MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The same cutting-edge footwear technology currently revolutionizing professional running is now certified and available in boots to every Marine, marking a major leap in warfighter performance and field readiness.
PAE Marine Corps’ Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) recently announced that OTB Boots has received official approval to produce the first TAA-compliant boots featuring advanced propulsion technology. The OTB Carbon 8, M-Flex 8, and Tropical Boot models are now authorized to be worn by Marines as the first TAA-compliant boots approved by the USMC.
“Finding the best boots for Marines means finding partners that are committed to innovation and meeting our quality demands. By certifying these boots, we are increasing access to some of the latest footwear technology the market has to offer,” said Col. Paul Gillikin, PM CSS. “We are always looking for industry partners whose focus on excellence helps us provide Marines more options, with boots that improve comfort, aid in job performance, help reduce the risk of injury, and increase availability across the fleet, all at a lower cost to the warfighter. Following the Ranger Challenge last year, two Marines drove from Camp Lejeune to our program office in Quantico. After an initial review, we knew we needed to get these boots into testing and collect a larger sample of Marine user feedback. Marines were declarative and these boots will be hitting the shelves very soon.”
This breakthrough is a direct result of the Optional Boot Program’s success. The program incentivized industry partners to bring forward innovations that provide a tangible advantage, challenging them “to produce the best technology at a lower cost for Marines.”
The centerpiece of this new lineup is the M-Carbon 8. It incorporates carbon-fiber plates—a technology that has become the gold standard in the world of elite marathons.
According to a 2025 analysis of major marathons, the adoption rate is staggering: “At Chicago, 64 percent of runners wore carbon-plated super shoes. In New York City, it was 62 percent. Nearly two-thirds of all runners, across every pace group, were racing in super shoes.”
Also included in the new boot rollout is the Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boots with Ortholite Insoles. These breathable combat boots have a durable 1.8 mm suede upper with flexible nylon panels that allow the foot to move freely. An Ortholite Ultra insole and EVA midsole ensure hours of comfort, while a slip resistant Vibram Bifida outsole enables superior gripping power on unpredictable surfaces.
“For the warfighter, this technology translates directly to a tactical advantage,” said Maj. Sarah Luetz, PAE Marine Corps legislative liaison. “Carbon-fiber plates are engineered to increase energy return, improve movement efficiency, and reduce muscle fatigue, enhancing endurance and readiness in the field.”
The OTB Carbon 8 is built for speed, weighing just 1.4 pounds per pair. It features a marathon-inspired carbon plate and a "Future Foam" EVA midsole that provides a ride similar to a high-end running shoe.
For those requiring more traditional support under heavy loads, the M-Flex 8 offers a molded polypropylene support board. Both models include strategically placed non-metallic drainage ports to evacuate water in just a few steps, a critical feature for amphibious operations.
“I am glad to see innovation and technology applied to something as fundamental as the boots Marines wear on their feet,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz. “Marines today demand gear designed to withstand the rugged environment in which Marines operate, but more importantly, gear designed around the human body.”
Despite the advanced technology, the boots remain an affordable option for individual purchase. The OTB boots will be available soon at Marine Corps Exchanges at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. The Garmont Boots will be available in Marine Corps Exchanges later this fall.