The Bronzed Boots award is presented to the most deserving team to have completed the minimum required IML distance over the two days of the Maple Leaf March. The award is a bronzed pair of original issue Canadian Armed Forces Mark III combat boots, donated by the founder of the Maple Leaf March, Commander (retired) Stephen Kaufman, on 1 October 2023. The boots have marched over 3,000 km and have completed three editions of the Nijmegen Four Days Walk.

As the Maple Leaf March is not a race, the award does not simply go to the fastest (or even biggest) team. The winner is rather the team that best embodies the IML motto of “Nos Iungat Ambulare" (“May walking bring us together,” in English). 

At the end of every March, a selection committee determines the winner of the Bronzed Boots Award based on a variety of factors that include teamwork, camaraderie, and esprit de corps. For instance, did team members help other individuals push through to achieve success on their walk? Did they raise spirits by singing route songs? Or, did team members help with blisters and first-aid? There is definitely more than one way to promote a supportive walking environment!