Service shoes/boots pics?

[Griemersma]

Alright, so there have been a lot of threads about WWII service shoes, and a lot of discussions about who makes the best repros and why, but what there have not been are many actual pictures of the boots. So... this is a call to all of you that have purchased these from WWii impressions, At the Front, WPG etc. Could you post some pictures? It would be helpful for people who are trying to make a more informed purchase. From my own personal standpoint, I would love to see what the WWII Impressions boots actually look like, because the pictures of them on their website are horrendous. Thanks, everybody!

 

[cookie]

Low 1/4s USAAF




What they should look like?

 

[Griemersma]

I was actually asking about the "Type 2" boots, but those are definitely beauties for low 1/4's...

 

[Mike K.]

Here is a photo of my well-worn Type II service shoes purchased from WWII Impressions.

 

[mattfink]

Here is a photo of my well-worn Type II service shoes purchased from WWII Impressions.

We're they initially this brown or have you been polishing them with a darker color? They look great!

 

[Mike K.]

We're they initially this brown or have you been polishing them with a darker color? They look great!

Nope, that's the original color. I tried really hard to produce a photo that accurately depicts the true color (at least on my computer monitor). Most websites show the boots as being too light and reddish, probably because of the flash photography technique that was used. These boots are a nice, rich russet.

 

[Griemersma]

Thanks for the photo. Yes, they definitely look darker than the pictures on the website. Also, these look like they have black edged soles, whereas some of the others I've seen seem to have a natural colored sole edge.

 

[Trotsky]

Oh, this picture is a few years old, but the boots have not really changed too much. I pecard them once a year and polish once a month. With a good set of insoles I find that these are really comfortable to wear all day. These are the At the Front Model.

 

[Doug C]

Cookie didn't mention it (because it's probably obvious [huh]), but for those that don't know... What Price Glory is the only place from the main three providers, that carry a low quarter dress shoe. I assume that's where his had to have come from.

Doug C

 

[Griemersma]

Thanks guys. Those At The Front boots have the natural sole edge I was talking about. You say you use an insole--according to the website, they run a full half-size big. Did you find this to be true, even after you put an insole in them? I'm a 10 1/2, so I would guess I'd need a 10, but I worry that with an insole it might be too small. If the 11 fits like an 11 1/2 though, that might be too big, even with the insole...[huh]

 

[Mike K.]

Thanks guys. Those At The Front boots have the natural sole edge I was talking about. You say you use an insole--according to the website, they run a full half-size big. Did you find this to be true, even after you put an insole in them? I'm a 10 1/2, so I would guess I'd need a 10, but I worry that with an insole it might be too small. If the 11 fits like an 11 1/2 though, that might be too big, even with the insole...[huh]

I also felt this was an issue and that's the main reason I went with the WWII Impressions boots...they carry ALL the usual sizes and not just the wides like everyone else. They fit true to size so just order your usual. I put insoles in mine and there's enough room to wear moderately heavy wool socks (just a bit snug) or medium weight cotton socks (more roomy fit).

Also, the sole edges are blackened but tend to wear to a natural color rapidly (but the natural color also stains dark from dirt just as quickly). You can always lightly sand them or use edge dressing depending on what color you prefer.

 

[EmergencyIan]

I too have found that my WWII Impressions service shoes are true to size. I had no issue with the fit after inserting an insole.

By the way, Buzz Rickson now produces the low-quarter service shoe. They look terrific, but, of course, they're expensive.


- Ian

 

[Rick]

Old Thread, but there are so many posts here that its hard to search too specifically. At least for me.
Anyhow, the question...
How do you take care of these boots?
What's the mandatory minimum? Mink oil? Wax polish?
I'd love to know what works for all of you, particularly since I just bought a pair from wwii imp.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

http://90thidpg.us/Equipment/Projects/Dubbing/

This seems to work very well.

Later

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

I found an old pair of the service boots on the fleamarket. I treat them with elephant antique leather dressing. They are not the roughouts but the reddish version. So I asked myself if the red paint affects the conditioning? What about the inside? Oil it up too?

 

[Rudie]

Yes, but not with Elephant. Use something less greasy and more liquid like Lexol. And when wearing them for the first time after conditioning, use old sports socks. Don't ruin your best silk hose.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Ok, I will look for lexol. Vintage leather is still not my strength since I was kinda too lazy to buy vintage shoes online (not knowing about condition etc) and rarely see them in the wild but these boots fell on my lap. So I have to treat them right and be prepared for the next pair. Thanks for the tip, Rudie

 

[Rudie]

You're welcome. You can get Lexol on Ebay.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

I guess it didn't hurt that I already applied a small amount of elephant here and there (seams) on the inside too?

The only other vintage pair I have are some black work boots and they had a problem on the back seam. The leather ripped right next to the seam line. They were thinner leather and probably from the sixties. I didn't wear them much before this happened

 

[Rudie]

Probably not. It can be a bit greasy when you use too much. I used lots of it on my goatskin jacket and a few days later it was wearable without messing my clothes.