Strength Decrements from Wearing Various Army Boots and Shoes on Military Marches

Abstract

The strength loss effects on the muscles of the lower leg and ankle resulting from wearing three types of army boots and shoes on 7.5 mile marches carrying combat packs were determined. Military marches with the combat boot resulted in the least fatigue of the muscle groups studied; the rubber insulated boot was next favored; and strength loss with the quarter-cut shoe was the greatest. The muscle group most affected by proportionate strength losses for the three footwear marches was the ankle everters; and, then, in order: the ankle plantar flexors, the ankle inverters, and the ankle dorsi flexors.