Quote Originally Posted by Norfolk View Post
Some of the effects of heavy-load bearing would be mitigated by spending money on really good boots, not the cheap ones that are standard issue. Armies are quite happy with pursuing programs like Land Warrior that cost billions of dollars, but they won't pony up the money to buy the troops truly good booots that are genuinely waterproof, reasonably light, provide solid arch and ankle support without killing the calves too badly, and absorb shock well, helping to save the back and knees. Like here and here. Note that the first one is no longer in production.
I would go a step farther and suggest that it be standard for a podiatrist to make orthotics for every soldier (everyone needs different amounts of support at different points) and put the proper amount of lift in each boot. Lift is often neglected. People assume they are symmetrical while in reality they are very uneven. Even an 1/8th of an inch difference in leg length can ruin your hip over time. If you actually slow down your walk(when legs are uneven, which is always) you can see that you are actually moving your legs in little ovals. Evening this out will save your hips and knees. This type of stuff will save a lot of pain, time and money in the long run. It will only save pain in the short run.


Adam L