Name/Title
First Pattern Desert BootsEntry/Object ID
2025.1.5Description
The Gulf War required a large ground force to operate in desert conditions, an environment not encountered by U.S. troops since the North African Campaign in early World War II. The majority of the boots available at the start of the Gulf War were not suited for the harsher desert conditions of the Middle East. Schwarzkopf, being a very public figure, was noted as sporting a pair of Saudi-made desert boots and was seen wearing the American-made desert combat boot during the final phase of the war. The first American-made versions came into existence due in part to input and opinion by Schwarzkopf's experience wearing the Saudi boot.
During trial and fielding, Schwarzkopf requested several features of the new American desert combat boot, including:
A rough tan suede material with tan nylon siding and laces.
5-6 speed-lace eyelets for faster tying.
Use of the distinct Vietnam War era Panama-sole tread pattern on the bottom of the boot.
Elimination of the steel protection plate, which caused heat to be retained when the boot came into contact with hot sand.
The elimination of the drainage vents at the instep to prevent sand from entering the boot.
First pattern is marked by the black soles.Cataloged By
Chris CausleyAcquisition
Accession
2025.1Source or Donor
Chris CausleyAcquisition Method
DonationClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
BootsSize
8 1/2 RMade/Created
Date made
Oct 1990Time Period
Desert Shield /StormLocation
Location
Box
Box B-46Other
Store Room 2 ShelfCategory
Storage
