The rapid deterioration (4 – 5 weeks) of the stitching on the sole of the conventional Tropical Combat Boot in the jungle environment led to the development of the Direct Moulded Sole. The DMS jungle boot was first issued to Special Forces in Southeast Asia in August 1960 and featured leather and nylon duck uppers vulcanized directly on to Vibram pattern outsoles, which had originally been designed for mountaineering.1 The top stay and backstay were reinforced with leather and a pair of screened brass drainage eyelets were sunken into the inside arch.1. Support To United States Army In Vietnam - Clothing & Equipment (United States Army Material Command Feb 1967)