Vernon Patrick Boot (22 October 1914 – 15 January 1947) was a New Zealand middle-distance runner who represented his country at the 1936 Summer Olympics and at the 1938 British Empire Games, winning gold and bronze medals at the latter.

[5][6] Lorna Boot died from meningitis on 15 September 1943 while her husband was serving overseas during World War II.

Like his teammate, Cecil Matthews, he suffered tendon problems from running on the decks of the Wanganella en route to the games, and was below his best form.

[9] In the 1 mile, he won the bronze medal, finishing six yards behind the winner, Jim Alford of Wales.

[4][7] Rising to the rank of captain, Boot suffered from jaundice while serving in Italy in 1944, and in 1945, after his return to New Zealand, he was accidentally badly scalded.