C'mon Keith...PT pumps...feel every single piece of gravel. 😂😂

Altberg Defender in MOD Brown, way way better than anything we had in late 80`s. Hi Tec Silver Shadows for running :D

Probably 1977 at Bordon. Friday afternoon it's chucking it down outside, so we are just chilling in the block. The company 2ic's dog escaped and disappeared. Not to worry, there's loads of lads just sitting about doing nothing, they can go and find it! So about ten of us got into combats and ponchos to go wandering in the woods and fields for this flaming dog. As It happened, I had a brand new pair of DMS on. After about an hour of traipsing through wet long grass, the pooch was found. The day after this, my new DMS were like carpet slippers! From then on, every time I got new boots, I soaked them in the bath and wore them soaking wet for a whole day. I never ever suffered from new boot syndrome again.

Jubilee year, (77) big parade upcoming, one of our officers discovered black polyurethane lacquer was obtainable from stores, and thought it might be better than us all bulling our toecaps. He issued orders that we all submit our DMS boots and shoes for spraying with this wonderfully shiny lacquer. I didn't, I wasn't going to be on parade, and in any case, my boots and shoes were all right as they were... Anyway, most of the guys complied, and on the parade, a number of them, during an "about turn on the march" (T,L,V and off...) scuffed their right toecaps with their left boot heels (IIRC the manoeuvre correctly) and instead of leaving a minor scuff mark, large areas of lacquer peeled off, leaving areas of the toecaps, (which had been sanded for paint prep/keying) exposed, and dull... Questions were asked, I understand... I never had any issues with DMS boots, they were (for me) comfortable, took little breaking in, but I never saw combat in them, just exercises. Combat in wet conditions? I don't think they were up to that...

🗣twisted laces.......twisted minds!

Rupert here. I remember the SOP was to send your DMS boots to the local cobbler to get extensions stitched on to them. Anything to avoid putteeing around. The extensions did tend to restrict the bloodflow a bit if you were running around.

Also in the Falklands we smothered our DMS with DUBBIN or any sort of grease to try & waterproof them. They could never ever be polished after that😂

For that sole crack in your boot, try a mixture of PVA (white glue) and a cheap black acrylic paint (the type you buy in a squeezy tube from cheap store). Clean it up, get any debris out, mix up the glue and paint into a smooth black paste, fill the hole and stick insulation tape over it to keep it in. Leave it for a few days. Ive done it and it does work for a readonable length of time, not permanent but saves chucking a nice pair of boots away for the sake of a bit of effort. Just a thought, let me know if it works on your boot.

You forgot civilian pattern Desert Boots, for wearing on the piss in Aldershot! 👍🍺

Had DMS when I started in the RAF in 1980. Worked with US Marine Corps at RAF St Mawgan in 81. Managed to get a pair of brand mew USMC high leg boots, best ones I ever had, Lasted years.

Being an ex tankie the most important piece of kit was the vehicle's BV

😅when I joined the army cadets in 1965 I was issued with second hand ammo boots and gaiters we had to polish the brass buckle on the gaiters with brasso and blanco the gaiters,belt and 39 webbing we were issued with, you had to ensure you had the gaiter straps on the out side of your ankle and the straps facing rearward or you got told off when we paraded, we eventually got putties and dms boots issued but I preferred the gaiters as they were much easier to put on…..great memories you reminded me of Kieth,keep up the good work, love your channel

I had DMS boots for everyday wear which was just brush polished, shoes to wear with barrack order, and drill boots that had a leather sole, when we were issued them new we had to hammer the metal studs in the correct places, we then spent hours bulling them up, we even had to polish the arches underneath. They were very unstable on wooden floors and metal grids. The laces were leather strips that had to be laced straight, not twisted.

Mate of mine was a (Fusilier) Provost Sergeant in the Glasshouse in Colchester. On dishonourable discharge from service, the only thing the interns were allowed to keep were their DMS boots. Well of course none of them wanted them, so he kept a sack full of them which he used to sell to the builders on the new estate in Wivenhoe where we both lived. PS it was the pro-boot also known as the GB Boot.

Pro boots were Gore Tex inside. Quite a good boot.

I joined the army in 79 and we were issued DMS boots with putties and after about to years we were issued the combat high black boots and they were a good boot.

