Personnel from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF have a choice of wearing five different categories of boots depending on what job they are doing and where they are based. Each of the five boot types comes in two different styles, allowing for personal choice with regards to fit and comfort. The five categories are: Combat High Liability, Patrol, Desert Combat High Liability, Desert Patrol and Cold Wet Weather. So weather you are in the military or cadet forces looking for a new set of MoD approved brown combat boots of a member of the public trying to find a good pair of brown boots then take a look at our comprehensive guide below to help you decide which is your best option.

Combat High Liability Boots
These brown combat boots are designed primarily for intensive combat use worn by troops with high levels of activity. They are also suitable for lightweight patrolling and perfect for on variety of terrain surfaces such as rock, rubble, field and track and can also be used for lightweight patrolling. They are suitable for temperatures ranging from -10°C to +35°C, and0%-80% Humidity.

The two approved boots are the Alt-Berg Defender sold by us as G1 (used) or as the commercial version the Alt-Berg Warrior Mk.II and the Haix Scout. The Altberg Defender has a highly water resistant leather upper, comes with a fabric lining and a Microcellular rubber/Nitrile rubber sole. The Haix Scout has a mixed fabric and leather upper which is extremely water resistant, a moisture permeable Gore-Tex lining and a PU/Nitrile rubber sole

 
Patrol Boots
These boots are worm primarily by mounted troops such as drivers and armoured troops conducting lower levels of activity in temperate climates, where the threat of combat is medium to low. They can also be used for limited periods of combat use if necessary. Perfect for training, lightweight patrolling and tabbing on mixed terrain such as road, rubble and rock within a temperature range of -10 °C to +35°C.

The two approved British Forces issue boots are the Bates Ultra Light and the YDS Kestrel. Both boots have a leather and fabric upper and are fabric lined. The Bates Ultra Light has a EVA/Nitrile rubber sole and theYDS Kestrel a PU/Nitrile rubber sole.

Desert Combat High Liability Boots
The Desert Combat Boot is designed for dismounted troops involved in intensive combat use and high levels of activity in desert environments exceeding 40 degrees. Suitable for terrain including track, rubble, rock, field and road with temperatures ranging from -10 °C to +45°C

The brown military combat boots approved are the Meindl Desert Fox Pro and the Haix Desert Scout. Both boots feature suede and fabric, are fabric lined and have PU/Nitrile soles.

Desert Patrol Boots
These boots are worm primarily by mounted troops such as drivers and armoured troops conducting lower levels of activity in desert environments exceeding 40 degrees, where the threat of combat is medium to low. They can also be used for limited periods of combat use if necessary. Perfect for training, lightweight patrolling and tabbing on mixed terrain such as road, rubble and rock within a temperature range of -10 °C to +45°C.

The two approved brown boots are the Magnum Scorpion Desert and the YDS Desert Falcon. Both boots are designed with suede and fabric uppers, and have a fabric lining. The Scorpion Desert has a Nitrile rubber sole and the Desert Falcon a PU/Nitrile sole.

Cold Wet Weather Boots
These combat cold weather boots are worn mainly by dismounted troops for high levels of activity and use in cold and wet environments. They are also worn by personnel on winter operations and training exercises during the winter. Suitable for arctic and coastal areas and rough/moorland terrain within a temperature range of -19°C to +20°C. One of the approved boots is the Karrimor SF which is produced with a highly water resistant leather upper, a moisture vapour permeable Gore-Tex & thermal lining and comes with a PU/Nitrile rubber sole.

If you were wearing any of these British Army issue boots at the extremes of the temperature and humidity range. it is recommended that they are also worn with either a warm weather sock such as the Snugpak Merino Technical or an extreme cold weather sock such as the Highlander Norwegian Army Sock combined with Gaiters - our Multi-Terrain Highlander Gaiters would be perfect.