- Jump boot
Jump boots (also known as paratrooper boots) are a type of
combat boot typically associated withsoldier s (calledparatrooper s) assigned to parachute units. Jump boots are fully laced from the instep to the top and give more support to theankle whereas ordinary combat boots duringWorld War II were laced just above the ankle and had to be worn withleggings orputtee s to prevent mud and dirt from entering the shoe. Jump boots were originally designed byWilliam P. Yarborough in 1941 for use in the 501st Parachute Test Battalion [http://www.armytimes.com/issues/stories/0-ARMYPAPER-3469382.php] . In modern times, nearly all combat boots are fully laced, therefore modern jump boots are mainly worn as dress and parade boots. They are generally made of smooth leather with toe-caps and heel counters that accept a high polish or "spit-shine". They often have side zips for easy removal. Certain US Army soldiers, notably those assigned to an Airborne unit, are authorized to wear jump boots with their Class A uniforms. [Army Regulation 670-1, Paragraph 27-3, Section C, Item 3.]References
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