The pair of jungle boots I use for longer and tougher treks.
This is my jungle boots, another one of my gear for tropical rainforest Malaysia. I have tried many types of shoes but have found only two types that are suitable for the Malaysian rainforest jungle and terrain. For easy to medium type of terrain in the Malaysian jungle, you would have got to go with the Adidas Kampung (that’s another story though). But if you are going into the jungle for longer period of time, then the jungle boots may be your best option.
Here I have a pair of boots which I believe to be from the Vietnam War era. I got this from a surplus shoe vendor in K.L. He got it bulk from the States and I believe this particular model has been superseded with newer (and better perhaps) models.
Anyway, for less than RM100, I can’t complain. The boots are almost brand new and were in perfect condition. My pair of jungle boots is size 11.5 and it has a marking ‘RO-SEARCH’ (I have not a clue what this means) engraved on the soles. What goes well with this pair of jungle boots is a pair of leech socks to keep em blood suckers out.
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The RO Search markings on the soles of the jungle boots
I have worn this pair of boots into the Malaysian jungle before. On one particular trip, I walked close to 8 hours in total through rivers, slippery mud and some steep terrain. That and some observations, I have come to the conclusion that they are one of the best boots/ shoes for the Malaysian jungle. Here’s a few reasons why…
Jungle boots are adapted from real life experiences of the people (army) that spent time in the rainforest jungle. Whether it is the American army during the Vietnam war or the British in then the Malaya jungles fighting the guerillas, I am sure the type of gear they come up with is well suited for that environment.
Upper canvas and durable yet flexible soles
Take for instance the upper cotton canvas. This canvas is heavy duty and is easily water permeable. This makes sense as in the Malaysian jungle, it is wet all the time. You’d either be crossing water ways or walking in the rain. Either way, you are bound to get wet. The single layer canvas is thick and strong; it absorbs water but is also easier to dry than other types of insulated linings found on other shoes/ boots. I believe it will also provide me some protection from snake bites (though I am not looking forward to testing that out).
Compare to some shoes/ boots that claim to be ‘waterproof’. Undeniably, these shoes are well built and I wouldn’t mind a pair myself if I am heading to colder dry environments. But these shoes/ boots if worn in the Malaysian jungle can quickly turn into a ‘flooding’ nightmare. Especially if worn on a long trek. Imagine wading through rivers or when it is pouring buckets. As sure as the shoes are in keeping water out, they too will keep the water INSIDE the shoes from escaping out. One would have to remove the shoe each time and pour out the contents constantly. That would mean many stops in between and higher possibility of damage to the feet.
My jungle boot’s soles have this peculiar design that is rather common these days with other military boots. I once wore this jungle boot on a trip to a waterfall with a couple of friends. The trail was rather steep and it was muddy because of the rain. My friends slipped and fell no less than 5 times each, partially because of the shoes they were wearing. I am happy to say that on that trip, I was the only one with a clean bum at the end of the day!
In the Malaysian rainforest jungle, you will get wet. That is a fact. There is no point trying to fight that. You’d better off being prepared (mentally and physically) for it. That is why I feel that this jungle boot best suits the Malaysian rainforest jungle. This pair of boots comes with bits and pieces that are already made for the wet conditions. The water draining holes at the sides of the boots is a good example. These holes serve as ‘outlets’ to allow both water and air to pass through…both ways. Crossing water bodies with this boot means water gets in and later drains through these holes.
These holes acts as breathers as well as water outlets
In addition to that, the holes also allows for the needed ventilation. The air circulation I think (though as minimal as they may be) helps to ‘air’ the feet. God knows my feet need them!
Ah…the part I like (or am amazed) most about this boots is the inside soles. It’s a sole that’s made of plastic netting, works like a strainer. There’s layers of them with the sides all burnt and sealed together. Here’s a picture of them insoles.
The insoles of my jungle boots are porus so that it does not keep the water in for too long
According to wikipedia, these soles are “…ventilating insoles made of fused layers of Saran plastic screen, first invented in 1942”. Am not all that sure if it’s the same one but they sure are cool. Have a close up look a t the insoles. I took the picture below against the bright sky. Can literally see through them.
