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Boot Etiquette : Jungle Boot
JKISSI : The combat boot has been stomping on the runway for years now, far away from the actual battlefield where soldiers risk their lives every day. Military boots have been embedded in history and linked to various groups from goth, to punk, to industrial . There are various types of military boots depending on the climate and terrain of the location. A great recommendation by a friend led me to purchase the jungle boot. Based on the great price point alone I had no choice but to beat these boots to shreds during the colder season. With high fashion brands producing military boots at a premium price, our friends over at GQ featured the combat boot in their popular guide “GQ Guide for Dressing for Less”, discarding the notion that you have to purchase those brands that more than quadruple their price point for the boot.
J.Crew Fatigue Jacket – Lands End 5 pocket Colored jeans – Army Jungle Boot - BR Utility Shirt – (Alternative) - 3sixteen x Tanner goods double strap
Fit Details : I have been wearing this J.Crew fatigue jacket quite frequently since the weather refuses to burst into full-on spring. This item is a classic rendition on military inspired outerwear which everyone can appreciate with J.Crew’s distinctive wash on the piece. My personal favorite detail on the jacket has to be the drawstring and multiple pockets. -||- Have you ever come across a pair of jeans and wished that they came in your desired fit ? Add a tailor and a few days and that’s exactly what I did here with these Lands End jeans – a great toasty shade of brown. Fair enough my family has been receiving the catalogue for countless years and I decided to take advantage of that to broaden my pant color options. Some people would definitely label this idea slightly out of the box, or in better words just plain old crazy.
This ode to the boots speaks for itself: It was interesting to rip the tag off the boots that read “Check for snakes and insects” notifying me of the severity that could be at hand. These are great boots that can also be multi-purposed for this moderate spring weather we’re experiencing. I would seriously recommend wearing cushion socks and getting your hands on a nice insole if you don’t want any unkind foot blisters.
The first jungle boots were made of canvas and rubber and used in the South Pacific during World War II. The first model was standardized 31 Aug 1942 and went into production that year, to try to meet the unexpectedly large requirements for war in the Pacific Theater. It had a canvas duck top and an attached tongue that kept out mud and insects (top photo on this page). The corrugated rubber sole had good traction while a removable fabric insole kept the feet away from the rubber. Overall, the boot was lightweight and kept the feet and lower legs comfortable when worn with cushion sole socks. It was easily cleaned and dried. – Source – Olive Drab
Jungle boot production line via LIFE Archives
It’s definitely a boots day – I posted about boots on my blog today as well! Love how you’re rocking the Jungle Boot here. The complete look works really well.
Best,
Christine
N’East Style
Very very good blog and so true.. Why spend a fortune on boot meant to be warn down into the ground, and to have rugged worn in look any way.
You always have a good eye for the details. Good price on those jungle boots. While the triple and four digit boots are really cool, it just seems to “precious” for a boot that supposed to be opposite of that. Awesome coat too. And cool feature on gq.com.
I like how you pull so many classic pieces into your style. I was just wondering though, were you pants tailored, because the link you posted was for classic fit jeans, not skinny?
i need bag details, ASAP!
never would’ve thought of that. i think wearing these boots are highly original at least where im from.
The 3Sixteen wrap is looking beautiful, man. I remember pestering you last summer to get it. Now I wish I’d gotten the natural colored one myself.
Really digging the colors of the shirt with the pants. The buttons on the shirt look pretty substantial for a mall brand.
All over great look. It’s been clear skies and COOOOOL temperatures lately here in Michigan, so I definitely empathize with not being able to go all in on spring looks just yet.
Been watching Pacific then guys?
What amazes me is you actually find decent versions of these boots, like the Bean boot like I said previously, you can buy similar boots over here, but nothing as nice lookin, same goes for these jungle boots.
I love the fact that you posted boots used in the South Pacific, while HBO has a fantastic mini-series about the war in the South Pacific going on now. Nice boots for sure.
[...] Boot Etiquette : Jungle Boot | Street Etiquette [...]
nice work Josh.
That double strand is lookin fantastic in those pics. Such a rich patina.
As always looking sharp my brother.
Also, the more I see it, the more I am sold on that Billy Kirk bag.
Bests.
I really don’t have much to say on this post, surprisingly. I just would to say nice fit and way to kill those boots def one good cop man. I think those military boots remind me a lot of Palladium boots which are one of my favorite pair of boots that I don’t have. Haha Good Shit though!
