Combat boots are military boots designed to be worn by soldiers during actual combat or combat training as opposed to during parades and other ceremonial duties. Modern combat boots are designed to provide a combination of grip, ankle stability, and foot protection suitable to a rugged environment. They are traditionally made of hardened, sometimes waterproofed leather. Today, many combat boots incorporate many technologies originating in civilian hiking boots, such as Gore-Tex nylon side panels, which improve ventilation and comfort. They are also often specialized for certain climates and conditions, such as jungle boots, desert boots, and cold weather boots as well as specific uses, such as tanker boots and jump boots.

The first soldiers to have been issued boots were the foot soldiers of the Assyrians.^{[citation needed]} The soldiers of the Roman legions wore hobnail boots, called caligae.

During the English Civil War each soldier of the New Model Army was issued three shoes or ankle boots. After every march the soldier would change them round to ensure they received even wear. Following the Restoration shoes and uniforms followed the civilian pattern: shoes with buckles were used by most armies from 1660 until around 1800. Hessian boots were used by cavalry from the 18th century until World War I.

Steve Madden (born 1958) is the founder and former CEO of Steve Madden Ltd., a footwear company.

Born in Far Rockaway, Queens, Madden grew up in adjoining Lawrence in Nassau County, New York.

Steve Madden, Ltd. was named "Company of the Year" for 2006 at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on December 5, 2006. Madden said, in accepting the award, that he was going to use this award as a stepping off point for improving his company's image.

Madden's financial affairs were closely entangled with Long Island 'pump and dump' brokerage Stratton Oakmont, cofounded by Madden's childhood friend Danny Porush. In 2001, the SEC filed charges against Madden in Federal Court in New York state, alleging SEC violations. [1] Because the violations weren't criminal in nature, the SEC was seeking to recover $1,637,000 in a combination of illegally avoided losses, interest, and a civil penalty.

In 2002, Madden was convicted of stock manipulation, money, and securities fraud. He was sentenced to 41 months in prison, and was made to resign as CEO from Steve Madden Ltd and from the board of directors.