Black, green boots to get the boot Oct. 1

[USMCRET6391]

Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Sgt. Jim Heuston
Story Identification #: 2004923194624



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Sept. 23, 2004) -- Say bye-bye, spit shines - as the Marine Corps marches toward an Oct. 1 deadline marking the last day for black boots.

Thereafter, black or green boots no longer will be authorized - even when wearing woodland cammies, according to All Marine Message 028/02. The only exception will be black safety boots called for in certain work environments.

But with the government-issued boots hard to find amid lagging supply - especially in the average sizes of 9-Regular to 10.5-Wide - Marines might have to dig deeper into their wallet for commercial boots.

"I just can't find my size," said Gunnery Sgt. Steven L. Soares, battery gunny for Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment.

Marines across the Corps reportedly are having similar problems finding inexpensive boots.

Soares, stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, is here for the staff noncommissioned officers advanced course at the School of Infantry. He had hoped he could find a bigger assortment of boots here to replace worn-out pairs.

A former recruiter, Soares says he repeatedly has had to ship boots back through the mail to get the right size. At this time, the only boots in his size are the commercial safety boots.

"113 bucks?" Soares said. "I don't know, that's kind of outrageous to me."

Boots are available for any Marine or sailor who needs to buy a pair for the Oct. 1 deadline, said Laura L. Scott, a supervisor at the 22 Area military clothing store here. But finding the less expensive government-issued boots can be hit or miss.

"There is a $37 to $55 difference between commercial boots and the government-issued ones," Scott said on a day when several sizes of government-issued boots were out of stock. "Most Marines buy the cheaper ones, but some will buy the better boots, especially if they are going to deploy."

Commercial boots are more expensive because of the quality, explained Scott. The boot soles are cemented instead of glued and the stitching is reinforced.

Currently the store has a large quantity of expensive safety boots that are difficult to sell as much because of their reputation as their price. But the impression they're hot and heavy is wrong, Scott said. The toes are now hardened with a polymer, not steel. The safety boot is lighter, cooler and, like all the new boots, designed for running, Scott said.

"It's stronger and safer," Scott said. "When you're doing your invasions (cordon and knock operations) you won't hurt your toe."

The new technologies referred to in the Marine Corps order are found in both government-issued and commercial boots. Quick drying fabrics - meant to keep feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer - and a sole designed like a running shoe are among the new features. One of the companies authorized by the Marine Corps to make boots even challenges Marines to take them for a run.

"Money-wise, everyone goes to the jungles (hot-weather boots," Scott said, referring to tan boots with suede uppers.

If money is a problem and Marines have orders to deploy, then checking to see if the Consolidated Issue Facility has the right size could get Marines a pair for free, Scott said. She added that units can also make large group orders via credit card straight from the boot company.

Authorized boots will have an eagle, globe and anchor stamped on the heel and a certification number inside on the tongue.

[TejanoRey]

I personally love them cause you can look really squared away...with the other (new) boots..seems a little difficult to keep them lookin good if you get a scuff and etc...

[ASUMarine]

The new boots get dirty fast but whatever you spill on them it comes out with time. Its weird. Spill edge dressing on them and after 1 week of wearing its gone. Plus the Eagle Globe and Anchors on the heels are pretty cool.

[Hoss68]

Seen the new ones in pics only~ I loved spit shining my boots.

[USMC Chuter]

I will always fondly remember the days of spitshining or at least buffing out the boots on a daily basis... Having said that, I don't miss those days. I dig the new boots.