Wondering what happened to the testing of a potential US Army-issued jungle combat boots? Well, the bad news is that the top brass decided not to issue the JCB after testing. But somewhat of a good news is that they are available as optional items that soldiers can purchase.

The U.S. Army started testing potential Jungle Combat Boots (JCB) in 2016 as the soldiers wore the Vietnam War-style combat boots until they moved to desert boots when they started conducting more operations in desert environments after 9/11 at the turn of the 21st century. Five companies participated in the selection and two-styles amongst the pairs tested were to be made available for soldiers to purchase. This decision is to allow the soldiers to have a choice on what JCB they want to use in case they get deployed in more tropical locations.

The two models that meet the Army’s JCB specifications, which Military.com reported are the Belleville model 901 V2 and Rocky model RKC 071. Both will also comply with the U.S. Army’s regulations and will cost around  $180 to $210 a pair. These are available at Army and Air Force Exchange Service military clothing sales stores (AAFES).

Here are the boots that meet the specs of the JCB program with description from Army & Air Force Exchange Service:

Belleville Jungle Coyote Boots 901 V2

Borrowing key performance characteristics from two of the most prolific warfighting boots in recent US military history, Belleville has created the Burma 901 V2 Jungle Boot. This Jungle warfare boot retains the best features of the Vietnam-era Jungle boot but combines the state-of-the-art direct injection construction of the legendary Belleville 390 DES. New performance features include improved drainage, reduced water pick up and increased traction and grip in wet, muddy environments. Style: 901 V2.

Features:

• Leather
• Vibram sole
• Enhanced puncture resistant textile insole meets ASTM F2413-11 standards
• Highly breathable unlined upper
• Medial and lateral side drainage perforations
• Double and triple stitched seams for enhanced durabilty
• AR 670-1 Compliant

Rocky S2V Enhanced Hot Weather Jungle Boots RKC 071

Not only is the function and performance of this puncture-resistance shoe great, the Rocky S2V Enhanced Hot Weather Jungle Boot is also comfortable. This jungle boot is puncture-resistant to protect you from stepping on sharp objects. Roll-Stop Ankle Stability reduces injuries by preventing ankle roll while running on uneven terrain and on long marches. Extremely aggressive proprietary Vibram soles are stitched and cemented to the upper. Your duties can take you through wet, swampy conditions. Avoid wet environment injuries with Advanced S2V Sieve technology from Rocky. It circulates air in and water out as you step. The Rocky Air-Port Cushion Footbed is designed for longevity and comfort while moving air around your foot as you walk. Style: RKC071.

Features:

• Uniform Compliant (AR-670-1) and Berry Compliant
• Reduce injuries with Roll-Stop Ankle Stability
• ASTM F2413 certified puncture resistant plate
• Rocky Air-Port cushion footbed
• Triple-stitched
• Speed lace eyelets and NATO hooks
• CORDURA tongue

For airsoft players want a pair of these, they are readily available at stores familiar to them. They are also in stock on Amazon.com so if you want to have the latest JCBs of the U.S. Army, you can have them right now.

Top photo: U.S. Army photo by Capt. Daniel Parker