From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cold weather boots are specialized waterproof combat boots made of rubber, designed to protect the wearer's feet from cold injury and frost bite. They feature thick thermal insulation and can be either white or black in color, the white boots intended for better camouflage in snow and ice. They are colloquially known as "Mickey Mouse boots". They are also popular with hunters in cold weather.

In the United States Army Type I Extreme Cold Weather Boots are designed to be worn in wet or dry conditions down to -20°F (-29°C). Type II Extreme Cold Weather Boots are suitable for dry conditions only down to -60°F (-51°C).

[edit] Instruction Tag

Boot, Insulated, Cold-Weather, Rubber (black) for wet-cold use, Type 1, Class 1, Rigid Sole Type 1, Class 2, Flexible Sole and without valve

Facts about the insulated boot These boots have been designed to protect your feet from cold injury and frost bite in areas where

moisture and cold are critical factors, where the mean monthly temperature ranges from between 14F and 68F.

The boot should not be worn where temperatures fall below -20F.

The part of the boot that keeps the feet warm consists of layers of wool and felt that are sealed between the rubber

inner and outer layers of the boot so that no water can get into the insulation areas. Marching, running, or heavy work for long periods will cause the feet to sweat. However, this moisture cannot damage the insulation because of the water-proof rubber lining inside the boot. The feet, even if damp, will stay warm. After a few days, your feet become used to this feeling. If these boots are worn continuously, the skin appears wrinkled and white as if it had been soaked in water. Drying the feet and putting on dry clean socks will cause this condition to disappear. If ice water spills into the boot, it warms to body temperature rapidly.

Follow these instructions

Wear with one pair of socks, wool, cushion sole!!! Fold the top of the sock over the top of the boot to prevent slipping and wrinkling.

Field trousers are to be worn outside the boots.

Sizes: Boots are supplied in whole sizes. Widths are extra narrow, narrow, regular, wide, extra wide. Try on the same size insulated boots as your leather boot.

If you wear a half size in leather boots, try on the next size larger or smaller size for proper fit. Make sure the insulated boots fit properly. They have a "soft" fit. Be sure yours are large enough. Fit snug, but not tight. The boot is double laced through the second eyelets. Loosed laces and draw boot onto foot, seating the back of the heel firmly into the boot: Pull laces right above the second eyelet firmly to anchor the boot to the foot. Lace rest of boot comfortably. Fold or tuck fullness of gusset rearward on outer side of leg, per instruction imprinted on the boot. When doffing boot, loosen laces above second eyelet, then complete by loosening laces directly below second eyelet. Change socks at least once daily. If your feet begin to get cold, button up all your garments and exercise the entire body by swinging the arms, stamping the feet, and rapid movement of the toes. Wash the inside of the boots with soapy water once a month. Boots should be inspected after each use for holes, cuts and punctures as the insulation can become wet if the boot is accidentally punctured. Repair all outside and inside punctures immediately to prevent moisture from wetting the sealed insulation, use the Emergency Individual Repair Patch Kit for Insulated Boots. If the kit is not available, temporary repairs can be made by patching with rubber or friction tape, pressure sensitive adhesive cellophane tape or even chewing gum. Damaged boots should be turned in for repair or for new boots. The shelf on the heel holds ski and snowshoe binding in place. For Type 1, class 1, the air release valve on the outside of the boot equalizes air pressure at different altitudes. To reduce boot swelling and foot discomfort when the boot is worn in unpressurized aircraft or at high altitudes, open the valve allowing the pressure to escape. Back at lower altitudes, close again. Be sure to keep closed, except while airborne, to eliminate moisture penetration. Don't not tamper with air valve. Use only when needed! For type 1, class 2, no valves are required. Don't not paint the inside of the boot for identification purposes or polish the boots with shoe polish as this will result in deterioration of the rubber.

Cleaning

Sprinkle lightly with general purpose scouring powder or similar cleaning powder. Wet a soap impregnated steel wool pad and rub lightly. Rinse with water.

Trench Foot and Frostbite are serious cold injuries which can cause painful and permanent disability. These injuries can be prevented by proper care of your feet. No boot will keep your feet from freezing if in sub-zero weather you remain motionless for several hours. Wear the insulated boot properly and DO NOT BECOME A COLD WEATHER CASUALTY.