Jungle boots are a form of combat boot developed for use in jungle warfare or in hot, humid settings where a conventional leather combat boot would be unpleasant or unsuited. To aid in ventilation and moisture drainage, jungle boots contain vent holes in the instep and, in some cases, a canvas upper.
There are different types of footwear soldiers wore in world war II, combat or jungle boots, unlike parades and other ceremonial events, are designed to be worn by soldiers during war or combat training. In a tough environment, modern combat boots are designed to provide a combination of grip, ankle stability, and foot protection. Leather that has been hardened and sometimes waterproofed has traditionally been utilized. Many military boots now include civilian hiking boot advancements like Gore-Tex nylon side panels to improve breathability and comfort. For example, jungle boots, desert boots, and cold weather boots are occasionally designed for specific places and climates, as well as specific functions, such as tanker boots and jump boots.
Development and application of jungle boots
The use of “jungle” or “hot weather” boots dates back to World War II when small units of American soldiers in Panama were given rubber-soled, canvas-upper boots to test. Developed in collaboration with the United States. A pair of jungle boots from the Rubber Company weighed about three pounds. The jungle boot was created in 1942 with the premise that no boot could potentially keep out water while also providing adequate ventilation to the foot in a jungle or swamp environment. Instead, the jungle boot was created to allow water and perspiration to drain, allowing the feet to dry while keeping insects, muck, and sand out.
In 1942, woven mesh ventilated insoles for newly designed jungle boots composed of rubber and canvas were manufactured from fused layers of original-specification Saran or PVDC. During the act of walking, the Saran ventilating insoles captured air that was circulated throughout the interior of the boot; moist interior air was exchanged for outside air via the boot’s water drain eyelets. Saran insoles saved feet from freezing in cold weather by isolating them from the frozen ground; when walking, the insoles circulated wet air that would otherwise collect and freeze, resulting in trench foot or frostbite.
Today, with the advancement of technology and how world war II shaped the modern world, boots are of higher quality, have more choices to choose from, and have a higher caliber.
Cleaning your jungle boots
Let your boots dry after using
This is an absolute must, especially if your footwear is soaked with dirt. If you try to clean wet muck off leather, it will almost certainly seep through. Shake off the muck by beating the heels of your boots together or against a hard floor once it is entirely dry.
Get rid of mud or dirt
To remove any remaining tenacious pollutants, use a horsehair brush and a moist towel. Remember to inspect the soles and minor creases. Avoid applying too much pressure to the leather, since this will compromise its integrity.
Scrubbing your boots
Scrub the boots with your brush regularly. It will be worthwhile in the end, even if it takes some time and work. Scrub stubborn spots using a nylon brush and a pinch of detergent. Take a break if your arms and shoulders are hurting from all the scrubbing. However, do not “give up” on removing any stains.
Allow your boots to air dry
To finish, dry your boots outside. However, do not expose them to direct sunlight. You should seek out a pleasing hue. You can also dry them inside, away from any heating.
How to extend the life of jungle boots?
Treat your boots after exposing them to rain, snow, spills, and harsh activities
The best protective spray isn’t only a ‘waterproof’ treatment; it’s also a repellent against any unforeseen winter weather or spills. It should also work on leather, suede, and fabric boots, allowing a spill or liquid to sit on top of the material and be wiped away before bleeding into the shoe. Once a week, spray your boots with the protection, applying it like hairspray.
Moisturize your boots
Just like you should moisturize your skin to counteract the cold, you should moisturize your leather boots regularly to keep the shine and extend the life of the leather.
Remove any salt or snow stains as soon as possible
Use a salt stain remover after being out in the snow or salty streets to avoid the shoe damage that comes with the “wintry mix” weather forecast.
Add a protective rubber sole for added durability
It is recommended that you add a thin protective rubber sole to an already existing sole to extend the life of your soles during the winter.
Paying close attention to the heels
Replace damaged heels as soon as possible. Instead of waiting until heels become unworkable, keep an eye on them and have them replaced as soon as they begin to wear out for a less expensive cure.
Keep a boot shaper on when not in use
Tall boots can be stored with a boot shaper to keep their shape.
Invest in the essentials for suede boot maintenance
Suede boots cannot withstand a run-in with rain or snow, although leather boots can. A suede brush and a suede eraser are important for suede maintenance. When used on suede, the suede eraser works similarly to a pencil eraser in that it leaves small dustings and removes glossy spots after the fabric has been worn or faded. After that, use the brush to remove dustings and rebuff the suede, as well as to remove dirt.
Scuffs and color loss can be treated with leather creams
Applying a leather cream with a little brush to a scuff or discoloration is a quick cure. Bring your boots to a repair shop if they have more severe fading, tears, or scuffs.
Wipe your boots after using
Wipe down your boots with a dust bag at the end of each day to eliminate any dust or dirt that has accumulated.