US Marine Corps Combat Boots

The Temperate Weather (TW) and Hot Weather (HW) Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) are the latest developments in an ongoing process to improve Marine combat footwear.  The intent is to bring Marines standard temperate and hot-weather boots of a quality comparable or better to many popular commercial brands.

Both boots have been standardized to provide uniformity of appearance.  The boots are dyed 'coyote brown' and either pair may be worn with either the desert or woodland combat utility uniforms.  

Marines are allowed to wear either the current combat black boots or new MCCBs with either new or old utility uniform until 1 March 2004.  On that date, MCCBs may continue to be worn with either the camouflage or combat utility uniforms, but black combat boots will be worn with the old camouflage utility uniform only.  On 1 October 2004, black combat boots will be unauthorized for all utility uniforms.  Black organizational boots, such as safety boots or flight boots will continue to be worn as the commander prescribes (work environment only).

The new MCCBs are intentionally designed to be low maintenance.  The only authorized manner of cleaning them is with a scrub brush and plain water.  Marines are not allowed to use forced air (radiators, hair blowers, etc) to dry them after cleaning because it will cause the leather to crack.  Spit polishing is not allowed as it blocks the pores of the leather and prevents the boot from breathing as it should.  Leather conditioner is not allowed, either, as it will darken the shade of the boot.  When the leather gets "hot spots", or smooth areas, Marines may use sandpaper or a wire brush to rough out the leather to where it looks like the rest of the leather.  Although these guidelines may seem very restrictive, they are intended to make sure the leather is not damaged and to emphasize that the boot is designed for combat functionality instead of garrison appearance.  The boots should taken care of and kept clean, not "dressed up."