The Desert Boot Evolution

The Desert Boot has evolved immensely since they first came out for the desert storm campaigns. These were shoes that were initially and primarily built for the military. During the latter parts of the 20th century, a different line of the desert combat boot became available on the public market. It is still a popular style of footwear for today’s generation. This type of footwear continues to evolve according to the needs of the military and the public, becoming a staple in the fashion industry.

The shifting nature of the desert sands makes it an especially difficult terrain to move on, much less be efficient in. Combined with the extreme temperatures common in desert, soldiers fighting in the area required more durable footwear suitable for the some of the most severe conditions on earth. Thus, the mens desert boot was produced.

A desert combat boot is similar in some aspects to the black combat boots commonly associated with the military. But there are also distinct differences. One striking differentiation is the color. Boots made for the desert are tan colored to make the soldiers blend in better with the environment. This is important to better conceal the soldiers from the enemy. In order to keep the sand out of the boots, these are made at least an inch taller than most regular hiking boots. Sand accumulating in the shoes can significantly add to the challenge of moving through the desert terrain. The leather used in making this type of boot is tougher as compared to other types of hiking boots, making it more durable for the more extreme terrain and weather conditions in the desert. Some of the more recent improvements include making the material more breathable with various vents to allow the sweat and moisture to escape and the feet to cool off.

Still one of the industry’s most respected manufacturers of desert boots is the Altama Company. Founded in 1969, the company was initially renowned in producing children’s shoes. With the Vietnam War, the company added a new product to their portfolio: jungle boots. What started with a single venture into jungle boots lead to a long and prosperous working relationship with various departments of the military. Later on, the infamous Altama Desert Boot was produced for the soldiers and military personnel servicing the desert areas.

Some consumer groups are looking into the military look without having to actually sign up for military. There are various consumer products which evoke a military feel but are not commonly used by military departments. One such product is the Danner desert boot. Boots manufactured by Danner are known to be durable. Built for military aficionados, their boots are built for heavy duty purposes, with a considerable amount of weight. The Danner Desert Acadias are some of the heaviest, weighing 28 oz for a single pair.

The design and look of the desert combat boot has come a long way since the days of desert storm. Now available for the public to purchase and enjoy, the look has evolved immensely to fit the new generation of consumers and patrons. No longer are desert boots the massive, thick, tan colored boots. One such product is the Common Projects Desert Boot. Although categorized as boots for the desert, their appearance looks nothing like those produced by Altama or Danner. It has, however, created a craze, making it an essential item for the stylish men. It is the cleanest and one of the most sophisticated looking design interpretation of the desert style boot available on the market today. A must have for consumers wanting desert footwear with a bit more class.