An army travels on its feet, and women warriors are no exception.  A strong case can be made that womens army boots are your most essential garb.  Not only will your boots have to support you,  they will also be supporting the additional weight of  all of your gear.  It is important to choose from among the top brands, such as Danner, Lowa, Reebok and Rocky.  The term "mil-spec" cannot be relied upon for quality.  Check consumer reviews of the company that you are buying from as well as the specific boot reviews.

Mid-calf boots will provide protection, yet maximize comfort.  Boots are made with a variety of materials:   all leather, cordura fabric or suede with breathable mesh.  Boots are usually offered  in either black or desert shades of tan.  Microfiber lining is frequently used, as it is durable.  Many boots have slip and oil resistant rubber soles.  Your boot choice should consider the climate and environment where the boots will be worn.  Specific boot descriptions often indicate if they are designed for hot climates.  



Trying on the boots

In trying on boots, It is advisable to wear the type of cushion sole sock that you typically would wear with the boot.  The sock could be a polyester, acrylic or nylon blend, depending on your operational demands.  If you wish to use an insert,  put it in place before trying the boot on to get an accurate idea of how the boot will fit.  Getting a good fit and making sure your heel is set firmly into place.  The boot should fit snugly, but not be too tight.  There should be about �  inch extra in the toe area.  The boots may even need to be slightly larger than your usual size. Lace the boots normally, including the top quick laces, and tie.

Caring for the boots

Boots should not be soaked in water to break them in.  Instead, wear them normally at first for a short period of time, and then later for progressively longer times.  Extreme environments are normal for womens army boots, and they may become wet.  If so, empty water out of them, change socks and continue to wear them as they will dry better while being worn.  Never subject them to a heat treatment, no matter what the source.  No matter how grungy the boots get, clean them, but never polish them.