Jump boot

The style was developed in many countries simultaneously with the adoption of airborne infantry forces during World War II.

The uppers are generally made of smooth black leather with toe-caps and heel counters that accept a high polish ("spit-shine" or "spittle-shine").

Although less flexible than the lighter standard issue boot—and therefore often less comfortable when marching, especially when cold or not well broken in—such specially reinforced footwear was seen as a practical necessity, as upwards of 30% of paratroopers were expected to suffer lower extremity injuries during a combat jump.

[7][8] While these boots are sometimes worn by non-paratroopers in Portugal, only paratroopers wear them with surplus green paracord instead of the usual black lace.

During World War II, the British Army issued trial copies of Fallschirmjäger-type side laced boots in the early days of the Parachute Regiment, but they were not adopted.

Certain U.S. Army soldiers, notably those parachute-qualified and assigned to an airborne or special forces unit, are authorized to wear jump boots with their dress uniforms.

[12] A modified version of the paratrooper boot was issued to U.S. Navy personnel working on flight decks, and aircrewmen.