British Officers Ammo Boot

[Doug C]

Just wondering if anyone here has the British Officers Ammo Boots from WPG? These are the russet ones, not the regular black ones and these don't have hobnails. I ask because they look like they are a little less bulky from the picture on the website, than the U.S. Service Shoe (boot) and they cost less too. I'd like to see additional picture(s) if anyone here has a pair. I think they're petty cool lookin' and may be better for normal everyday use than the others.. comments? Here's what I'm talking about - http://whatpriceglory.com/pic/officerboot.jpg

Doug C

 

[Trotsky]

Just wondering if anyone here has the British Officers Ammo Boots from WPG? These are the russet ones, not the regular black ones and these don't have hobnails. I ask because they look like they are a little less bulky from the picture on the website, than the U.S. Service Shoe (boot) and they cost less too. I'd like to see additional picture(s) if anyone here has a pair. I think they're petty cool lookin' and may be better for normal everyday use than the others.. comments? Here's what I'm talking about - http://whatpriceglory.com/pic/officerboot.jpg

Doug C

Yes, I own a pair, do not get them for everyday wear. They have heal plates and these make every trip on tile an experience in slipping and sliding. The leather is damn stiff, sturdy though, but very stiff and requires a bit of breaking in.
They look really good in person though, I will give them that. I am thinking about seeing about getting a rubber heel put on to make them more walking friendly in public.
The US Service shoes I own are from At The Front, and I wear them for everyday use. They are great. Same with the Jump Boots.

 

[Smithy]

The leather is damn stiff, sturdy though, but very stiff and requires a bit of breaking in.

With the originals, officers used to wear the originals in the bath and walk around in them afterwards to assist the breaking in. No doubt it'll work on the repros as well

 

[Alan Eardley]

Pedantic comment...

Sorry to be pedantic, but there was no such thing as an officer's 'ammo boot'.
The word 'ammo' (from ammunition) refers to items drawn from general stores (literally munitions). This applied only to 'other ranks'. Commissioned Officers had a completely different system of acquiring kit.

Alan

 

[Doug C]

Thanks for that info Trotsky, I'll probably pass on them now, I was worried about the thick looking leather in that photo. I would've asked for the plates to be removed before shipping or ripped em off myself. I even though of having them add the US rubber soles like the service shoe, even though it wouldn't have been authentic. Would you say the service shoes were a thinner leather? I may try Smithy's breakin method when I get the Service shoe, were they very hard to break in (AtTheFront in particular-'cause those are the one's I'd be getting)?

Doug C

 

[Baggers]

Not all boots need to be broken in by soaking in water. If you get the ATF shoes, try wearing them normally at first and see if they don't adjust to your feet on their own. They're made from a thinner and much more supple leather than WPG's officer's boots. They also run large. I usually wear a 12, but ended up taking an 11 in them.

And unless he's fixed these issues in subsequent runs, WPG's British officer's boots are made from a smooth rather than a more proper pebbled leather, run narrow, and the tongue is made from the same thickness of hide as the rest of the boot which, in my opinion, makes them real hard to fit around the ankles.

Cheers!

 

[Trotsky]

Actually I have pictures of three British officer's boots, smooth leather and a rubber heel on everyone of them. They were the same pattern but had little else in common with the Ammo boot.
I don't know about taking a bath with them: they slip bad enough as is!