Mickey Mouse boots were first issued to American soldiers during the Korean War to protect against water and extreme cold. They were an improvement over earlier World War II “shoepac” boots and are still worn by the military and outdoor adventurers today.
First issued to American soldiers during the Korean War, Mickey Mouse boots are designed for combat and protected against water and extreme cold. A wool-lined interior and several layers of rubber serve as insulation. Its most distinguishable characteristics are its gigantic size and its pure white color. Remembering the iconic cartoon character, the soldiers joked that they were in Mickey Mouse’s shoes. The rubber was dyed white to blend in with snow.
That incarnation of a cold-weather boot was derived from the earlier World War II “shoepac.” These too were white, but not as thick or durable – they were meant to be an outer layer for shoes. Shoepacs did not withstand the bitter snap of the 1951 Korean winter, when temperatures fell well below their average, and army tents provided scant protection. At a time when men wore their sleeping bags during the day to keep them from freezing, Mickey Mouse boots were highly valued as a vast improvement over the protection of ordinary backpack-covered leather boots.
As the rubber boot, which reached mid-calf, was not ventilated in any way, the wearer’s sweat quickly accumulated. The men constantly changed their socks and dried wet socks between the layers of their clothing. This wasn’t a problem considering how warm his feet stayed. The boots prevented freezing even at -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 to -34 Celsius); A thin layer of air trapped between two layers of rubber acts as a powerful insulator. A bigger problem was that the weight and bulk of the Mickey Mouse boots negatively affected a person’s mobility and were not comfortable for long walks.
Many generations of the military have continued to wear Mickey Mouse boots, also called “M&M’s.” They are now available in black, with pressure valves, special moisture-wicking linings, and ratings up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celsius). Through Army Surplus sources, the average outdoor adventurer can purchase authentic GI Issue Mickey Mouse boots. Backpackers, fishermen, or campers exposed to ice, snow, and water can enjoy their sport without fear of frozen fingers.
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