The Marine Corps Times has reported that over 8,000 Rugged All Terrain or "RAT" boots have be recalled by the Marine Corps.  Many of the boots were worn by Marines deployed in Afghanistan. 

Failures with the RAT boots include seam separation due to poor stitching or glue, as well as eyelets falling off.   Marine Corps Systems Command has determined the problem to be poor manufacturing and use of improper materials, not poor design.

The USMC Infantry Combat Boot is scheduled to be replaced by the RAT boot in 2012.  

The recalled boots are made by Bates Boots.  It is uncertain exactly how many boots are currently in the operating forces, but at least one infantry battalion in Afghanistan currently has them.  The recall ensures that no more hot weather Bates RAT boots are worn by Marines down range. 

                    

67,000 pairs (out of 105,000) of Bates' RAT boots have already been delivered to the Marine Corps.  Danner also makes RAT boots, but the Marine Corps only purchased the boots from Bates.  Delivery from Bates has been stopped.  Danner and Welco versions of the RAT boots are not effected and were excluded from the recall.

Marines can find more information at Marine Corps recalls new boots from war zone in the Marine Corps Times.