EDITORS NOTE: Marine Corps Systems Command updated their posting on FebBizOpps April 3 to state that “these items are required to support an upcoming Field User Evaluation that will analyze the probability of reducing lower extremity injuries in Marine recruits who train with a lightweight boot versus those recruits who wear the current sea bag boot.” The title and lead has been updated to reflect that change.
A popular Marine boot known as the Danner Reckoning will be used in an upcoming field study.
On Thursday, the Corps submitted a request to purchase 700 of the Danner boots in order to conduct field user evaluations for the “probability of lower extremity injuries related to use of the Reckoning Boot,” according to the solicitation.
The Danner Reckoning 8-inch Coyote Hot was approved by the commandant for wear by Marines early last year as part of an effort by the Corps to ensure the Marines have quality and affordable options for boots.
The popular boots flew off the shelves as soon as they became available in the exchanges. In July, the initial 655 pair of boots to hit the East and West Coast exchanges sold out.
But, the boot is not considered a seabag issue, which means part of a Marine’s general issue of clothing and uniform items.
The boots are considered suitable for hot weather climates.
“This is simply an evaluation/comparative analysis to other boots already fielded in order to see if improvements can be made and as always any way to mitigate future injuries is desired,” said Barbara Hamby at Marine Corps Systems Command.
According to a message on Danner’s website, the nearly $260 Reckoning boot is no longer available for purchase. Danner says it is currently in the process of fulfilling an order for the Marine Corps.
Officials at Danner wouldn’t confirm if the Reckoning boot was the cause of any injuries.
Tess Love, an official with Danner, told Marine Corps Times in an email Friday morning, “We very hardly see any returns for that boot, and if they are it is not due to injuries, but rather defectives which happen every now again.”
Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.
