Boot, Insulated, Cold Weather: Men's and Women's, Rubber, Black
Boots, Extreme Cold Weather a.k.a. Bunny Boots (l) or Mickey Mouse Boots (r). Photo courtesy Government Liquidation.com.
Starting in the Korean War, sealed insulated rubber boots have protected U.S. military personnel from cold injuries to the feet in wet-cold and dry-cold climates. The black rubber insulated boot, called the "Mickey Mouse Boot," have a seamless inner and outer carcass, direct molded sole, and sealed insulation. An air valve on the outside of each boot is used to compensate for air pressure differentials. The boots are constructed on a double vapor barrier principle, with an air chamber and insulating material sealed between two impermeable barriers of rubber. The outer boot wall or barrier protects the insulation against environmental water and the inner barrier next to the foot protects the insulation against foot perspiration and water vapor. By keeping the insulation dry, the double barriers eliminate the evaporation of moisture from the feet and socks, blocking a major cause of cold injury. The conception of the principle of the sealed insulated boot arose during World War II, with its design and fabrication for initial use in the Korean War.
Initially, the thermal boots were issued in black and offered protection to -20° F temperature in wet or dry conditions. That is, in addition to protection from cold they offered isolation of the feet from snow, slush, mud and water. They are specifically designed for combat personnel who may not have the opportunity to frequently change to dry socks. Insulating material is hermetically sealed into the sides and bottoms of the boots. The insulation takes the place of removable innersoles and the secondary layer of socks worn in other types of cold weather boots. Perspiration from the feet and water spilling over the tops of the boots cannot reach the insulating material because it is sealed-in and always remains dry. Moisture from outside sources or from perspiration may make the socks damp; this dampness is not harmful to the feet, provided they receive proper care such as frequent drying and massaging. If socks are not changed and feet dried regularly (at least twice daily) the skin becomes softened and is more readily chafed or blistered. These effects are occasionally mistaken for superficial frostbite. Only one pair of cushion-sole socks are worn with the boots. Additional socks should not be worn as the feet may become cramped, resulting in restricted blood circulation and cold feet.
Although initially procured for the Korean War, these boots remain an active component of the Extreme Cold Weather ensemble (ECWCS). Later nomenclature was similar to "Boots, Cold Weather, Men’s and Women’s, Rubber Black Insulated, with Release Valve," or "Boot, Extreme Cold Weather" under specification MIL-B-41816. There are a large number of NSNs that apply to these boots, depending on time period and size. The pressure release valve, part of the white boot design, was added to the black boot as well.
The boots and procedures for use are described in FM 31-70 Basic Cold Weather Manual.
Boot, Insulated, Cold Weather: Men's and Women's, Rubber, White w/Release valve
Release valve for Mickey Mouse Boots.
Photo courtesy Government Liquidation.com.
The insulated white boot, called the white Mickey Mouse or "Bunny Boot," is designed for wear in cold-dry conditions and will protect the feet in temperatures as low as –60° F. The boots have a seamless inner and outer carcass, direct molded sole, sealed insulation, and an outside air release valve used to compensate for pressure differentials. The sealed insulation exceeds that of the black boots for protection against the hazards of a cold-dry environment. Like the black boots, the white boots are worn over one pair of cushion sole socks. The air release valve provides airborne troops a means of equalizing external and internal air pressures when undergoing extreme changes in altitude. This valve must remain closed at all other times to prevent the possibility of introducing any amount of moisture into the insulation of the boot and rendering it permanently unserviceable.
These boots remain an active component of the Extreme Cold Weather ensemble (ECWCS). Later nomenclature was similar to "Boots Cold Weather, Men’s and Women’s, Rubber White, Insulated, with Release Valve" or "Boot, Extreme Cold Weather" under specification MIL-B-41816. There are a large number of NSNs that apply to these boots, depending on time period and size.
The boots and procedures for use are described in FM 31-70 Basic Cold Weather Manual.
Problems with Mickey Mouse Boots
While the Mickey Mouse type Extreme Cold Weather boots are the most effective American boots for cold conditions, they have their drawbacks. They are very heavy and bulky and can inhibit rapid movements by soldiers wearing them. The top edge of the boot can chafe the calf on marches, quickly causing a painful sore. The wearer's feet tend to sweat a lot in these boots which can cause problems when clean, dry socks are not available in field conditions. However, the problems are small compared to the cold injuries prevented by these boots.
Labels and Instruction Tags for the Mickey Mouse Boots
Later versions of the Mickey Mouse Boots have two labels stenciled on the outside of the boot (see photos):
- KEEP DOUBLE LACED TO HOLD FIRMLY
- FOLD GUSSET THIS SIDE ONLY
In addition, near the top of the back are a size label and "US" markings.
