UK women soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan this winter are to get their own combat boots for the first time.

MoD chiefs are to place a massive order for boots especially designed to fit female feet for the 18,000 females in the Armed Forces.

Until now they have had to put up with ill-fitting men's boots. The new boots will have narrower heel areas to suit a woman's foot and a slimmer shape.

Officials are placing a GBP1 million-plus order with manufacturer Lowa for women-only combat boots at around GBP 90 a pair.

According to footwear experts, Lowa is the only maker producing women's boots capable of bearing up to combat missions.

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