JLR 1979 Boots DMS & Puttees ( elastics not allowed ) + 1 x boots ammo W Belfast 1981 , P boots ( wore out 3 pairs ) Coming home from Falklands 82 . MOD chaps on every ship for kit evaluation. Bye bye DMS .Hello BHL .

The GB Britton factory in Brynmwawr, Gwent sold DMS boots in their shop in the 80s, used them out with S Wales Police. Not up to much even for street foot patrol. I read about Altberg selling to soldiers going to Bosnia when trench foot reappeared wearing DMS so I bought some, still got them now , still worn for shooting occasionally and very sound. Youy are correct, there was the Pro Boot. Used to see them in surplus shops, improved DMS with a more aggressive tread.

Wore DMS in camp.O.C had a parade. You will wear these in camp,on exercise wear any Military black boots. You're working in them, your decision. CSM burst into flame. Bundeswehr boots were very popular.

Those GoreTex ones they issued us in BallyKelly back in 98 completely WRECKED our feet. Guaranteed athletes foot after a few days on patrol and upgraded to Trenchfoot in a matter of days if not treated.

I had a pair of Materhorns issued for cold weather, gortex lined, very nice indeed. The jungle boots (black bosnia issue) were useful as spares to carry in the bergen. I remember years ago, before having those, the dilema of the second pair of boots. I bought a knock off doctor martin boot for spares. Light to carry, but not very hardy. Wore them twice and the sole fell off, so back to wet boots lol. The boot combat high gave me a shin splint on a BFT at Sandhurst. Still managed to hop in in time and I wasn't the last by any means lol. Not a good boot. I got rid of most of my old kit when I moved to France, but still have my beret and smock. Interesting point, the combat boots in the French army are called 'rangers' (pronounced 'ron-jair' in the typically French manner) cheers RSM, thanks for the memories.

The insole on the highboots about 1986 absolutely horrendous

The tread on the jungle boots is designed to deflect pungi Sticks and they had a metal plate in the sole to prevent the pungis from piecing the foot

I grew up in mid Wales, farming and that. Yes, take care of your feet and take your litter home please 🙂

A few years ago I bought a pair of the Altbergs you mentioned. It was like putting on a new set of feet - best boots I've ever felt. My thanks to Trooper Jones for breaking them in for me.

Anyone remember when they changed the BFT from running in boots to trainers because they were causing too many injuries

Had 2 combat highs, 1 for best, 1 for work. Bought a pair of hi-tech boots for the tabbing stuff. Got issued pro-boots for bosnia, very nice, but id get alot of hot spots doing too much in em.

Combat high leg, wouldn’t hold a bull for love nor money.

Assault boots, changed to German PARA, had a rollocking, back to Assault boots. Then Pro boots.

Issued RM High Combat boots in basic training (1986) with screw on Itshide soles, Lundhaag ski march boots for Norway, Hawkins Cairngorns for mountain training, drill (ammo) boots, jungle boots, Pro Boots, Steaming Bats work boots, desert boots, the list was endless!! But for riding a motorbike though a good old pair of German Para boots couldn't be matched, sadly the Goodyear welted ones are no longer made or available.

Catterick 1984, High Leg Combats. Liked them enough to continue wearing the same type throughout nineteen years of police service, and still wearing the same type today for country walking. A couple of older pairs that ended up like slippers, but unfortunately with absolutely zero tread left, were retired to the garden where they now serve as flowerpots!

DMS boot, wooly socks horrible liners cutting the putty tape made them easy to put on memories

I’m ex 4th bn Royal Irish Rangers, 1983 to 1995 , the boots the replaced the DMS was the high leg combat which was a copy of the boots the Argentina forces wore in during the Falkland Islands conflict , you had the put insoles in them and and an extended tung stitched in that helped keep water out. you had to make sure you got the right size ie if you were a size 8 you would have to have your foot measured as you may need a 8s 8m or an 8L if you didn’t get the right size they would cut your feet to buggery , also you couldn’t use normal polish on them as the were impregnated with a water proofing oil and normal polish wouldn’t adhere to them very well. The they brought out the second generation redesign which had insoles already stitched in to them and a softer rib up the back they were good boots but didn’t last much beyond a year. The American style jungle boots I have two pairs a black pair and a desert sand pair And they’re both crap . Give me the original highleg combats any day.

