Samelin
M77 Boots – Authentic Norwegian Army Combat Boots
M77 Boots – Authentic Norwegian Army Combat Boots
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The standard-issue combat boot of the Norwegian Army since 1977. Still in production. Still earning five stars. These are not replicas, surplus, or fashion interpretations. The M77 is an active-issue military boot made by Samelin in Estonia — the same model, the same factory, the same specification supplied to NATO forces across Germany, Norway, Finland, Latvia, and Estonia.
Why M77
- 2.8–3mm full-grain water-repellent leather — thick enough to last decades with proper care
- Cambrelle lining — the moisture-wicking textile used across serious military footwear
- Direct-injected PU outsole — bonded to the upper in manufacturing, not glued
- Anatomical antibacterial insole — removable and washable, shaped for all-day wear
- Becomes more water-resistant with use — the leather closes up as it breaks in
- Unisex sizing, EU 35–52 — one of the widest size ranges available
- 2-year warranty — Samelin stands behind the build
- NATO AQAP 2110 / ISO 9001 certified — the same standard required for military contracts
Which M77 is right for you?
There are now three versions:
| M77 (Original) | M77 Winter Edition | M77 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-round use | Freezing conditions | Lighter everyday use |
| Lining | Cambrelle | Faux fur | Cambrelle |
| Sole | PU | PU | Dual-layer PU (lighter) |
| Stiffness | Standard break-in | Standard break-in | Less stiff from day one |
If you are unsure, start with the original. It is the proven model and the one this page describes.
Built for real conditions
The M77 has been worn in Norwegian winters, Baltic field exercises, and NATO training operations for nearly 50 years. On whatshoes, customers use them for:
- Winter hiking and mountain walking
- Outdoor workwear and forestry
- Motorcycling
- Everyday wear once broken in
- Cold climate commuting
Construction details
| Upper | 2.8–3mm full-grain water-repellent leather |
| Lining | Cambrelle textile (moisture-wicking) |
| Outsole | Direct-injected PU |
| Insole | Anatomical, antibacterial, removable, washable |
| Sizes | EU 35–52, unisex |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Manufacturer | Samelin OÜ, Estonia |
| Standard | NATO AQAP 2110, ISO 9001 |
Size Guide & Fit Notes
M77 boots run slightly large. Order one size smaller than your usual size. For example, if you normally wear EU 43, order EU 42.
EU Size Comparison
| M77 / EU | UK | US Men | Nike equiv. | Adidas equiv. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 6 | 6.5 | Nike 6 | Adidas 6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 7 | Nike 6.5 | Adidas 6.5 |
| 41 | 7 | 8 | Nike 7.5 | Adidas 7.5 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | Nike 8.5 | Adidas 8 |
| 43 | 9 | 9.5 | Nike 9.5 | Adidas 9 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 10 | Nike 10 | Adidas 9.5 |
| 45 | 10.5 | 11 | Nike 11 | Adidas 10.5 |
| 46 | 11 | 12 | Nike 12 | Adidas 11.5 |
| 47 | 12 | 13 | Nike 13 | Adidas 12 |
Fit Notes
- General rule: Order one size smaller than your usual EU size. The shell construction runs large and is designed to accommodate thick socks at your normal size.
- Winter/thermal socks: Order your normal size down one (e.g. usually EU 43 → order EU 42) — this leaves room for M77 Inner Socks or thick wool socks.
- Wide feet: If you have wide feet, order your normal EU size (don't size down).
- Break-in: Full-grain leather needs 2–4 weeks of regular wear to fully mould to your foot. Stiffness in the first week is normal and resolves with use.
- Women sizing: Order 1.5 sizes down from your women's EU size (e.g. women's EU 40 → order EU 38–39).
What customers say
Stable high ratings. Common themes: outstanding durability, requires a proper break-in period, becomes the most comfortable boot owned once broken in.
Frequently asked questions
Which armies use M77 boots? The M77 has been the standard-issue combat boot of the Norwegian Army since 1977 and is still in active service today. The same model and specification is also supplied to NATO forces across Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Germany — all made by Samelin in Tartu, Estonia.Do M77 boots run large or small? They run true to European sizing but have a wide, roomy toe box. If you are between sizes, size down. The full-grain leather upper will mould to your foot during the break-in period.
How long is the break-in period? Typically 2–4 weeks of regular wear. The leather is thick and stiff initially — wear them for a few hours at a time with good socks and they will mold to your foot. Applying leather grease from the start speeds the process.
