I picked up a pair and had to get a second, Ive wearing the boots out and using them to their fullest. Great boots for almost anything; very comfy, only downside is going through a metal detector with them, really trips people up when they hear “spike protection” instead of like a safety toe.
The original insole is made of a plastic mesh with the idea that as you walk your feet will lift off then compress back on the insoles, the lifting then compression drawing air in then pushing it out of the inside of the boot through the eyelets. It helps dry the boots out after they get wet, and keeps air circulating around your feet, hopefully preventing jungle rot. I have a pair of German army contract jungle boots which are very similar, i think theyre the best option for anyone in europe who wants a decent pair without paying for shipping from the US.
The jungle boots lost their steel spike protection for use in the desert in 1990-91, the olive green and black had been slowly replaced by then by the all black nylon sided jungle boots. Shortly there after the all black version was padded at the top and lined like the 2nd model desert boots from 1990-91. These were outstanding boots and could take a serious beating. Wore many sets from the Sinai to Panama and Honduras. The plastic vented insole inserts worked to move air around inside your boot and actually worked to help dry them as you walked. The military doesn't have a great jungle boot anymore the Army wasted two years trying to invent the wheel. The only issue with was marching on cement in them. Cheers
Great info on these! Thanks! I had a pair of the desert storm jungle boots and have to agree they were the best. I finally wore them out but haven't been able to find another pair to replace them.
I see a lot of love-slash-hate for these among post-Vietnam vets, and from what I gather the difference seems to be the fact that the OG Panama sole design is basically a solid hunk of dense rubber with no sneaker-like foam midsole to absorb shock while rucking, right? (If so then I should be fine getting some for myself since I got a light step, and I've literally hiked volcanoes in dress boots before with no issues.)
@@HipposHateWater I have a few pairs of original US (RO Search) combat boots, late jungle boots, and Vietnam jungle boots and the first thing I did was to condition them with Bick 4 since they're old, and remove the stock insole and put in decent insole like Dr. Scholls, or even just 1-2 cheap foam inserts stacked and they're pretty comfortable. Sometimes you have to size up to get a cushiony insole to fit though. They seem really well made with good leather if you make sure to get the real ones and not reproductions from Rothco or something- they're not that much more expensive either, just requires some searching and patience
I found a pair of Jungle Boots in a store 11 years ago. From what i remember, they looked new, but the sole under was slightly dirty. I have not been lucky to find a store that sells Jungle Boots that are brand new that is not new, and not a cheap knockoff. Aka, the original Boot. I never realized that the former best Tropical Combat Boots that were original the rarest thing to find. I regret not buying that Boot..
I have many regrets of things I didn't buy. As to the boots, if you keep looking for them, you will find them. I just found another pair last week that were made in 1986. No differences did I see between the late 60's and mid 80's boots. They are out there, but not many of them still. You will find a pair!
@@derekdoeschannel Unfortunately, many companies, and stores are not the original one. I found Pike Brothers "claimed" as a good company to sell Jungle Boots. But i wish to try them on, before i buy them, in order to find out if they fit perfectly. Many stores are either just old Jungle Boots that are mostly black from the 1980s, and 1990s. But do not sell the Original 3rd Pattern Vibram Sole, nor Panama. Your Boot collection is rare, and wouldn't recommend selling your great Boot that. It'll be worth a lot of money, so you're very lucky to have that.
I have two eternal regrets for stuff I didn't buy at a thrift store: first one is a pair of all-leather Altama jungle boots (Different tread pattern from the "Panama Sole" and prototype design) in my exact size, and good condition aside from some small but repairable heel delamination. The other was a pair of pristine adult Heely's in my grown-ass adult size. (But in an ugly brown color.)
Do yours fit true to size as an 11R? I heard original Vietnam jungle boots run ~one size large. I'm typically a 10.5 in most footwear. So, I purchased a pair of NOS jungle boots dated 6/70 with the Ro-Search Panama soles in 10R, assuming they would have a little extra room for an orthotic insole. However, they are a little tight & fit more like a 10.25. Definitely no room for an orthotic insole, even if I remove the original supplied insole. I purchased land in AL I've been clearing. It has a lot of broken glass and various sharp metal junk from the remains of a home that burned down and demolished several years ago. All my other boots are uncomfortable in the hot/humid weather down here, & none have the spike protection soles. I love how light and cool the jungle boots are, even with the spike protection, but getting accurate information on correct sizing is difficult.
Hi, I've found the original jungle boots fit mostly true to size. Depending on how big an insole you're using you could go either up or a wide pair. I think Jump boots run big so your foot can squish around when you land, but the stock Jungle boots are pretty much get what you wear.
I've been wearing mine for a few years now. Love them, really comfortable. I received them from my brother in law who, when he was a Marine in the late 80s, received them from a commanding officer. I can't see what year they're from though. On the sole it has RO Search and the size as 8 1/2 XW. I wear a size 11 and they fit.
They are super comfortable. I'm surprised you can squeeze in an 8 1/2, but I do know that the XW does add some toe room. Good to know for the future! Thanks
@@derekdoeschannel No squeezing necessary. I measured the interior of the boot and it's 11". I'm pretty sure Wellco manufactured them. Just wish I could figure out when they were made. It's just weird to me that the interior would measure out to be 11" and the size on the boot says 8 1/2 XW. Even if it adds some toe room, that's a few inches of extra toe room. Why not just put size 11 unless the military used a different sizing chart or something. Anyways enough rambling. Really great boots.
I brought these off eBay never used. 1968 Addison 12x4. I tried them on and they kill my feet so bad. Comes to find out mine feet are inch wider than the boit. Any advice?
There really isn't any rule. If they look like they need it, polish them. It's up to how you like your boots. You should though keep them clean so the leather stays healthy.