Whilst doing a tab i got caught having a pee by the vicar...don't get caught out with prostatitis on a tab! Note to self!

The first pair of combat high boots only lasted a few months they had issues with the oil off of chieftain engine and the sole was not anti slip

Trying but failing to identify your cap badge

The DMS boot was made as cheap as possible, had the DMS high leg issued , poor insulation from cold as insole made from cardboard, leather dust and glue steamed and pressed . When the insole got wet it never seemed to dry out and your feet went white and wrinkly . MoD solution was to issue plastic mesh insoles lol. Rubber tread seemed to last but one pair split either side of tongue and another the sole came off on Snowdon. At surplus stores at time they were £22 and the properly made German para boot with stitched and glued on rubber out sole with leather insole was £60 . The MOD likes cheap kit .

What were the brown and sand bits like, how, the fk do u bool brown boots 😂😂😂

These new boots are resoleable. It's difficult to find somewhere to do it but there is an outdoor store in either the lake or peak district. Send them in and they will send em back repaired.

When they first trialed DPM there was a boot that laced up the back that went with them but they werre regected on troop trials. One of the things I liked about DMS was you could get some support with puttees and if you had to run you wore them without puttees. now I wear Brasher boots my last ones lasted 13 years, get them soled and healed once a year, and you can still polish them up and wear them down the disco, smart as a carrot.

Boots DMS size 9 Leather Personell Carrier 😂

The US J boot tread was called Panama Soles 😂

Our DMS boots were three holed, know as steaming bats or Dem My Steamies. Stokers never seemed to clean them and Jack Dusties all had clean new ones well we just changed them being in supply department

Assault boot , very comfortable however after a while the sole though still plenty tread disintegrated .

I wear the the various brown boot every day all day have done for around 10 yrs. when my son joined up and did 5 years I kept buy army surplus second hand boots to give him to exchange. I know have a impressive collection of all issued boots 😂 . Which should hopefully see me until the final RV 😂😊

REME had a green sole boot, anti slip anti oil thing for the VMs etc for a while as well

DMS I still have pair of puttees , more comfortable boots in the TA later on 😂

Good breakdown sir, as a civilian I was given a pair of the US jungle boots from a retired National Guardsman friend of mine, they were perfect for me going around the woods, camping and fishing in the summer here in Minnesota, plus a true jungle boot has a steel sole shank, helpful when tromping around the woods.

I was issued suede leather and canvas (err. nylon) desert boots for AFG. I tried to break them in but one foot was always uncomfortable. The size on the outer soles matched and so did the big tag on one boot. But in ink on the tongue was another size. I had different sized boots. Off to supply in KAF to explain my predicament, and was issued a replacement pair. Instant comfort!

Great video mate, I only wore combat highs in basic in 06. As soon as I got to phase 2 I got some Lowa’s there where heavy but good for tabbing and very comfortable. On my tours of Iraq and Afghan I had Mendel Foxes shot to bits by the end of my tours . When we went to brown boots i got Altberg’s I done two Cambrian Patrols and a 100km march in Belgium in them still got them brilliant boot. I remember as a cadet back in 03/04 I got a pair of German para boots on the recommendation of my instructor who was an ex reg they where nice boots

I must have been lucky with DMS and BCH , because when l went on exercise l always got them soaking wet and let them dry on my feet ( except cold weather exercises ) and after a couple of miserable-ish days with wet boots they were moulded to my feet like slippers , joy !

Everyone knows that DMS stands for Dem’s My Shoes.

Like yourself I joined in the DMS& Puttees era, wearing them on the Soltau training area in the pi***ng rain on a Gun position sorting out the ammunition for our guns in mud just below knee deep made no sense then and still doesn't now.. Only other boots I had were the N. Ireland boots for our 1977 tour in the New Lodge and a pair of Ammo boots, purely for Tug of War use. Our barracks in Gutersloh had cobbled roads and running across em you ran the risk of impersonating Bambi on ice.. Dunno how you chaps who did Public Duties manage to do Drill in em. Fair play to ya.. In the late 80s at the start of my MC journey I got given a pair of Matterhorn Orion boots from a old schoolmate who was in Special Forces at the time. Dunno if any of you had a pair of these but they coped with unknown mileage on my Harley, goretex lining kept the old trotters dry. 1 last mention of Puttees, us non commissioned types generally wore trouser elastics of some kind over the Puttees and tucked our trousers into em but in my personal experience most Officers wrapped puttees round the bottom of their trousers. W.T.F.? No offence to em but it made em look complete kn*bs!!!

