The reason there are many styles of boot in the regulars is that there have been many contracts and suppliers over the past few years - they’ve been trying to get the best ones - a good think in my book! Even flying boots have changed in the past couple of years (YDS).
The rule is: if it’s issued, you can wear it!
As for colour; it’s brown for MTP/PCS and Black for DPM. Nowadays if anyone still has DPM they’re told to get down to Stores rather than worry about what boots they’re wearing!!!
Socks? Well, again, they’re issued, and TBH the latest batch of thick black socks aren’t bad for everyday use, but you’d need something better for high intensity stuff IMHO. Our warm weather socks are excellent!
Anyway in Operational kit you should never see the socks as the trousers are to be bloused at the bottom with the drawstrings (or bungees if you like your circulation cutting off!)
