If you’ve ever had a pair of jungle boots, or a pair of logger boots, then you are likely well familiar with how different they are from each other.
Jungle boots typically have uppers of woven ballistic nylon with panels that drain easily and breathe with ease, whereas logger boots tend to have waterproof leather uppers that are well-insulated.
That being the case, there is a good reason for this. Here’s what you need to know about these two different types of boots.
The Breathable Upper
Jungle boots are closely associated with the image of the Vietnam War, in which hot, wet, grueling conditions were the norm, year-round.
Waterproof boots that didn’t breathe are a liability in these conditions, as, although they don’t easily let water in, when they do, they trap it next to the wearer’s foot.
They can and do readily exacerbate diseases associated with immersion. Not quite the “trench foot” that affected soldiers in the cold, wet conditions of the First World War, but still not good.
Rather, jungle boots, while they’re usually not waterproof and do let water in, also dry out pretty quickly, which keeps the user’s feet relatively dry.
They also allow excess perspiration to escape, which is an equally good thing, as it reduces friction and improves comfort.
The Limitations of Jungle Boots
Now, while jungle boots are the best in chronically hot and wet conditions, they’re not much good elsewhere, even if the conditions are wet. They can serve well in hot, dry conditions, though.
First, in instances in which conditions will be cold, they fall flat. Letting water through in cold conditions is never suitable in a pair of shoes. Wet, cold conditions are more exigently dangerous than hot, wet conditions most of the time.
In those scenarios, boots would be better off keeping water out to prevent hypothermia and other tissue-related damage arising from the cold.
Where Insulated Leather Boots Are Better
Insulated leather logger boots, and other types of insulated boots, are better in the cold, whether the conditions are wet or dry.
This is because the same features that make jungle boots suitable in hot, wet conditions pose a serious liability when the conditions are wet and cold.
However, insulated logger boots are also better in dry and cold conditions, as the breathability of jungle boots is also not ideal here.
Ultimately it comes down to temperature and how wet the conditions are. In hot conditions, jungle boots allow better breathability, which is ideal whether the other prevailing conditions are wet or dry. In cold conditions, insulated waterproof boots, like logger boots, are safer.
Here for a Pair of Jungle Boots?
If you’re in the market for a new pair of tactical boots, jungle boots or otherwise, visit Fatigues Army Navy. They carry a wide range of boots and other tactical gear, as well as field gear to support you in your outdoor pursuits.
Check out their website and get in touch with them directly if you have any questions about what they sell.