I’m using Grisport gamekeeper boot had 2 pair for 2 years 1 brown and made my second pair black,got the first pair done a 15 miler no issues so got another pair again another 15 miler no issues,tabbing 25-30 miles every Sunday training for the Cateran yomp,boot soles are vibram sole hardly any ware at all 🥾🥾🇬🇧⚔️👊🏻

The British also brought out in about 90 what we knew as the assault boot a high leg like bch but with quick eyelets that stood off the boot instead of in the leather and they had soft soles originally designed for airborne if I remember, nice boot and comfy, I did Nyjimaygene and Benson training and marches in one pair and they lasted for years after to, love the videos

I was bloody lucky had flying boots which were lovely. I did have DMS with puttees awful!!

We use to call them hiax combat wellies 😂. You wanna get a pair of AKU pilgrims mate 👌 they’re like trainers

You missed out the 95 boots , with the half quick lace up ' they were very comfortable but the soles were too soft and rotted even in store.

Love my boots had these ones 8 years like slippers go on holiday with them ex army

I think the chunky tread on US jungleboots is to reduce the mud build up and make it esir to remove mud if it does build up.

In 1960 we were issued two pair of ammo boots. They had pimples all over, toe cap, heels and all. One pair had to parade grade, all smooth and bulled all over. To get rid of the pimples, easiest/quickest way was the flame from a candle direct on. Over do it and they became at least one size small. Mine were always uncomfortable As mentioned in another blog, they came with a toe clip on the sole, a horse shoe around the heel and we had to add the stud. From the front a row of two, two rows of three and a row of four. When that lot wore out, or started dropping out, they went to the cobblers for re-soling but the studs were added as well. While the working pair were away you had wear best boots and boy did they get wrecked. Grey woolen socks were the issue of the day. The boots used to rub holes in them in no time. To avoid blister, the best I found was using foot and body powder (talc). Add it in your socks, put them on, add it in your boots and put your feet in. After the dust cleared, lace up with straight leather laces, dust off the white stuff with a boot brush and off you go. Pattern 39 gaiters worn with ammo boots. Stop the snakes bitting ankles. Later DMS boot and nylon inserts to avoid sweaty socks, not a chance. Hopeless for drill or tabbing as you could not get a rythem as they were too quiet. Short puttees were an art at getting to stay put and no unravel. Elastics in the trouser legs turned up was fairly reliable at keeping things in place.

Nightmare to break in bud hot water and a lot of squeezing but the blisters were murder but once they broke in they were brill a loved using them in bft and cft

Retired Loyal Canuck here - I remember a bunch of PWRR and then Green Jackets wearing new issued swat-style boots in Banja Luka BLMF. I think thst they were popular with support and service support but not for ruck marches.

Good boots are worth getting repaired when they start to wear out.

After BCH we got assault boots which were similar but a bit more comfortable. At the same time we had pro boots with were goretex and thermally lined. Fantastic for cold weather but a bit warm for tabbing.

We were issued Pro Boots for Op Agricola in early 2000 (I still have a brand new pair somewhere). They were a pretty good boot, I don't think I went back to BCH after that. As an aside, Ammo Boots were the staple of many a tug of war team. I'm wearing Lowa Combat Boots atm.

Bought a pair of Altberg Defender boots second-hand off the internet. Basically good uppers but almost completely worn away sole. Altberg offers a refurbishment service so I sent mine back to the factory and got back a brilliant set of boots. You would be hard pressed to distinguish them from new. Fantastic service and very very comfortable.

DMs are a great pain, the day after you break them in the sole is gone. Always had a problem with the Achilles heel with boots.

