MOSCOW, November 6 (RIA Novosti) – Servicemen in European Russia will no longer wear felt boots during field exercises from this winter, defense officials said Wednesday.
Officers and regular soldiers have been issued new leather boots able to provide protection from damp and temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit), the Western Military District’s press service says.
The new boots introduced by the Western Military District have soles made from oil and petrol resistant rubber with a deep tread to provide grip on slippery surfaces, officials said.
The Russian armed forces are currently implementing long-awaited changes to their military clothing.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu expressed dismay in January at the continued use of antiquated clothing, including footwraps, which are set to be replaced with socks.
The Western Military District is one of the country’s four military districts and covers the bulk of European Russia. It comprises around 400,000 soldiers, which accounts for around 40 percent of the country’s entire armed forces.