How do I care for them? Apply a quality leather grease or wax every 1–2 months during active use. This maintains the water-repellency and keeps the leather supple. Clean mud with a damp cloth before conditioning. Do not use harsh cleaners — they strip the natural oils from the leather.
Are they waterproof? Water-repellent, not fully waterproof. The thick full-grain leather handles rain and wet ground well and improves with treatment and use. For standing water or prolonged submersion, look at the Waterproof Military Boots with PTFE membrane.
Are they good for hiking? Yes, particularly for tough terrain where durability matters more than lightweight. They are heavier than modern trail shoes — that weight comes from the leather and sole construction that makes them last. Most customers who hike in M77s report forgetting they are heavy after the break-in period.
Can women wear them? Yes. The M77 is a unisex design. Women generally find their correct size is 1–1.5 EU sizes down from their typical women's shoe size.
What is the M77 Inner Socks pairing about? The M77 Inner Socks are a Samelin-made wool-blend sock designed specifically for the M77 last. They fill the extra volume of the wide last, reduce movement-caused abrasion, and add warmth. They are the most common add-on purchase and worth including in your first order.
Complete Your Kit
Military Overboots — waterproof boot covers worn over your M77s for full protection in snow, slush, and mud. Essential for wet terrain.
M77 Boot Kit — M77 boots paired with thermal inner socks made precisely for this boot. The socks add insulation without affecting fit, and are the recommended setup for freezing winters.
Order with confidence
- Made by Samelin — NATO-certified manufacturer, Estonia
- 2-year warranty
- Ships to EU in 4–7 working days
- Free shipping available — check if you qualify at checkout
- 30-day returns on unused, unworn items
- Questions? hello@whatshoes.co
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2-year warranty
2-year warranty on manufacturing defects. If something's wrong, we fix it, replace it, or refund it — no runaround. Write to hello@whatshoes.co
- 5 stars: 18 (78%)
- 4 stars: 2 (9%)
- 3 stars: 2 (9%)
- 2 stars: 1 (4%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
Got the M77 size 44. I normally wear 10 1/2 UK which would be 44,5-45. The recommendation to take one size smaller is spot on.
I do not have extensive experience with proper boots so take my review for what it is. My primary reference is to a pair of a Salomon trekking boots which the M77 are replacing.
I write this review after two 5km walks.
About the build. They are well put together with thick leather that looks really high quality and neat stitching. I would have preferred a stitched outer sole but I knew what I was buying in that respect and the moulded PU sole looks neat. A big plus that there is no lining meaning that you can quickly get going after getting wet and there are no mystery materials that may deteriorate over time.
The fit is quite spacious. I think my foot is quite normal and the toe area is wide. Despite this I do not feel like the foot is sliding around in the boot. The lacing provides good and even pressure on the foot while providing ample room for the toes to wiggle about. The heel grip is good but could be better. The only fit issue I have is that there is a bit of pressure on the foot right where the lacing starts. I do not think I have tall or high feet but maybe this will improve as I brake them in. Given the wideness of the last there should be enough material to allow the shoe to comply in this area.
The included removable inner sole provides some damping and support but I will contemplate getting a more contoured and less compliant inner sole for max comfort.
I have had no issues with wear comfort. The boots are comfortable right out of the box.
The sole is quite rigid. You feel it if you step on a sharp rock but most uneven surfaces go unnoticed. This was my main complaint with the Salomons. If the sole is too compliant my feet get tired of all the information about the surface being transmitted through the soles.
The step rolls nicely and the shoes provide adequate support.
My boots weigh 800g a piece which is almost double that of the Salomons but they do by no means feel heavy to wear. I was pleasantly surprised by the lightness considering it is a proper army boot.
I also got the bespoke socks and they are really nice. They are made of a not very elastic material which looks like wool and have a nice heel reinforcement which looks like leather. They sit solidly in the shoe. I recommend these over regular extra socks.
On the looks. I think the boots are beautiful but probably somewhat bulky for city use. The toe is quite big and rounded which is great for trekking but not for sleekness.
Overall I am super happy with the boots and with the shopping experience.
They only thing that bothered me was that I got no delivery notification but I suspect that’s on the mail carrier.
BUY THESE BOOTS!
