United States soldiers may be assigned a multitude of tasks on any given day and must meet rigorous fitness and training standards. That's why Army regulations on uniform (and footwear in particular) are well-defined and necessary. It matters what you wear when "This We'll Defend" is your motto. AR 670-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining uniformity, professionalism, and discipline in the Army. It ensures a consistent and professional image while in uniform. Compliance with AR 670-1 is essential for maintaining military standards and upholding the Army's traditions.
What is AR 670-1?
AR stands for "Army Regulation," which refers to the official set of guidelines and rules established by the United States Army. ARs are comprehensive documents that guide soldiers through various aspects of Army operations, including policies, procedures, standards, and requirements. These regulations cover a broad range of topics, such as uniforms (which is what we'll be discussing), equipment, training, and administrative operations.
AR 670-1 is the Army Regulation that addresses the wear and appearance of Army uniforms and insignia. It details the proper wear of uniforms, including clothing, accessories, and grooming standards.
What are AR 670-1 Compliant Boots?
AR 670-1 compliant boots must meet these 8 guidelines:
- 8-10 inches in height
- Cowhide leather material
- Plain toe design with no extra protection
- Tan or coyote brown in color
- Rubber or polyurethane outsole
- Outsole color must match the rest of the boot
- Sole height less than 2 inches
- Upper made from cattle hide (like the rest of the boot), or a leather and non-mesh combination
Combining these guidelines into your boot ensures protection from weather and challenging terrain, support on long marches, and consistency and professionalism in appearance. Let's take a closer look at these guidelines and answer some common questions...
1. 8-10 inches in height
Called the shaft or the upper, the top of the boot must be 8-10 inches. This height supports the ankle on long marches and patrols, especially if the terrain is rough. Long ruck marches are a staple of Army training, and AR 670-1 exists to help soldiers succeed. Zippers are not permitted.
2. Cowhide leather material
AR 670-1 compliant boots must be made of cowhide, also sometimes listed as cattle hide or suede. The area that surrounds your foot (the lower portion of the boot) must be entirely made of cowhide. Why? Cowhide is extremely water resistant, breathable, and durable. It also dries quickly. Everything you'd want on a long ruck march, or when training in harsh elements.
3. Plain toe design with no extra protection
Boots with reinforced toes (steel or composite) are not AR 670-1 compliant, nor are boots with any stitching or design on the toe. The toe must be plain, like in our AR 670-1 compliant MACV-2 High Top boots.
4. Tan or coyote brown in color
This is where service members have some flexibility in style: tan or coyote brown. Both look good, and both get the job done.
5. Rubber or polyurethane outsole
The bottom of the boot needs to be rubber or polyurethane, and should be rugged and durable. The MACV-2 boots have three defined sections on the outsole (forefoot, midfoot, and heel), each purposefully built for the demands of the Army.
The forefoot on MACV-2 is built for increased grip with deep tread specifically shaped to grab the ground while shedding mud and debris. It wraps around the toes for additional protection against rocky terrain or when doing push-ups.
The midfoot is formulated from a rock climbing compound and hardened for exceptional abrasion resistance — ideal for fast roping.
Finally, the heel is more dense and formulated for extreme durability with an expanded heel strike area that won't break down over time or distance.
6. Outsole color must match the rest of the boot
For uniformity, the color of the rubber or polyurethane outsole must match the rest of the boot.
7. Sole height less than 2 inches
The boot's sole must not go up past 2 inches, including up the back of the boot. And while the rubber might appear on the front of the toe, it must not go over the top of the toe.
8. Upper made from leather or a leather/non-mesh combination
An example of an upper (or shaft) being made from a non-mesh material is the MACV-2 using 1000D CORDURA® paired with cowhide for a synthetic reinforcement.
How to Choose Your AR 670-1 Compliant Boots
There are tons of boot options that meet the criteria for US Army service. Which boots are best for you? There are a few things we recommend looking for in your service boots that meet compliance and ensure the longevity of the boots and comfort of your feet.
To start, look for an appropriate heel drop. This is basically how much more elevated your heel is than your forefoot. A 13mm offset (this number should be listed wherever you're shopping for boots) reduces the strain on your achilles (and therefore your ankle, knees, and hips) and helps to accommodate a natural gait in an unnatural world of asphalt and man-made surfaces. We've found that for long rucks, a 13mm offset is ideal, and it's why the MACV-2 uses it.
Secondly, don't buy waterproof boots. You're going to want something that drains and dries, not holds the water in when your socks and feet inevitably get soaked. Shielding drain holes are what you'll want to look for. They keep sand and debris out and repel moisture with every step. It's old fashioned technology that just works.
Don't buy boots with spacer mesh. Spacer mesh is soft, squishy, and feels comfortable to your hand when you touch it. But it’s a trap, literally. The first time spacer mesh looks at any kind of water, your boots get heavier and they stay that way. We proudly do not use spacer mesh in our boots.
Also, look for 3mm speed laces rather than 5mm. They're less bulky and don't collect as much dirt and debris .
Finally, we like a wide toe box to keep your toes happy and blister-free. Your feet will swell when you're in you boots for long marches and training exercises, and a wide toe box gives you some wiggle room.
AR 670-1 Boot Compliance FAQs
Quick answers to common AR 670-1 questions.
What does AR 670-1 compliant boots mean?
AR 670-1 compliant boots meet the following criteria:
- 8-10 inches in height
- Cowhide leather material
- Plain toe design with no extra protection
- Tan or coyote brown in color
- Rubber or polyurethane outsole
- Outsole color must match the rest of the boot
- Sole height less than 2 inches
- Upper made from cattle hide (like the rest of the boot), or a leather and non-mesh combination
What color boots are authorized with OCP?
Boots authorized with OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) uniforms must be tan or coyote brown in color.
Can you wear any boots in the military?
While you can wear a variety of brands and colors in the military, your boots must meet the standards of your branch and uniform.
Why do soldiers wear boots and not sneakers?
Boots protect the foot and ankle from uneven terrain and support the lower body better while marching and rucking long distances. Boots are better suited for training and combat environments.