I really like the way you post your outfits.
First: Great pictures with all your thoughts
&
Second: The history about the pieces you present and wear!
Great work!
All the best from Berlin for your work!
@Christine: Thanks Christine – I’m guessing great minds think a like in this case lol – great blog for the ladies!
@B.: Exactly my thoughts – anyone doing anything for you that could be done with manual labor or just casually for a long period of time that is ! And thanks
@daniel: No problem daniel I have posted with this bag before its from Billy Kirk they’re brothers who professionalize in making leather goods – great guys – fantastic made products – cant go wrong at all. Unfortunately it seems on their site its sold out – try calling in to see if they stock near you. BTW I have seen some similar bags in boutiques in the city slips my mind at the moment but I’ll get back to you.
@Prêt à Porter P: Thanks Preta – like I said in the post itself I can’t get over wearing this coat around the only thing that would stop me if it the weather seemed to heat up which is bound to happen, but until then lol it works. and thanks on the gq prop
@JLouie: Yup they were tailored after I got them – they are classic feat jeans meaning they will fit how classic straight fit jeans fit which is roomy from the leg down to the bottom of the hem. I just really liked the color so I made it work with tailoring of course.
Good post on the combat boots and great outfit.
Military has such a big influence on fashion. I learned that because the US developed in large part by the wars we fought and won, military and war-inspired themes are deeply embedded in our culture. This can also explain the popularity of things like football.
Anyway, I live in combat boots all winter (I have a distressed black pair and a deep green pair, both by “fashion” brands). But after the winter, I retired them for the spring.
I wore my green fatigue jacket today as well (chilly today in NYC), and my sand suede desert boots, which have just enough scuffs and patina to go with the roughness of the fatigue jacket. Mine is from the GAP (copped for $24), but I like your J Crew one better.
@Reggie: Lol Reggie , they would be all depending on the demographic your speaking of – I see punk/rock kids rock military boots all the time . But yeah if you’re referring to D/M/V area and being AA then I see where you would say they’re original. People have been wearing them for a very long time , all depends though – my question is if you think you like them and can pull it off why not wear them? lol just a suggestion Reggie
@Brick Callahan: Yes one reason I leaned towards purchasing the natural colored was simple its patina with time – showed a great deal of change and pretty much goes with any outfit / color palettes I decide to wear. Seems the same type of weather here , question what have you been wearing mostly in this type of flipfop weather?
@Brighton Peer: Oh really – that kind of boggles my mind! When I go to the UK I will try to find similar items tihng is one of my other friends from England said the same thing – everything is mostly in the u.s
@Jarrett: I love docs like that it sounds interesting have to check that out , know the name of the feature?
@kyx: Thanks Mike , great people like yourself at Tanner goods who produce some quality leather goods – keep up the good work over there in pdx. BTW love the dark cherry red leather belt you guys have
@Justin Timothy: I think everyone secretly has a affinity for the billy kirk carryall bag – I have been using it everyday throwing what I need for the day in there – its a really tough bag and could take the worst conditions with no damage to whats inside your bag. Only dilemma I have is when I want to bring my laptop out I may have to resort to something else.
I would like to sincerely know where did you get the beads and the band that you are wearing from ? Is it possible that I can get them in that same color ? Keep up with the blogs, you gentleman have a lot of style and fashion and enjoy the learning more innovative fashion tips from you guys. Thanks a million for the posts !
I have an online vintage store with some items that you two might like. Take a look around.
http://bigmouthvintage.com
I understand that you two usually get your clothing tailored; I’m also a tailor so we might be able to work something out if you’re interested. Thanks!
This is so awesome because I have those boots!
And I wore then yesterday lol. What a coincidence
i like these boots, but IMO the LLBean boots are nicer looking.
the jungle boots is definitely a unique look.
I really like the color of those jeans, the fit is a little tight for my liking but you make it work man!
ill be going to the village and soho next saturday,
do you guys have any specific suggestions for stores and thrift shops?
(other than the obvious uniqlo and topman)
Okay, here’s something I’ve been struggling with lately-I notice you usually leave your boots unlaced, a look I love- but how do you get that relaxed, sprezzatura style without your shoes falling off your feet and being uncomfortable?
Fatigue jacket looks good…I tried it on but it seemed way too baggy, even when I sized down. Did you get it tailored?
