Army Sergeant Major's Chelsea Boots Turn Heads as Service Mulls Allowing Them for Rank and File

Every year, the "who's who" of the Army gathers at the Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, D.C. It's a chance for service officials to discuss the future of warfare and new efforts to take care of soldiers.

But one of the top topics of the show wasn't a new weapon, or even a quality-of-life initiative for junior troops. It was the top enlisted leader's shoes.

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer was wearing Chelsea boots with his formal service uniform -- footwear that is otherwise unauthorized -- saying the Army is eyeing integrating the classic and versatile boot.

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"They're comfy," Weimer told Military.com. "It's something the Army is looking into."

The unexpected footwear choice made the conference less about "what we're shooting" and more "what are we wearing?"

Chelsea boots, the laceless ankle-high footwear that has endured through decades of changing fashion trends, are a staple in men's wardrobes because they can seamlessly transition from casual to formal dress -- from jeans to a suit.

For now, they are not authorized for the rank and file to wear but are one of several uniform additions the service is mulling. Soldiers may see Army officials wearing the boots as part of a beta-testing phase.

Traditionally, the Army's service uniform has been limited to standard brown dress shoes and leather boots for airborne units.

"We are experimenting with optional uniform items, testing wearability and evaluating appearance," Christopher Surridge, an Army spokesperson, told Military.com in a statement, adding there is no timeline to formally integrate any new clothing options or updates to the regulations.

The news reflects Weimer's focus on tweaking uniform options, a hallmark of his tenure one year into the role. The Army Green Service Uniform, or AGSU, was widely introduced to the force in 2020. The uniform is inspired by the service's World War II-era formal uniform. The old blue service uniform is expected to be fully phased out in 2027.

At the AUSA conference last week, Weimer also unveiled plans for new physical training uniforms, initially expected to roll out late next year.

However, following some pushback, he walked back that announcement in a call with reporters this week.

Weimer clarified that, instead of issuing new PT uniforms outright, the Army is looking to the private sector to offer alternative uniform items. This approach mirrors the service's policy on boots, where soldiers are issued a standard pair but can purchase alternatives that adhere to Army guidelines.

Related: Sergeant Major of the Army Walks Back New Physical Training Uniform Announcement