A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced the BOOTS Act, a bill aimed at requiring all combat boots worn by U.S. service members to be made entirely in the United States including both standard issue and optional styles approved by commanders.
The legislation is supported by Senators Tammy Duckworth, Susan Collins, and Angus King, along with Representatives Mike Bost, Nikki Budzinski, and Jared Golden. Together, they want to close the loophole that allows the military to buy boots made overseas, particularly from low-cost producers like China and Vietnam.
Supporters of the bill say that relying on foreign-made boots undercuts U.S. manufacturers, threatens job growth, and may compromise military readiness. They argue that domestic production would not only improve product quality but also strengthen national security by reducing dependence on international supply chains.
“This bill is about putting American workers first and ensuring our troops get the quality they deserve,” said Senator Duckworth.
Congresswoman Budzinski pointed to Belleville Boots, a long-time supplier located in Illinois, as an example of a U.S. manufacturer facing unfair competition from foreign imports.
Currently, U.S.-based companies produce less than 1% of the shoes sold nationwide, according to industry data. The BOOTS Act aims to boost local manufacturing by requiring all military boots to be fully made in the U.S. using only American-sourced materials.
The bill has received strong support from several domestic manufacturers and trade associations, who say it will help rebuild America’s defense supply chain and ensure that troops are equipped with high-quality, American-made footwear.