Army Air Corps flying boots if you could wangle a pair. Really comfy plain black high boots with a decent sole & a padded upper top. I think they were supposed to be a more lightweight, slender fit & completely smooth so as not to catch on anything in the cab especially the cyclic or rudder controls. Good for driving & barracks not so much for exercises. 🥾🥾

Keith if you haven't done a video about the current teli tubby combat clothing please do!

I only ever knew DMS boots and I loved 'em. So much so that I carried on using them for work after I left the army. I kept them brush-polished and they lasted several years. Re your current boots, you can squirt some rubber solution in those cracks.

I was given a pair of ammo boots from a corporal for moving him into quarters.1956 they were made I still have them.Just for memory sake.

Swear by my AltBergs, best boots ever, 3 Nijmegen Marches out of them before a full factory resole, like putting a glove on. Great little history of the Military boot keith, Tab On

Many years ago I was working with a colleague who proudly said he was "studying for his DMS", I obviously looked confused as I struggled with the concept of studying for army boots so he clarified that a DMS is a Diploma of Management Studies. 🤣🤣🤣 DMS and putties, I found them not to a brilliant combination for extended exercises on SENTA in mid winter (Mid Wales Mud) and I found on exercises in the US in mid summer my feet overheated and SWELLED! (Late '70s - early 80's).

The most comfortable pair of boots I ever owned were Lowa Combat Boots, black leather and goretex lined at the time the British Army was issuing BCH and those nasty little gortex booties. Like wearing slippers.

Oh the horror of a new pair of DMS boots and those bloody awful yellow plastic insoles !!!!!!

They were crap. And bulling them was a nightmare. I couldn't have handled the guard's or any "spit and polish" regiment. Anyway another good video bring back the memories. 😁

Took me a good two years to break in my hi leg then the sole started to go! Brought them home from Germany and had the soles redone locally. So comfortable after that and lasted a few more years.

I remember during basic training the DS made us alternate the pairs of DMS for a month before we decided which was to be for normal wear and the one for best. Bloody awful plastic insoles as well.

Interesting kit history. Any chance of doing a review of your current backpack and the ones you were issued over the years?

I used to buy my own boots Danner, KSB and Lundhag.

Had some ammos for parades as a cadet but generally wore RAF DMS shoes which were much more comfy. Then worked my way through DMS and high legs as well. I'd totally forgotten about Hi Tec silver shadow though - they were great, and cheap - and I got through a few pairs. These days I've got some Aku Pilgrims which I use for hill walking - levels of comfort, low weight and waterproofness you would have killed for back in the 80s!

Me and a few of the lads coated our parade boots in a shiny liquid,( name escapes me). When they got wet!!!! Did we cop for it. Loving the content Keith, some great stories about good times. 😂👍

Lowa boots for me every time, I only wore the issued boots when I had to. Silver Shadow trainers, that takes me back to my phase 1 training days. The issued boots are much better now, so they tell me.

Combat High Boots when they were first issued , took me a while to find Mars Oil , , after a wee while the uppers just folded over like NI Patrol boots , also now waterproof , but forget a shine . Probably find that the Whale huggers would frown on it's use , but to be fair we lived in different time and also served .

You forgot to mention the troops in Germany wearing german para boots!! In the mid eighties there were people wearing all manner of clothing and gear because the kit was pretty poor.

With the RAF we were issued one pair of DMS boots and two pairs of shoes, one pair of shoes were bulled to perfection and only worn when in No 1 uniform, for PT we were issued a pair of white plimsolls which were bloody awful for cross country running, something we did a lot of during basic and trade training, you could feel every stone you ran over when wearing them.

Ah the Britton Boot! They were the trial boot before the Boots, Combat Assault (what an Action Man name!!) became standard issue with the Soldier 95 kit. Does anyone remember buying Hi Tech branded high leg boots. Magnums I think? Great for tours in Ulster until someone’s boots went up in flames on a base line in North Belfast. Banned the next day!! The soles on your Yank boots were supposed to stop mid from clogging up the soles whilst in the Ulu. I know everyone rated them highly but they were one boot I couldn’t get on with.