Superb choice of footwear brother and they look comfortable. By the way, those jeans are a sweet fit. Respect.
I told you that these boots would be a problem. I knew this back in 2008 but no1 believed me. Josh if you think those were a find, then I have to show you another hidden Gem in Brooklyn that I know you would thank me for.
Nice post gents. I have been wearing my Uncle’s Veitnam dress and jungle boots for years. About as versitle a boots as you can get – from jeans to tweed trousers. in the late 60′s they added a thin metal plate in the Vietnam era Jungle Boots to protect the soldiers feet from Punji sticks. http://url2it.com/dbfk
@David W. Albert: That’s a big shocker that you don’t have much to say , but I don’t blame you at all I think you have great synopsis on each and everyone of our post. I would say palladium just like any boot company takes inspiration from the military which protocol and standard, but for some reason I’m not fond of the overall design of them, have been seeing people wearing them all around the city – which is cool.
@The Funky President: Military really does from patterns like camouflage to silhouettes of certain jackets like m65 to flight jacket , cadet its amazing people maybe overlook the fact. I look at certain war films and the styling of it seems to blow my mind from time to time.
Fan of the distressed look myself I have this image of my head of how that would look which should be sick!
The GAP one definitely has a different wash from Jcrew who are know for their washes maybe a bit more quality driven as far as the functional buttons / slant pockets / broad sturdy zippers basically minute details
@Azim: Hey , the beaded bracelets are a mixture of thrift stores and topman in nyc – the leather band strap can be bought from self edge online – http://www.selfedge.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=440
- It is the natural selection – and yes my very own started out as light in color but as time and wear goes on it creates a nice rich Patina – definitely recommend it
@Daniel Martinez: Definitely will take a look at it , yes as you know we love getting our items tailored its truly a beautiful craft to know and I look forward to learning it myself – one of the good reasons is saving money lol and plus you’re learning something that you could equip with you in life
@LOLA: Nice! , another instance of great minds thinking a like – I was just on your blog
[...] HERE to read the full post over at Street [...]
@ANTHONY: Think it comes down to personal preference as far as beating off the rain and sleet then I could see where bean boots would be considered as being a better option, jungle boots are primarily made for the warmer climates = for stores other an large retailers I recommend Opening Ceremony , The Brooklyn Circus , Self Edge NY , J Crew ( mens shop or liquor store ) , Steven Alan – Odin – my mind is running blank at the moment it depends on your aesthetic and what you’re looking for. thrift stores email us please for obvious reasons lol
http://www.thechoosybeggar.com/ – a good site for online sales
@Michael: I think that’s something I have been doing and a lot of other people for a while now – of course you still tie them up to the top but instead of strangling the shoe with the laces you are a bit more room
@M: You sure? I didn’t get it tailored it fit like this straight off the rack I bought a size small fit me perfectly to the proportions I like – what size did you try on ?
@Percy Miracle: Thanks alot!
@Rain: Thanks a lot , thanks to you this post was able to come to life lol – when you first told me about the boots I knew I had to purchase them after walking to the store – you know I’m up for that trip just let me know man – btw guys check out his blog/music !
That Jacket and the boots are Epic!!!!! Those are the type of boots I was trying to look for but more like skinhead type boots. I always thought those type of boots where nice even thought I’m Black.
TIS THE YEAR OF THE BOOT! this is a quality post JKISSI….. i relly like that jacket man, its complements the outfit perfectly, and the boots are a good grab, i need to thrift with you guys. ya’ll find the essential items lol
Just picked up a pair of Black/Olive/Tan Jungle Boots a few weeks ago at my local Surplus; $29.95!!! Bukka-Bukka!
Jkissi-The US obviously kitted out your Army alot more fashionably than ours! Even the Mods were wearing US Army garments back in the 60′s like the Parka. Our army wear is crap.
Nice fit bro…
I think i’ma pick up a pair, just because of the amazing price… I’d love to stomp around in those during the winter…
The other day i was in Bloomies and seen a nice pair of brown Boss lace ups for $300… And i thought “wow” because i just brought a IDENTICAL pair from Steve Madden for $90 bucks, pictured here http://assets.kompo.com/stevemadden/content/31910_mens_dress.jpg
It was just a reminder to me… Not to necessarily cast off everything from Boss or above $90, but to make sure you shop around first, just to make sure there isn’t a identical item laying around somewhere else…
The show on HBO is a docudrama called the Pacific, which is based on stories from the real soldiers. The mini-series has been airing the past few weeks on Sunday nights. If you have HBO def check it out. I’ll keep my eyes open for their boots. If you’re a fan of war movies or even documentaries def try and catch it.
