Are WWII boots comfortable?

[Sulla]

It's a weird question, I know. I am in need of some new boots (my Dr. Martin boots finally gave out after four years of hard use) and was thinking about springing for some reenactment/costume footwear.

I'm getting some new 8 lace Dr. Martins anyhow, but now I want some 'alternative' choices in my closet.

I don't want Indy Jones, or Jedi boots; Nothing that would stand out too badly in an office. I love OD green and military surplus, (see my fav jacket here. Yes that's an Indy Fedora - a fed V Deluxe.) I figured that WWII paratrooper boots (under the pant leg) might work for me, so long as they are not horribly uncomfortable. I found a replica pair at by-the-sword, and some on ebay. I wonder if there is a better place to get them?

 

[NoTsOsErIoUs]

I recently picked up a pair of HH brand Paratrooper jump boots very reasonably on ebay. They haven't been off my feet since. I'm not sure about the WWII spec but the later Corcoran and HH jump boots have a cushioned sole that is the most comfortable thing I've ever worn. I'm definitely on the lookout for more pairs.

 

[stormtrooperguy]

I'm 34, and have been wearing some sort of military surplus boots for the majority of the last 2 decades.

Comfort is really relative to the specific shoes. I've had a few variations on the German jackboot that have always been nice with some good inner soles.

The thing for me about those para boots is the sole... Personally I HATE super flat soles. Even my dress shoes have fairly rugged soles. It's just a pet peeve... I want tire treads on my feet, not smooth leather/rubber.

But the look of the boot is awesome. I'd probably get them and have them resoled with some nice Vibrams or something.

 

[TazMan2000]

Any boot can be more comfortable with the addition of those expensive foam rubber insoles with good arch support. When in the service, I wore very uncomfortable Canadian Parade Boots with that insole. With a good pair of insoles, you could almost run in them without ruining your knees.

TazMan2000

 

[PadawanLearner]

the Paratrooper remakes you linked look very nice. I would say get 'em, if they're still not comfy after a few wears, throw in some insoles and you'll be fine. Those look pretty sharp and if I had the extra cash to throw at footwear, I'd pick myself up a pair.

 

[Eradicator]

The best way is to break them in, what we did when I was on active duty was wear them in shower and made sure that they got good and wet then wore them untill they dried. After doing that a couple of times they would pretty much be a custome fit.
Hope this helps.

 

[jts1031]

That's the way I've done all of my leather boots. Soak them in a tub of water, put on two pairs of socks, and then lace them up as tight as I could stand. Wear them around until they dry, then put a good coat of shoe polish on them and they'll fit wonderfully.

 

[Chief Bast]

That's the way I've done all of my leather boots. Soak them in a tub of water, put on two pairs of socks, and then lace them up as tight as I could stand. Wear them around until they dry, then put a good coat of shoe polish on them and they'll fit wonderfully.

This does seem to be the tried and true method, especially with WWII service shoes or jump boots.

 

[Snakeeyez]

Like an earlier poster said the boots can be made comfortable with insole changes. Military general issue boots are not made with comfort in mind.

It's a weird question, I know. I am in need of some new boots (my Dr. Martin boots finally gave out after four years of hard use) and was thinking about springing for some reenactment/costume footwear.

I'm getting some new 8 lace Dr. Martins anyhow, but now I want some 'alternative' choices in my closet.

I don't want Indy Jones, or Jedi boots; Nothing that would stand out too badly in an office. I love OD green and military surplus, (see my fav jacket here. Yes that's an Indy Fedora - a fed V Deluxe.) I figured that WWII paratrooper boots (under the pant leg) might work for me, so long as they are not horribly uncomfortable. I found a replica pair at by-the-sword, and some on ebay. I wonder if there is a better place to get them?

 

[Ttaskmaster]

I just wear them to wear them in.
Keep them well cared for - Polish if needs be, or leather feed.

I can personally recommend British BCH (Boots, Combat, High) - The old Falklands era issue ones, but get the Mk 2 versions with the padded tongue else you'll have shin splints. Mine have lasted an average 13 years of very heavy daily use and abuse.

Danner boots were pretty good, especially tramping through puddles. They are very waterproof. But they break quickly once you start getting hard on 'em.

 

[PadawanLearner]

The best way is to break them in, what we did when I was on active duty was wear them in shower and made sure that they got good and wet then wore them untill they dried. After doing that a couple of times they would pretty much be a custome fit.
Hope this helps.

does this work with any leather boot or once it's broken in it's broken in?

 

[CMANavy]

No....

 

[maboot38]

Yes that's an Indy Fedora - a fed V Deluxe

I'm sure you meant Fed IV Deluxe.

 

[Risu]

Or he knows something we don't. :lol

 

[Sulla]

Oops, yeah, Fed IV. Or was I... ? jk