Best Cadet Boots Guide for 2026 – Which should I buy for UK Army Cadets or RAF Air Cadets?
Choosing the right cadet boots can be confusing — there are different styles, materials and price levels, and what suits a brand-new cadet isn't always right for someone heading off on arduous field exercises. In this guide we break cadet boots down into three levels — entry level, mid-range and professional — so UK Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets can pick the right pair for parade nights, camps and time in the field.
In a hurry? Here's the short answer:
- Just joined? Start with the Cadet Patrol Boot — great value from £40 and ideal for parade nights and light field use.
- Regular camps and exercises? Step up to a mid-range cadet boot from £50 with a thicker leather upper and stronger sole.
- Senior cadet doing serious fieldwork? Go professional with AKU or Lowa military issue boots from £140, most with a Goretex waterproof lining.
Cadet Patrol Boots Brown and Black
From £40
The entry point is the Cadet Patrol Boot, available either in all leather or a lighter part-leather, part-nylon construction. Both come in brown and black, but most cadets now wear brown — it's the colour worn by UK forces with the Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) uniform, also known as 'greens'.
These are the perfect first pair: comfortable for wearing around camp, smart enough for parade nights, and the polishable leather is easy to keep clean and tidy for inspections.
At a glance
- Great value option for cadets just starting out
- Suitable for parade nights and light to medium field use
- Polishable leather keeps them looking smart
Mid Range Cadet Boots
From £50
The next step up brings noticeably more durable build quality: a stronger sole construction and a thicker leather upper that, kept well polished, improves water resistance for longer time spent in the field.
Available in black and brown (again, most cadets wear brown), these suit cadets with some experience under their belt who are attending regular camps and more arduous activities.
At a glance
- Thicker leather upper for better protection and water resistance
- More substantial sole for longer days in the field
- Available in brown and black
Professional Combat Boots for Cadets
From £140
At the top level sit official military issue boots from professional brands like AKU and Lowa — the same boots worn by serving personnel. Many styles in this category feature a Goretex lining, one of the highest performing waterproof fabrics available, along with the most durable materials and sole units.
These are an investment, but for senior cadets spending serious time in the field they offer comfort and protection the lower levels can't match.
At a glance
- Highest quality — genuine military issue standard
- Often feature a Goretex waterproof lining
- Most durable materials and soles used
Cadet boots compared
| Boot type | For which cadet | Durability | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet Patrol Boot | New cadets | Light–medium use | £40+ |
| Mid Range Cadet Boots | Regular camps | Medium use | £50+ |
| Professional Combat Boots | Advanced / senior cadets | Maximum durability | £140+ |
Cadet boots FAQs
Black or brown?
Although both brown and black can be worn, the vast majority of cadets now wear brown to match the MTP camouflage uniform. If in doubt, check with your detachment or squadron staff before buying.
Which boots should a brand-new cadet buy?
Start with the entry level Cadet Patrol Boot. It covers parade nights and light field use at the lowest cost, and you can always step up to a mid-range or professional boot once you know how much field time you'll be doing.
How do I look after cadet boots?
Regular polishing does more than keep leather boots smart for inspections — it also helps maintain the leather's water resistance, especially on mid-range boots ahead of longer field exercises. It's also worth wearing new boots in gradually before a camp rather than taking them out of the box on day one.
