Here’s a bit of useful info for anyone hunting a pair of jungle boots. The 3rd pattern boot he’s got here debuted in 1968 and replaced the 2nd pattern with vibram sole. The reason for this was Natick labs experiments with the Panama sole found it was more effective at providing traction and shedding the clay like mud of Vietnamese backcountry. That being said there were also large amounts of previous pattern uniforms issued too. The classic OG-107 3rd pattern jungle fatigues didn’t appear till around 1968 to 1969 either. It wasn’t uncommon to find them mixed with 1st or second pattern gear either. With the boots there were large numbers of 1st and second pattern boots still in warehouses which were issued out first to clear the room for the 3rd pattern. But yes what he’s got there are the 3rd pattern issued late into the war which is why they were hard to find as the contracts were being cancelled at the end of the conflict. I’ve made it a point to talk to Vietnam veterans and compile their experiences mentally cause I feel it’s important to carry their stories onward and for them to realize that we understand Vietnam was not their fault
BS I've been collecting Vietnam gear since the 80's. For a long time the Panama sole was the easier one to find, specifically cause the vibram soles were the ones actually used up. But people forget that the green jungle boots were made up until 1988. They are identical to the Vietnam era ones and include the vaunted heel stitching. Look at early pictures from desert storm you will see guys in dbdu uniforms with green name tapes and patches wearing 3rd pattern jungle boots. Even then the boots that the guys were getting were a mix of old and new as stocks were depleted and replenished. Until the mid 2000's jungle boots were common as dirt and could be found easily for 50 bucks.
When I was a teenager in the early 80's, I bought a pair of these from my local surplus store. They were exactly like the pair you have complete with the tag on the outside and the cushion sole liner on the inside. Wish I still had them.
Sir, that boots in video had be made in 1967/1968. Because of stitching on ankle support. Six times stitching on ankle support was to 1968. 1969 and on, is three times stitched.
The Vietnam jungle boot was so much better out in the field than the black leather combat boot . I remember when the USMC allowed us to wear them in the states around 88 or 89 .
I've never severed but have worn an old pair for general use, they are fairly comfortable and durable or my needs. Thanks for your service and commenting Can I ask what unit you severed with? Thanks in advance, stay safe
Hey Blacksun45, I'm not sure how many different websites are providing panama sole boots, I managed to find my pair on Ebay with a local person here in Australia. Ebay or Facebook Market place is a good starting option but apart from that maybe other local surplus stores may have some.
I think the OG jungle boots would suit better for jungle environment setting but the more modern style combat boots that the US still issue troops would be more comfortable and more practical. Honestly its more of a personal choice for people
My grand pa served in Vietnam for a short while. I remember him saying that it was known practice to take sandpaper and rub out the shiny finish from the jungle boots leather. When you're in the jungle, a shiny boot can give away your position.
Well, I haven't worn them enough to say for sure, I've worn them for a short period and they seem pretty good. Though, not sure if I would wear them constantly like the guys who were issued them while in service.
Based on my location and the lack of these being avalible "NOS with Tags" is pretty low. And as a collector I am not in this particular hobby to wear the items I buy. I'm going to assume you are located in the Unitated states? These boots can be found cheap but that obvously makes sense as the amount made in the US is far greater then the amount in Australia. It could be possible you are further North or around a major city that has a higher amount of these type of barticular jungle boots in stock, but from where I stand, I got quite lucky with these, and don't regreat buying them simply because they are one size to big for me.
@@aquarius5264 My area of interest has changed a bit since I released this video, having aqquired 2 LW German lids in the last few months has me pretty happy, Nice to hear you got some boots.