Two sides of the insoles. I wonder why someone would wanna boil the insoles of their shoes.
Well, this insole definitely does not absorb water. Unlike the conventional insole. Also, one side is rather rough and the other side is smooth. The rough side actually presses against the inside of the boots, creating a friction that stops my feet from sliding front and back.
The downside? Without a pair of socks, stepping barefoot onto this ‘Saran’ insoles isn’t the most comfortable. They give this ‘needle’ sensation that really keeps you on your feet (perhaps that’s what they are designed to do!).
To summarize (based on my personal experience)…This may not be the most comfortable shoes/ boots for the feet to walk on but they are built to suit the environment. Perhaps there are newer designs/ models available that are built with better comforts. But compared to the typical designer looking shoes you’d find in the market that claims to be ‘outdoor’ worthy, this pair of jungle boots doesn’t slip, helps keep them leeches out and are damn practical!
Just one word to describe this pair of jungle boots I think…awesome.
SEE also other entries on outdoor gear by clicking on the following links:
- The practical camping stove
- Adidas kampung
- Jungle boots
- Leech socks
- Parang Ilang of Sarawak
- Choosing backpack for the Malaysian jungle
The above list will be updated periodically.
Hi LC,
Really enjoyed your article on jungle boots for malaysia. Thanks for sharing.
Need your help. wanna try these boots. Where in Malaysia can I get these?
thanks LC.
Sean Oon
012 2112125
Hi Keong, me again. I got the same jungle boots in Vietnam during the war. I was a combat photographer in Vietnam for almost two years in ‘67 & ‘68. Brought the boots with me to Singapore and as I explained earlier, wore them all over the Malaysian jungle while writing and photographing for adventure magazines. They are the perfect boot for tropical jungles. Your description was excellent and brought back memories of adventures and some misadventures in the jungles of Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Malaysia. Leeches are an annoyance and are difficult to discourage from creeping up your pants leg or dropping down your shirt collar. I found the best way to keep them out of what’s below the belt was to tuck the legs of your cargo pants deep into the boots and use a good tight belt around the waist. All most important, keep the zipper on your fly closed at all times except when nature calls. Never did find a way to keep them off the upper extremities. We would have to stop every hour or so, take off our shirts and take turns burning the buggers off with a lit cigarette. Some would find their way into your ears and under your arms. I’ve tried everything from insect repellent to hot chilli sauce as a deterrent, but no applications seem to work as you sweat them off quite quickly when trekking through the jungles. More leech adventures to come later. Kurt.
Great website with lots of wonderful and useful articles. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kenny! Thanks for your kind words!
Your website is the most useful one I’ve seen on rainforest gear. Would you know where I can find the jungle boots that you’ve described (or anything like them) in East Malaysia?
Thank you,
Bala
Very informative website. Can you tell me where is the surplus vendor located? I need to get one of those jungle boots.
Hi Shook…I bought my pair in one of them bundle stores in Perak if not mistaken. I think you can find a similar seller in Chow Kit. It really is a matter of luck sometimes.
On a short jungle patrol, this is a very good WELLCO made pair of boots of RO-SEARCH models. For a longer civilian expedition…. a relatively well used but good conditioned HiTex pair of light hiking boots are great AS LONG as the wearer knows HOW to use it properly during treks. I personally use the Adidas Malaon @ Adidas Kampung simply because Ive been using this for the last probably 30-35 years – even while on long range patrol in the 80s!!!! The longer an expedition is, the more tired your pair of feet will be plus possibly pains here and there – therefore a heavy pair of shoes will make it harder especially when the shoes are consistently wet and heavy! It’s the wearer and the situation that makes or break the person’s feet!!! Again…FUNCTION must be above FORM!
Hi forestgump! I keep telling people to have a try with the Kampung Adidas but many would not consider it. Probably because the Kampung Adidas are cheap stuff. they would rather spend hundreds of ringgits on GoreTex boots, only to suffer AND regret later. What else is new.
So…everyone, take it from this guy that spents many many years in the bush, try out the Adidas Kampung!!
Just wondering where do i get these boots?
