Ukraine's Front-Line Troops Go Casual: 'Tactical Crocs' for Post-Front Relief

Ukrainian soldiers off the front lines are swapping bulky combat boots for slip-on, rubber-style footwear called “tactical Crocs” from Ukraine’s M-TAC to decompress after long trench duty; the lightweight shoes help prevent infections, blisters, and fatigue and cost just over $8 a pair. Gear is a mix of state funding, personal purchases, and crowdfunding, with troops often choosing what works best in rear-area environments. Zelensky has been photographed wearing M-TAC gear, illustrating Ukraine’s homegrown defense supply network, though the product is not connected to the U.S. footwear brand Crocs.