Over two years of daily use and they held up well. Now the sole has started to crumble and water gets in quickly in wet conditions. Let's see how the 2.0 version does. The flat laces included are useless on the hooks — round laces only.
I expected more from a boot that meets NATO military standards. Mine lasted 4 years before they started letting in water. I had maintained them consistently throughout and they started failing quite quickly after that.
Agree with Triin — the soles are completely slippery. Maybe the new ones aren't, I don't know. Otherwise, excellent boots in every way.
M77 paar on üks kindlatest asjadest elus, millele saan toetuda igal ajal. Sõna otseses mõttes.Küsimus: mis hooldusvahendeid soovitate?Tean, et vastuseid on palju, viimasel ajal olen kasutanud ühte põdrarasva määret. Aga tunnen huvi, mis teie soovitus on?
Poor quality — the soles fall apart quickly.
Best cost/value rating. For 100€ it's impossible to find better.
Great boots. Comfortable and quality-made. My husband loves them. 🙂
Great boots — rubbed a bit at first, but now after breaking in they fit like they were cast around my feet. Thank you.
They are comfortable and hold up to slush reasonably well, but water does slowly seep through at the flex points. However, in winter cold they are COMPLETELY SLIPPERY. I've fallen twice in one day walking the dog in bad spots.
Just wanted to let you know the boots arrived and they're a perfect fit! If anybody ever asks you what boot size fits EU 40 tell them 37 is the way to go.
Used them? Love them! Best boots ever and they cost less than any fancy sneakers and they last for 5 to 6 years with daily use. Only "con" is the walk in period as they are very stiff so wear thick socks and have a band aid ready but for the lifetime of the boots the con is worth it.
I moved to Norway about 4 years ago and picked myself a pair of M77 on the recommendation of my boyfriend and they are without a doubt the best boots I have ever owned just in terms of sheer toughness. I have flat feet so having a good shoe is important to me and there is plenty of room to fit a decent set of insoles in there to be able to keep on hiking all day.
When you buy these new, they don't fit perfectly yet.
Find a shallow river or similar, with the M77 on, walk with them in the river to soak them completely and walk for a long time with wet feet and boots for a while to get perfect fit!
It's not comfortable, but the boots will have a perfect fit after this! Then polish with some good black shoepolish to waterproof them, and keep applying as needed to keep them shiny and waterproofed...you'll have boots that'll last for a long time!
One thick sock will be more than enough, that was my experience in -37 degrees Celsius, but only if you're active...stand still in these temperatures, and you're a snowman in no time :P
I recently purchased a pair of M77 black combat boots and I have to say that they are by far my favorite winter boots. I previously had a pair of Dr Martens boots, but once i had M77 boots worn-in, definitely prefer them!
The M77 boots are incredibly comfortable and they have a sleek, military-inspired design that I love. They are also incredibly durable and have held up well in the harsh winter weather. I've worn them on long hikes and they have never let me down.
Overall, I would rate the M77 combat boots a 10/10. They are the perfect combination of style and function, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of a new pair of black winter boots.
Do take a size smaller than usual, otherwise they can feel big on the sides. Also recommend protecting them with tons of shoe polish. Once worn in, super comfortable.
I have to say, those are one of my favorite boots for hiking and hunting. I have had one pair for almost 9yrs and one year of army use, sadly they now got a hole in them.
Wore one pair out — took a long time, over 5 years. The sole on one boot eventually broke down, probably because I once stepped into a fuel puddle at a petrol station. The uppers were still in perfect condition. One note about the included laces — hooks need round laces, not flat ones.
Took 5 years, but wore out a pair of these. The sole for one of the boots broke down (I did manage to step into a puddle of fuel at a gas station with that sole). The rest of the boots were perfectly fine, even after 5 years.
One note about the included laces - ONLY round laces work on hook boots, not flat laces, so a little disappointed about receiving flat laces originally. Other than that, definitely recommend!
Order a size smaller, otherwise they'll be loose. At first, apply a good leather conditioner or boot polish, and once broken in they are super comfortable.
Good evening! I wanted to say that the boots have arrived and are broken in, and my harshest criticism is that I couldn't be more satisfied 🙂 Perfect footwear for this time of year, when every morning…
I have them – they hold up to water and mud and handle serious cold too. Not slippery either. It's practically impossible to twist your ankle in them, and no wear visible after 2 years.
Years in mud, bogs, forests, snow, through fresh and saltwater, greased up, polished to a shine, and still going strong 😎