I just grabbed the Utility Jacket from J. Crew, which sorta resembles the Fatigue Jacket. A pair of boots would complement it well. Too bad it won’t get much wear in this L.A. weather this time of year.
Great post. I’ve also been wearing that same jacket for weeks now; got it in the faded black. Best jacket I’ve acquired in a while!
Would you happen to know where I could get similarly beaded bracelets?
whats the big deal?
I saw these on ebay 4 months ago.
@Abu: Thanks lol yeah the boot has been linked to various groups but I couldn’t say no one has permanent ‘ownership’ over it lol if you like it wear it my friend
@Neef @truebeliever12: Thanks Neef! nothing I was wearing thrifted but hey man surplus items are definitely a great pick up if you stop by a army/navy shop check out the cool finds you will discover for the price point
@Al_Bizzy: Nice! lol people should be like you go out there and scour what you can find – love the tan ones
@Brighton Peer: All in all , I still have love for the UK lol
@Chris Bray: Wow Chris, they look great I’m slightly jealous – nice slim silhouette and really worn in something some brands would mark up the price tremendously -= and the fact that you’re uncle actually worn them in Saigon , Vietnam – I recommend everyone check out Chris of Billy Kirk’s pictures/blog – http://url2it.com/dbfk
@Coldsun: Thanks – I always seem to see what’s the best deal before pulling the trigger on a item because you never really know if they is somewhere selling it for either better quality / better price point. That’s a whole different story when it comes to thrifting where you may have to pull the trigger because you just might ever see this particular item again. I recommend you def to pick up a pair you wont regret it for the price point too bring some versatility to your wardrobe.
@Jarrett: I have verizon FIOS and they do provide various HBO channels so I will be on the lookout for this ‘docu-drama’ like I said previously really a big fan of war movies and the drama is always tolerable lol
I know the jacket you are speaking of not the cadet but the utility which as great as the fatigue – we are experiencing some mild LA weather in New York City , finally lol.
@Barron: I was torn between the faded black and the olive both great washes of course but I felt with my wardrobe filled with so many earth tone colors it was easier to go with the olive –
@David: Soon by us lol #insider, but yeah thrift stores / street vendors – and also topman.com may have some
@davo: That’s great sir I saw them around last fall season – no ‘big deal’ at all if you want them you will purchase if not will pass that’s what I think people are doing. Thanks for commenting.
always educating us
we like! we are really feeling these jungle boots they look great for winter time and have to say we love that j.crew jacket! always looking good fellas!!
what is an email address i can reach you guys at?
Love the fit, only problem for me is the snugness of the pant legs. Plus how do you keep those boots from flying off your feet? Secret please ha…
(Btw, heads up, fall/winter 09 band of outsidersxsperry going on sale @ sperry’s site.)
Man, you nailed it. Great choice of outerwear and colors. Bracelets played big role and your boots are too die for. Kudos Kissi!
Also, is it just me or are there green accents to the boots? Re-laced?
Congrats on your Times Online mention!
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article7108518.ece
Hi, I was in the military before.
These boots are known as ‘jungle boots’ with 2 holes at the bottom of the inner facing side. It was most known for use in the vietnam war. Yes the holes are for draining the water, especially in tropical terrains where you face a cycle of wet and dry daily.
At that time, 2 major companies were producing them- Welco and Altama.
What a piece of history you’re wearing!
Them boots look good man. Good deal and nice history on them @ Evan.
I would definitely not pay a premium price of objects I intend to wear rough. Great price, though, on the jungle boots. Had fallen off the blogging bandwagon for a while, and am back in full force. Missed you guys.
[...] The Jungle Boot, one of the many versions of the military boot designers charge an arm and a leg for…from the army surplus store…look what they can do [...]
Good blog, but is it absolutely necessary that you spam Twitter with it every other tweet? Damn.
the whole outfit is a nice fit, i get a lot of my jeans tailored also, i just take a pair of jeans that fit me real nice that i love wearing and get the tailor to make the other ones fit just like them. most of my jeans fit pretty close to the same which is nice. I have been thinkin on buying those boots for a while now but never really did, the weather is getting warmer now in NYC lately so it’ll be sort of pointless to buy them now but for the fall i’ll definitely have them. i’ll also be buyin the jacket from gap although it is not as nice it is cheaper and the look is somewhat similar besides the wash
i bought the GQ Magazine just because u guys were on it
nice!