Each pair of Mickey Mouse boots is issued with an instruction tag with this text:
INSTRUCTION TAG
BOOTS, COLD WEATHER, INSULATED, RUBBER (BLACK) FOR WET-COLD USE
TYPE 1, CLASS 1, RIGID SOLE
TYPE 1, CLASS 2, FLEXIBLE SOLE AND WITHOUT VALVE
Facts about the insulated boot.
(1) These boots have been designed to protect your feet from cold injury and frost bite in areas where moisture and cold are critical factors, and where the mean monthly temperature ranges between 14°F and 68°F. The boot should not be worn where temperatures fall below – 20°F
(2) The part of the boot that keeps the foot warm consists of layers of wool and felt that are sealed between the rubber inner and outer layers of the boot so that no water can get into the insulation areas.
(3) Marching, running, or heavy work for long periods will cause the feet to sweat, However, this moisture cannot damage the insulation because of the water-proof rubber lining inside the boot. The feet, even if damp, will stay warm, After a few days, your feet become used to this feeling. If these boots are worn continuously, the skin appears wrinkled and white as if it had been soaked in water. Drying the feet and putting on dry clean socks will cause this condition to disappear. If ice water spills into the boot, it warms to body temperature rapidly.
(4) FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS: Wear with one pair of Socks, Wool, Cushion Sole! Fold the top of the sock over top of boot to prevent slipping and wrinkling. Field trousers are to be worn outside the boots.
(5) SIZES: Boots are supplied in whole sizes. Widths are Extra Narrow, Narrow, Regular, Wide, Extra Wide. Try on the same size insulated boots as your leather boot. If you wear a half size in leather boots, try on the next larger or smaller size for proper fit. MAKE SURE THAT INSULATED BOOTS FIT PROPERLY. THEY HAVE A “SOFT” FIT. Be sure yours are large enough. Fit snug, but not tight. The boot is double laced through the second eyelets. Loosen laces and draw boot onto foot, seating the back of the heel firmly into the boot. Pull laces right about the second eyelet firmly to anchor the boot to the foot. Lace rest of boot comfortably. Fold or tuck fullness of gusset rearward on outer side of leg, per instructions imprinted on the boot. When doffing boot, loosen laces above second eyelet, then complete by loosening laces directly below second eyelet.
(6) Change socks at least once daily.
(7) If your feet begin to get cold, button up all your garments and exercise the entire body by swinging the arms, stamping the feet, and rapid movement of the toes.
(8) Wash the inside of boots with soapy water once a month.
(9) Boots should be inspected after each use for holes, cuts and punctures as the insulation can become wet if the boot is accidentally punctured. Repair all outside and inside punctures immediately to prevent moisture from wetting the sealed insulation, using the Emergency Individual Repair Patch Kit for Insulated Boots. If this kit is not available, temporary repairs can be made by patching with rubber or friction tape, pressure sensitive adhesive cellophane tape or even chewing gum. Damaged boots should be turned in for repair or for new boots.
(10) The shelf on the heel holds a ski or snowshoe binding in place.
(11) For Type I Class 1, the air release valve on the outside of the boot equalizes air pressure at different altitudes. To reduce boot swelling and foot discomfort when the boot is worn in unpressurized aircraft or at high altitudes, open the valve allowing pressure to escape. Back at lower altitudes, close again. Be sure to keep closed, except while airborne, to eliminate moisture penetration, DO NOT TAMPER WITH AIR VALVE. USE ONLY WHEN NEEDED! For Type I, Class 2, no valves are required.
(12) Do not paint the inside of the boot for identification purposes or polish the boots with shoe polish as this will result in deterioration of the rubber.
(13) Cleaning: Sprinkle lightly with general purpose scouring powder or similar cleaning powder. Wet a soap impregnated steel wool pad and rub lightly. Rinse with water.
(14) Trench foot and frostbite are serious cold injuries which can cause painful and permanent disability. These injuries can be prevented by proper care of your feet. No boot will keep your feet from freezing if in sub-zero weather you remain motionless for several hours. Wear the insulated boot properly and DO NOT BECOME A COLD WEATHER CASUALTY.
Replacement Laces for the Mickey Mouse Boots
Replacement laces for these boots are:
- Laces, footwear, nylon, flat, both ends tipped, black (NSN 8335-00-945-3969)
- Laces, footwear, nylon, flat, both ends tipped, white (NSN 8335-00-131-6538)
Recommended Books with More About Mickey Mouse Boots
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