Dear Keith, thank you for sharing your memories on boots. I started with DMS, bloody awful things in the Falklands. Ammo boots on formal parade etc. NI Patrol Boots ok in urban environments. Our cow-son QM (Bless his heart) made us wear the NI boots for a month on ex in SMP Folkestone. I had blisters on my heels the size of Christmas tree coins! I remember that urban myth said that having a pee on them softened them? Best Wishes Johnny

Haix forever....lol Thank you for this insightful video. Stay well, stay safe and TAB ON. Helen and Katarin Juska-Law and Terri with Robyn.

I heard from the old guys that those DMS boots where made of cardboard lol and fell apart after 6 months , i signed up 2003 and was issused the black combat high boots they werent to bad once you broken them in. To be fair though even then you would still get half decent boots if you was on tour , in Northern ireland i was issused magum boots , lowa boots on telic and some other brand might of been magum again as they where a pretty much the same boot but in tan , now days though you are issused pretty decent boots , alt bregs , Aku , and some other brands , there the type off boots we used to go out and buy. Kit in general has improved greatly over the last 10 years , soldiers still complain though i am MPGS now but i would off loved the stuffed that the guys get issused now days When i was in the Royal Anglians. The only thing that i think is worse now days is the Uniform DPM was far Superior over the MTP stuf.

Love your shows pal.. keep going! thoroughly enjoyable!

issue boots got soaked in neats foot oil for horse feet. made them waterproof, but so soft you lost the support a bit. believe the marines wore lundhags ski boots in falklands. square toes for skiis and rubber cover up to laces. a bastard to break in, but great afterwards.

Coming out of basic training posted to West Germany we were issued with DMS with putties however for exercises we were aloud to buy second hand German Army boots which were of a much higher standard and went above the ankle in general a bit more weatherproof and certainly more comfortable.

You can send Haix back to the factory for reconditiining! They check the gortex out too.

When I joined that the Territorials, they gave me a pair of dms.1 size 2 big and when I went on basic training at bodney camp Stanford training area.I had terrible blisters but I took the pain and suffered it eventually got the right size. Keith you're a tabbing hero.💂‍♂️😿👍

Once when wearing a pair of combat high leg boots. When training at RAF Uxbridge, I was in a posh building and my Col, Gren Guards for the use of. Noticed my boots started to come apart, bits of black rubber sole everywhere. He ordered me out of the building and three other WO1's to follow me out of the building a pick up the bits of rubber.... Walking back to the accommodation my stocking feet wear visible... I looked like something from the Beano comic. And i got a real ribbing! I think Alt Berg are the best books i have ever been issued with. Two pairs were made specially for me due to an injury. Keith try and get a pair. The US jungle boots aren't bad for hot weather.

I did the Nijmegan Marches back in '83 and then again in '87. The first time was wearing DMS (along with puttees), second time with combat high. On both occasions it was bloody painful regardless. I always said that if I was to do it a third time, it would be wearing the softest most comfortable Nike's ever made!

When I joined up in 94 I was issued a pair of Ammo Boots (Gren Guards Recruit), Combat Hi Boots complete with cheese grater innersole, I can't remember if we had two pairs of them or not. I remember the Training Staff Burning our Ammo boots to remove the lumps from the leather. We never had to bull our working boots just polished to a high shine. I found that the Combat Hi innersoles were really bad for your feet when using them as hill walking boots walking the Gliders in Wales. As I sat down and hung my feet of an edge as we were on our way down from the 5th mountain, and when it came to standing up I could barely put any weight on my feet for a goo while. My trainer once back to the campsite were like utter heaven. Then when about to start pre Bosnia training we were Issued Combat Boots as part of Combat 95 kit. as it was a Summer tour we had Jungle boots as well. Horrible things they were, Best boots I was ever given was my my Sgt who managed to get hold of some reinforced toe capped Polit boots. they weight next to nothing, and we like wearing high legged slippers. Sadly I couldn't get them replaced once I was surviving with the ACC at Wattisham. In the last 6 years nearly I have gone though about a grand worth of Walking boots, Which has annoyed me as I had a pair of boots for 23 years till the suede gave out where they crease just near your toes. So I am now going to try some good old Army issue boots for walking boots. They are hopefully made better and much more cost effective if not to keep replacing.

I liked the dms boot for running, I never wore the Army issue boots, and bought my own, American Rocky high leg, And Scarpa Walking boots in the field, Alway bought quality socks and Insoles, Never had a problem with my feet.