (I was a heavy equipment operater). In swamps, etc., good to go!

@Golgi-Gyges

9 ай бұрын

In SF training and school that thin metal would crack from so much walking.

eyelettes all the way to the top is the way to go, the quick lace fixtures ruined the boot and made them prone to sprained ankle

@MikeB128

11 ай бұрын

I've never sprained my ankle wearing speed-lace boots. Something tells me you don't have a lot of experience wearing them, and are just flapping your jaw with more "facts", when really it's just an uneducated opinion.

Just bagged myself a 1967 dated pair of 3rd pattern panama boots

Thanks for that history...not as familiar with that earlier vibram sole

Yes, my issue type was the year 67, I gave them to my cousin so he could attend a Vietnam Vets walk to the wall with Veterans who servied as he did, he didn't want to show up with a new pair of boots, I understood, he's a combat Veteran wounded in action, he told me he had many rolls of picture film but before he left country it was all taken by the Corp, lol.

I once heard the open tread of the ' Panama style ' as gravedigger soles.Kept clogging of treads by mud to minimim.

I bought a pair of black jungle boots while I was in the army. I still use them as dress shoes.

@MikeB128

3 ай бұрын

I use the green ones as dress shoes lol. People say "What are those?" and I tell them "boots". They are good boots IMO.

Wore out many pairs of jungle boots, both Vibram and Panama style soles during my 20 plus years in service.

Rubber soles are one of the modern inventions that I'm most grateful for

I got a pair when deployed during golden pheasant in '88 . Stateside My Cocoran jump boots were more comfortable.

I still have the fourth version.

I'm pretty sure steel shanks are there to give arch support when you're carrying a heavy ruck so you don't blow your feet out. They wouldn't protect against a pungi...

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

Every time you start something with "I'm pretty sure", just don't......

@Totemparadox

Жыл бұрын

There's a steel shank for support like in many boots and a steel plate that covers the whole foot. It requires like 400lbs for a nail to go through.

I ran a pair in the USAF for a few years .

I wore the second style in the service, great boots, but the vibram bottom picked up mud worse than a standard rubber soled Infantry boot.

One of the best boots ever, great for ruck mart hes

I gotta get me a pair with those Vibram soles. I’ve got two with the Panama, and they’re cool, but totally overkill for my dry local terrain

Kind of weird I get this video after getting my jungle boots out of my closet after not searching anything about the vietnam war

And after that "PUNK ROCK" use that for fashion..

We wore the last ones.

Panama by Van Halen plays in my head every time I put my old tan desert Panama style sole boots on. Loved those boots. They were the most comfy pair of boots I've ever had and lasted a long time. Unfortunately the only reason I had to get new boots was because I used to do plumbing and they got perma skunked. No way to get that smell out. I wish I could have another pair

If u want to test mud retention...go to mousourri valley Iowa and detassle corn after a rain.

But did all three versions have the metal plate for protection or only the first?

I had 3rd type69-70 never seen panama sole.Key to boot is canvas to cool and dry there was a very thin stainless sole between leather and nylon mesh insert whole sizes only.

Behold Perry the platypus my warcrimeinators

Just subbed. I like your style. 👍

Ive always loved the 1965 style jungle boots and the tiger stripe camo... back in 2010 when i became a marine i was one of the few issued altama desert boots and they looked like the jungle boots but for desert obviously and were the best fucking boots i ever owned in the marines. I wore em till they completely got destroyed.. now i rock salomon forces gtx primes

In my experience the Panama sole was ok in the woods, but lethal on polished floors 😂

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

You've obviously never worn hobnails then........

@robertward7382

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeB128 nope :) i figure there's a reason why you don't see them around much

Brits from East London also have steel shanks. The more you know. Also, used to wear these boots all the time.

I got a brand new pair of the 67' model when I was in basic, thought I was tough shit, I broke them in on a road march....... thought my legs were broke

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

Yeah they are rough to break in, but once they are, it's like wearing tennis shoes in my opinion.

@aweezywun

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeB128 after they were broke in, they were the best. I still have a pair, but they're dry rotted and all smashed flat from being in the duffle bag of faded glory. 💪

Awesome boot thanks for your videos

Not looking like your ready for your PT test soldier

@MikeB128

11 ай бұрын

Yeah, because I got out 11 fucking years ago. How long were you in?

The first and second patterns didn't have spike plates built in. Otherwise, good overview!

@MikeB128

Жыл бұрын

Provide sources.

@Straight_Curve

Жыл бұрын

@@MikeB128 Only 3rd Patterns had the Spike protection. The 1sts and 2nds never had that. The way you could tell a 2nd pattern vibram from a 3rd pattern vibram is that the third pattern vibram have a stamp saying "SPIKE PROTECTIVE"

When did they stop using Jungle Boots? We were still wearing them in 1977 in Ranger School; same for Panama / Jungle School. They gave NO ankle support when walking along the side of a ridgeline to avoid ambushes in Mountain Phase; very useful while wading in Swamp Phase.

@Totemparadox

Жыл бұрын

Around the 80's. Then the jungle boots came back for the Gulf War and then turned into desert boots.

God I loved my jungle boots.

I had the 67 pattern.

I want to get another pair for casual wear

Anh oi doi day nay dung no rat dep dung di tren lanh tho vn am uot nang nong nhung mua cung nhieu khi hau nhiet doi

I had the 4th pattern in 1999! I would love another pair of jungle boots.

68-69 we didn't have the panama soles just the vibram soles maybe the Army had them since the Marine Corps always were last for up grades except for the Jungle Camos we were the first to be issued those. Although some small units had the Tiger Stripes