US Marines’ Boots Fail NATO Cold Test

US Marines’ military boots designed for extreme cold began falling apart after just days of use during preparations for NATO’s Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway, according to Newsweek.

Holes appeared in the boots, soles separated, laces came loose and plastic heel components caused pain for some Marines.

The problems were so serious that some Marines had to be pulled from training, while US troops bought replacement boots locally in Norway.

Subsequent inspections at Camp Lejeune found 538 defective pairs among 4,423 inspected, more than 12%. During a July inspection, the defect rate reached nearly 20%, compared with an industry benchmark of 2%–3%.

Manufacturer Belleville said it was working with the Marine Corps to resolve the problems.

The case has also complicated debate over the BOOTS Act, which would further restrict the use of foreign-made military footwear.

(mja)