Matt Deckard
Man of Action
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They are very comfortable on the feet, though they still need to soften up around the ankles. They weigh tonne. I've already been getting stray compliments on them.
rebelgtp said:Hey I figure you might be the guys to ask. A few years ago, ok maybe 15 or so, I found an old pair of brown GI boots at a yard sale and I absolutly loved them. They were the best $5 I had ever spent on a pair of shoes. Anyway these boots had a flap that had 2 buckles and covered the upper laces. Someone told me these were paratrooper boots or somthing like that. I've searched around in the local surplus stores and I have never found another pair like them. The closest I found were all canvas and I beleive Israeli. I have fond memories of wearing these boots until they fell apart and would like to get another pair. Does anyone know what boots I am talking about and where I might find a pair? I would really like to find original boots if I can but if not are there any good (well made) reproductions of these? thanks.
rebelgtp said:yeah those look almost exactly like them the ones i had were a little darker though and the leather looked smoother, however that could just be age and wear who knows.
Wingnut
unfortunately I have big old boats for feet. 12 or 13 depending on the cut of the boot.
BellyTank said:The original 'buckle boots' were late-war, ETO standard issue and were supplied in 'rough-out' finish, to be treted with dubbing. Some examples I have seen had a brown finish but they may have been later issue.
Paratroopers wore the rough-out buckle boots later in the war when production/issue of the taller, brown para boots ceased. I once had an unissued, military marked pair of the rough-out buckle boots with toe-caps, pretty rare I believe.
The French ones are somewhat heavier and bulkier- larger fitting than the US ones, with a heavier lugged rubber sole.
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BellyTank said:WW2 era Para boots have an angled 'anti-foul' heel and web/canvas reinforcing sewn through the ankle sides, for ankle support of course- and usually a 'heel and tap' sole, rather than the one piece sole. There were later versions which look similar but lack the angled heel and reinforcement and have a one-piece sole- post WW2 and Korean war. I have a pair of repros but I don't think they're anywhere near as good as the originals.
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Biltmore Bob said:one of my next investments. Been to the site and can't decide between the service shoes or the boondockers.