M77 Boots Review and Sizing Guide: Fit, Break-In and Which Version to Buy

The M77 is the Norwegian army combat boot, and it is one of the best-known military boots in Europe. Most questions people ask before buying are the same: how does it fit, how long does the break-in take, is it warm enough for winter, and should you choose the classic M77, the M77 Winter Edition or the newer 2077? This guide answers those questions using the manufacturer's specifications for the boots we sell, made by Samelin in Tartu, Estonia.

Short answer on sizing: the M77 fits large because it is designed to be worn with thick socks. With regular socks, choose one size smaller than your usual EU size.

What the M77 is

The M77 was developed over ten years for the Norwegian military and is still worn by NATO forces today. Samelin makes it in Estonia to the NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 quality standards, the same standards it uses for military orders. The factory also supplies NATO armies and has produced for Dr. Martens and Rossignol.

What sets the M77 apart from fashion combat boots is the leather: the upper is 2.8–3 mm water-repellent full-grain leather, much thicker than most boots sold as "combat style". Underneath is a direct-injected PU outsole, and inside an anatomical, shock-absorbing insole that is antibacterial and washable. The boot is unisex and comes in EU sizes 32 to 52, so it fits small women's feet as well as very large men's feet.

M77 sizing: how to choose the right size

Because the M77 is built for thick military socks, it has more room inside than a typical street boot. Use this rule of thumb:

What you will wear inside	Size to choose
Regular everyday socks	One size smaller than your usual EU size
Thick wool or hiking socks	Your usual EU size
M77 thermal inner socks (PELLAGO liners)	Your usual M77 size; the liners come in the same size as the boot

If you are unsure of your EU size, measure your foot length in centimetres and compare it with our size guide. A few practical tips:

• Measure both feet in the evening, when feet are at their largest, and use the longer foot.
• Stand with your full weight on the foot while measuring.
• Decide which socks you will mostly wear before you order, because that decides the size more than anything else.
• With a correct fit, your heel should stay in place when you walk and your toes should not touch the front of the boot.

Not quite right? Returns within 30 days are free with a prepaid label, so you can exchange for another size.

Break-in: what to expect

Thick full-grain leather does not feel like a trainer on day one. Like any heavy leather boot, the M77 needs a few weeks of breaking in before it moulds to your feet. After that it is a boot built to last for years, not a season.

• Wear the boots for short periods at home or on short walks for the first days.
• Lace them firmly enough to hold the heel; a lot of early rubbing comes from the foot sliding. Our guide How to Lace Combat Boots shows lacing methods for different foot shapes.
• Grease or wax the leather early; supple leather breaks in faster and keeps out wet weather.
• Increase the distance gradually before wearing them for a full day.

M77, M77 Winter Edition or 2077?

We sell three versions of the design. All are made by Samelin in Estonia from 2.8–3 mm full-grain leather to NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001.

	M77	M77 Winter Edition	2077 (M77 2.0)
Upper	2.8–3 mm water-repellent full-grain leather	2.8–3 mm water-repellent full-grain leather	2.8–3 mm full-grain leather
Lining	No fur lining	Warm white faux fur	Natural leather, Cambrelle tongue
Sole	Direct-injected PU	Direct-injected PU	Dual-layer moulded PU
Insole	Anatomical, antibacterial and washable (all three)
EU sizes	32–52	36–48	36–48
Fit	Runs large	Runs large, intended for thick or double socks	See product page
Best for	All-year wear, layering with socks or liners	Freezing weather and long days outdoors	Varied terrain, everyday and tactical use

The classic M77 is the most versatile choice: wear it with normal socks in spring and autumn and add thick socks or liners in winter. The M77 Winter Edition has a warm faux fur lining for freezing conditions. The 2077 is Samelin's evolution of the design, with a dual-layer moulded sole for traction on varied terrain and a natural leather lining.

Is the M77 warm enough for winter?

The classic M77 has no fur lining, so warmth in winter comes from what you put inside. Two options:

• Add liners: the M77 thermal inner socks are PELLAGO liners made only for M77 boots. They are moisture-resistant and used by NATO units in winter. Choose the same size as your M77.
• Choose the Winter Edition: the faux fur lining is built in, so you do not need to think about layering.

Since the M77 runs large, there is usually room for thick wool socks too, which is why many buyers choose one pair for the whole year.

Care: how to make M77 boots last

The M77 is extremely durable if the leather is kept greased. A simple routine is enough:

1. Brush off mud after wear.
2. Let the boots dry at room temperature, away from radiators and other direct heat.
3. Treat the leather regularly with boot grease or wax, more often in wet winters.
4. Wash the insole when needed; it is washable.

For a full routine by leather type, read How to Care for Leather Boots.

M77 buyer's checklist

• Know your foot length in cm and your usual EU size.
• Decide on socks: regular socks means one size smaller.
• Choose the version: classic M77 for all year, Winter Edition for freezing weather, 2077 for terrain and the updated sole.
• Plan a few weeks of break-in before long days.
• Have boot grease or wax ready for the first treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Do M77 boots run large?

Yes. They are designed for thick socks. With regular socks, choose one size smaller than usual.

Are M77 boots waterproof?

The leather is water-repellent; the M77 is not described as a waterproof membrane boot. Kept greased, the leather keeps out wet weather.

Are M77 boots for men or women?

Both. The M77 is unisex and available in EU sizes 32 to 52.

Where are they made?

In Estonia, EU, by Samelin, to NATO AQAP 2110 and ISO 9001 quality standards.

See all models in our combat boots collection. Prices include VAT. Orders are dispatched the next business day from EU warehouses and arrive in 3–8 business days. Shipping is free to every EU country on orders of €100 or more (€6.90 below €100), with 30-day returns.