Hi Zac…you can get them from ebay (best prices really). Chatuchak market in Bangkok selling them for RM250-RM300 new! I got them as a one off…my luck
hey Keong, i have a pair of army boots (full leather)
covers upto my ankel and is tough , problem is im planing for a trek this season and its most likely to be raining all the time..but problem is if it gets wet i have remove my shoe each time to get rid of water inside ,,,,so which would you preffer tennis canvas shoes or my old army boots (place im going includes leeches and snakes and all kinds of little big monsters )
Hi Abhishek,
Thank you for your comments
That is the problem with leather boots or goretex boots. They retain water inside.
My boots are built with mostly canvas, except for the toes and heel areas. There are also two drain holes near the soles that helps to drain water as well as ventilate my feet.
In your case, I would go for adidas kampung with leech socks.
Hope that helps
thanks Keong! but for my miss fortune adidas kampung isnt available in INDIA ..i either have to buy it from ebay or any other sites …
Hi Abhishek! Oops…did not know that you are in India.
Which part of the world are you traveling to? Malaysia?
I doubt if you can get them on ebay this Adidas Kampung.
Or maybe you can try them jungle boots but jungle boots needs time to break in. Not a good idea to buy and wear on the actual trip immediately. Do this and I can guarantee your feet will suffer.
yeah i know ……im going to Anamudi hills which which is at some 8841ft Above sea level and located in India/kerla/western ghat mountain range which extends almost 1609km long and i think i’ll be wandering all december without the intervention of civilization and technology although i’ll be carring a bit of tech ……..sides i got woodland hiking shoes now and Casio Pro trek watch…which im satisfied with…
Abhishek…I wish you a safe and pleasant journey. Hope to hear from you soon.
I read this after looking for the insoles for my own jungle boots. Between these, the nike cortez and merrill chameleons I don’t think any other shoes are worth wearing. I find my jungle boots, with the proper insoles, the best shoes I own. I had to run in them when I was in the army(peacetime soldier). The only time I have had trouble with them is on frozen ground or large boulders in the Appalachia. They can be slick. I wish I had known to buy 10 pair years ago. They are getting impossible to find as time goes by.
Hi Jeff! Thanks for sharing this with us. Yeah…really hard to come by these days. I am looking for a pair as a spare too!
hi keong,
came across this website as i was doing research on shoes to get for my mt k climb. problem is i am going early june..and it is for work actually. i don’t want to spend too much on hiking boots which i won’t wear for many times.
what would you recommend?
thanks!
Hi Adeline…sending you an email.
Hi Keong, great site with lots of info! I was wondering if you could help me out because I’m looking for a pair of boots exactly like the one you’ve described in this post. I’m trying to find a pair of combat boots but I don’t know where to look. I want the boots to hike in the jungle, and to walk long distances to get used to the boots. Because I will be enlisting the Military in the future and will be doing alot of marching so I want to be prepared. If you can suggest me a pair or tell me where I could find something like you’re boots I’d be very grateful, thanks.
Hi Joshua…my friend just got back from Bangkok recently with a pair of exactly the same boots. He got them from Chatuchak market.
Hello Keong,
Love your website! Have heard my friends mention kampung adidas, haven’t had the chance to try for myself yet.
Have planned for Mt KK in Apr-2012. Am planning to buy hiking shoes, to break into them first. Which do u suggest? Kampung adidas, the jungle boots, or those Hi-Tec trekking shoes?
Thank you!
My suggestion would be for you to consider Merrel brand of shoes. The trail to Kinabalu is not like a jungle trail. You definitelly do not need a pair of jungle boots or even adidas kampung.
Merrel shoes are good for general walking as well as trail walking. Get those that comes with sort of like ‘meshing’ so that the shoes can breath. We are always tempted to buy the waterproof ones but I think long term, they are not worth the investment. Get something that is breathable (with meshing) and what’s more, most Merrel somes with Vibram soles, which is really good. Why Merrel and not any other brands? I have been using them for work, general walk etc and I can say that they are far better than brands like Columbia, Karrimor etc. They are really underated here in Malaysia.
Most sport shops have them now. Like Stadium at KLCC, Royal Sporting House etc.