@akaCola: Thanks cola – thing is its great boot for the spring / summer rain where the weather is much hotter also even though I trekked around in it during the colder months lol probably not recommended but hey it worked! lol
@ANTHONY: It’s on our about us page – trumped with emails will look out for it
@FamLay: Thanks , you know that’s a personal preference and varies from each person – some people like their stuff more looser or more fit than what I would wear if its possible lol – I explained up in another comment response I don’t know if it would help without some sort of visual presentation but just tie it tight at the bottom to the middle and at the top loose it up.
nice will be on the look out for that –
@Rolly (TheSouthSider): Thanks Rolly – much appreciated! been a while lets catch up soon
@Jesmoi: Thanks a lot for posting that here – was a good interview with the London Times – much for the UK specifically Guardian and London Times!
thanks guys i sent an email to that one
love the blog.
any of you guys looking for a good blog for men AND women check out http://www.danielandjamie.wordpress.com
hey, any tips on wearing boots or high cut sneackers with shorts??
I just grabbed the same jacket a week ago from J Crew! Good choice. I plan on getting a ton of wear out of it.
http://www.curatorofdcstyle.com
@Evan: Thanks for the extra info – it’s interesting that something military guys used for function would be deemed ‘fashionable’ one of my friends who is in the service was shocked and appalled that I was wearing jungle boots – because he had a lot of them. That’s the great thing though.
@Meji:
Thanks meji and yup Evan brought some great insight on them and do did Chris of Billy Kirk
@Pratishtha: That’s the point I think a lot of people miss that they’re meant to wear in , you can’t see from the pictures too much but I have really beat my pair up soles – and no problem we will stil be here anytime ! lol
@JPlateau: Lol, haven’t posted about it in 3-4 days but thats great man thanks for the comment on here
@Louie The King: Thanks Louie! Hopefully we can be in future magazines always giving people a great chance to get something in print – its still surreal to us over here. I think more people should do this because sometimes you like a wash of jeans but the fit isn’t what you want – in this case you get to do what you want to get the desired fit .. why not you know. I haven’t seen the gap jacket in person but like people above were saying its real similar go for it
@ANTHONY: Sorry for the delay should be receiving it any min now.
@joshua: In my honest opinion the footwear shouldn’t be too high the most like a 6-7 inch boot at most -then again contradicts because some people can actually pull it off
LOVE this color combo
xoxo
@JKISSI:
true true. some can pull it off so well, and some just looks trashy. Xp
Wait til you see paratrooper’s combat boots, those are really high!
Kissi, if u have a hard time lacing them, i could suggest do it the lazy military way. You can leave the upper 1-2 eyelets empty and circle the lace around the lower leg(around 2 rounds). Give them 2 knots to fasten. They’ll have a certain look which i’d say is an ‘army veteran’ look. Only seasoned soldiers do them
Then again, maybe you’re going for the winter-big-boots look which is as perfect:)
The closest pic i can find. If you tuck in the pants, the boot might look too fat and disgusting.
http://www.cehwiedel.com/blogs/traces-pix/2008/06/CombatBoots.png
2 more pics i found to show what i was trying to describe
http://www.refinery29.com/img/combatboots_fallmen0808.jpg
http://definitivetouch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/combatboots.jpg
@Evan: Hey Evan , I wasn’t having trouble tying them at all I like the way it gives off that loose appearance but in fact is pretty snug. People were just questioning how do I do it without the boots slipping off so I was explaning , but thanks for that much needed info for anyone else who needs to know different method of tying the boot. Funny thing : I currently work with the guy with the misfits shirt in the definitetouch link picture that’s my friend Trevor lol funny to see.
@Kelly:
Thanks Kelly!
@DC:
That you will get out of it for the mild weather or something to put on while you go out at night . Great jacket.
hey guys,
I saw that one of your 10 essentials is the Filson Leather Satchel. I would love to see u guys adorn it in your ever-so-interesting way! Or any other satchel bag for that matter:)
Thanks
Hmmm. I dig this. Not sure i can pull of this style of boots… but nice focus!
Great post on these boots just purchased 3 pairs over here in Aus
This is a bit different
I like the jacket
This is a bit different
I like the jacket