Cold Climate
Some long-serving privates did try to switch to socks, but very soon they all went back to the foot bindings.
Advocates of the tradition say cheap and virtually indestructible boots and foot bindings suit the cold Russian climate better than the refined footwear of Western armies. And in the marshland, there is almost no danger of water making its way inside.
So, while large parts of Russia remain off-limits to anyone but the toughest, generals in Moscow do not seem prepared to move on.
Russia's neighbours face a terrain which is, arguably, less challenging. This could, perhaps, explain their post-Soviet change in footwear priorities.
Defence chiefs in Ukraine say there is a need to maintain hygiene in the army and to make soldiers' lives more bearable.
In Ukraine, the old tradition will be phased out within a few months. Belarus is taking things slower. There, the last pair of canvas boots and matching bindings will only be laid to rest in 2010.
Advocates of the tradition say cheap and virtually indestructible boots and foot bindings suit the cold Russian climate better than the refined footwear of Western armies. And in the marshland, there is almost no danger of water making its way inside.
So, while large parts of Russia remain off-limits to anyone but the toughest, generals in Moscow do not seem prepared to move on.
Russia's neighbours face a terrain which is, arguably, less challenging. This could, perhaps, explain their post-Soviet change in footwear priorities.
Defence chiefs in Ukraine say there is a need to maintain hygiene in the army and to make soldiers' lives more bearable.
In Ukraine, the old tradition will be phased out within a few months. Belarus is taking things slower. There, the last pair of canvas boots and matching bindings will only be laid to rest in 2010.
"It takes a while to get used (to them) and then you grow enormous corns, and just don't care any longer"
Ian Leder, former Soviet infantryman
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