WWII Boots - Service, Jump, etc.

[jake431]

The service shoes are great - I plan on purchasing a pair of the Army roughouts before too long. I believe you can't choose a bad pair between the two.

-Jake

 

[BellyTank]

Bob, those 'Blucher style' Russet Service shoes/ankle boots are pretty good for most occasions. I have the Roughours too but mine were from SMWholesale.

Jake I got a pair of those from WW2Imp about 6 years ago but I thought the leather was a bit 'cardboardy'. I had mine re-heeled, they split across the bend in the foot. Maybe yours are better leather- the orig's were thicker and more supple than mine were. But my Airborne boots are the same leather- not so good. I think the leather's a little lightweight for the job.

B
T

 

[Biltmore Bob]

SMW Wholesale? Can't find the site...

 

[Biltmore Bob]

www.smwholesale.com

Homepage won't come up on my machine...what do you know 'bout them BT?

 

[BellyTank]

Well- they made good quality US and German reenactor gear and were derided by the other vendors, especially 'At the Front' for using Mexican labour.

"None of that South of the Border Crap!, our products are proudly made right here in the USA..."...said At the Front.

Last time I looked at the SMW web site, there was a message from the
ISP, saying... "Fark you and your website, I deleted all the files, permanently, HA! serves you right for not paying up"

Someone didn't like them-

They are currently off line-

B
T

 

[Biltmore Bob]

I just went to the At The Front site...

They tell you their boots a not made in the US.

Who's got the best Boonies? And I don't whant to pay an arm and a leg either.

 

[BellyTank]

That's what he says now- he used to be a bigger loud mouth than he is now...

Oh, I see- so maybe HIS shoes are from South of the Border now too, even India maybe...

He says they're identical to the originals but of course, looking at the pics you can see how they don't quite catch the look of the vintage article.

WW2Impressions, ATF or choices-

or Jerry- http://www.whatpriceglory.com/usboot.htm

B
T

 

[Biltmore Bob]

So, you're saying WPG is the best, or what?

Choose from these three?

Sounds like a bunch of competition. WW2Imp says Corchoran by Cove made in USA. WPG says no such thing as Corchoran, and they get their boots from Mexico (I don't care where they are made, btw, as long as they are good). ATF get there stuff from who knows, but they are substantialy less expensive.

 

[Biltmore Bob]

I have a pair of these, I take the kiltie off, they are not rough out but they are some kind of brushed suede leather. I don't reinact but at a distance I'msure they would pass muster. I can get them for $80 all day long, Assembled in Honduras.

http://www.wolverinebootsandshoes.com/catalog/detail.aspx?pid=7220&stid=&stocknumber=&parnavid=BGPG

 

[BellyTank]

The choice is yours Bob, I am but the messenger- don't shoot!

I know for a fact that a lot of US reenactor gear is being made in India, I know one of the Indian manufacturers. WPG has stuff made in India but he says his shoes are made in Mehico- but I know for sure that his officer shoes are actually made in India. ATF has suddenly become very mysterious(?)- maybe his 'Good ole USA made' stuff is too expensive...
WW2 Impressions are good enough, I have a pair, Jake has a pair.
ATF look PRETTY good though.

As I mentioned, the name 'Corcoran' is owned by Cove Shoe- Corcoran was a big WW2 manufacturer. Corcoran by name...

They're all good. But I myself would try a pair from ATF out of curiosity...


Choice is your's- these are the 3 top US vendors of US gear.

Those Wolverines are nice enough but not close enough for a WW2 style- the thick lugged rubber soles are a giveaway.

B
T

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Fair enough, my friend...

I think I'll stick with the Wolverines I have right now. They are a little high, but then again I wear long pants with them. They are light, I mean really light. If they get messed up, I can get another pair around the corner for cash.

Thanks BT, for the information.

 

[rebelgtp]

wow looks like i'm not the only one looking for those things thanks for all the tips guys i'll probobly order a pair of the close enough ones that have the chunkier sole this coming month, that will actually work out well since the areas i go all the traction i can get the better lol.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Still happy with my russets, and still getting compliments left and right. These shoes are so Mickey mouse in style. Ver comfortable.

 

[Zach R.]

I was looking at the service shoes on "atthefront" and was wondering something, are these shoes good for wearing on a daily basis or are they more for "historically accurate" reenacting?

 

[Matt Deckard]

I'm not sure about Atthefront.

The ones from WWII impressions are good for war.

They run big
I wear a 9 1/2 eee in dress shoes, I had to order a 8W for the size to be right.

 

[Zach R.]

Seems like we share exactly the same shoe size, Matt. It'll make my ordering the right size easier :cheers1:

 

[Zach R.]

I think I might place an order for the service shoes from At The Front within the week, I don't really like the look of the thick rubber soles on the ones from WWII Impressions.

 

[BellyTank]

It's not a 'thick rubbeer sole', it's actually the same as the ATF ones- a leather sole with a sewn-on rubber tap, same as ATF. It just looks different due to the shine.
I have a pair, I know what the construction is like.
A few people here have the WW2Imp' ones and can vouch for this.

B
T

 

[Zach R.]

Hmm, I guess you're right.

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

ATF boots are generally good in my opinion. They make a good German low boot anyway.