My father didn't serve, but he did have a pair of WW2 British army boots and had them at least from the 1960s to the 1980s for gardening or when doing construction. They looked tatty, with bits of concrete on, etc., but just kept on going.
I don't know about this particular brand, but British army boots had a reputation for being very hard on the feet and uncomfortable. In the 1970s/80s the drill was for new recruits to stand in a bath for a bit, soaking their boots, and then go for a long march/hike, to break the boots in. I walked the West Highland Way in modern hiking boots while my friend with me wore British army boots. His feet were a mass of blisters and red raw patches by the end. Mine were fine. Today, new recruits have worn trainers all their lives, and their feet are too soft to be put straight into army boots.
We were issued with high leg combat boots from day 1 in the Royal Navy and expected to run, March and hike in them from day one. That WAS 2010, mind you….
I joined the Coldstream guards in 1981 as a junior leader at shornecliffe. we were issued these ammo boots and made to wear them for an exercise in winter time, I think the idea was to get them worn in quickly. It was like wearing two lumps of iron on your feet. All the wet/snow didn't do the boots much good either.
My grandfather fought in WW11, Australian army. He said that they would break in new boots by standing in water for ages and then walking around for as long as possible. Blisters inevitable, but it was the fastest least painful way of breaking them in.
Hi, I was issued with 2 pairs of Ammo Boots in the fifties and could tell you that they were crap, and thats not just my opinion but that of a lot of cobblers in UK. First, the boots you are holding don’t have a toe cap so it’s very likely that they were issued to the RAF, the Royal Navy or the Canadians. The Brits had dimpled leather toe caps and heels. First thing that we had to do was iron the toe cap and heel to stretch the leather so that it would take twenty layers of shoe polished mirror shine. There were 13 studs in the sole and a steel horse shoe in the heel. The leather lace had a knot in one end and the lace was threaded from the toe cap end in one continuous loop. Laces were also polished! These boots were only ever used for important parades and usually lived in the bottom of your steel locker. The other pair of boots became your work boots, these were the ones your life depended on. So, you placed them in a bucket of water overnight, put on two layers of socks on your feet the next morning and put your wet boots on, lacing them up tight and went for a ten mile run. When you came back you made sure that they were nice and dry and started putting as much Dubbing (leather preservative) as the boots could take and went for a quick three mile run and got the Dubbing out and rubbed some more. After that you got your Kiwi boot polish and worked the polish in to get a reasonable shine on them to pass the daily inspection. Because the tongue in these boots came up only halfway up made the boots wet inside when you stepped into a deep puddle. In the Paras we wore the short Puttees over the boots, partly to strengthen the ankle area and partly to deter water entering. A lot of us managed to get the Wet Weather Waterproof boots issued for Artic warfare and they were definitely waterproof but heavy. The next issue in the late fifties we got the same boots but with a rubber Commando Sole. Les noisy but still a crapy fit and just as wet. The first decent pair of boots i got issued was in New Zealand, these were high boots with the tongue attached all the way to the top of the boot. I hope that this first hand footwear knowledge is of some use. The Army issue shoes in the seventies were pretty good and lasted well. Cheers mate. Harera
Ive a photo of my Dad taken i think after May 1945 in Germany looking really smart but his friend with him in the tank corp i think has shoes on , i never seen a soldier the in shoes
The John White factory shown was in a small town called Rushden, about 15 miles east of Northampton. The factory is now converted into appartments. As a kid, living in Rushden in the 1970s I used to be taken to the factory shop to buy shoes - they were 'seconds' meaning that had slight cosmetic defects and couldn't be sent out to shops - I think in those days most kids in the area went to school in good quality footwear. It's a shame most of the factories have gone but we still have a few high end shoe manufacturers in the area keeping the old skills alive. Thanks for an interesting video and bringing back a few memories.
Agreed and so has most of britian, since most of its been going over to china, where is the proud label made in britian a factory worker would come home after nine hours of work read the news paper and his sons would walk into the house with a new pair of boots and the dad went (Son those shoes you’re wearing was made by me) even jobs were generational where your great grandfather worked in the mines, your grandad worked in the mines, your dad worked in the mines hell even you would work in the mines if school was off, yes people didn’t have a lot but people were happy
Plastic fake leather.... ill fittong jackboots and well afghan heat... dare to say i ubderstand them completely, wearing a german jackboots is just a "different animal" completely.
Every British Army Infantry Battalion until 1965 had a Cobbler. He repaired Boots, Ankle and returned them to the Quartermaster Store for pickup by the individual soldier. This included replacement studs, heel and toe plates, and stitching-up breaks in the upper leather. This practice ceased after 1965, when Boots, DMS (Direct Moulded Sole) came into service. Thereafter, boots were simply replaced as a whole Stores unit.
DMS boots, had a few pairs in the late 70's early 80"s (Crab air so not alot of of rough treatment) and even we said they were rubbish, the Falkland war confirmed this, did not go, but some of my para mates said they "swopped" boots with captured Argie troops, as theres were better quality!!.
My grandfather was a member of PPCLI who fought in Korea . He said one day he found a pair of British boots on a battle field . He said he was happy to have found such a treasure because the British had the best boots . Anyway when he picked one up there was still a foot in it ! The previous owner was literally blown out of his boots .
William Lennon, one of the original government suppliers, is still making these for under £200. They've been making excellent quality boots for work, hiking and casual wear since 1904. They also make specialised boots for certain industries, such as foundrymen and hill shepherds.
@@dngrmousey if you want them for the autumn order now. In fact you might not get them till Christmas. They are all made to order and have a 4-5 month lead time. I love my Lennon boots though, they were well worth the wait! (I have the 78TC work boot with Vibram sole customised in a different leather)
Bought some British Army boots in an army surplus store, probably date from the 1950s or 1960s. Used them for many years mainly for motorcycling but also for hiking. Fantastically waterproof. Best pair of boots I ever owned.
As a British forces veteran I believe I may be able to add some extra snippets of info. Ammo boots, usually more modern, are prized highly among serving soldiers. They are kept aside for purely ceremonial purposes. Full dress parades etc. They are polished, or bulled as we called it, to a mirror finish. And due to their full leather construction they are long lasting and are usually sold on once a soldier leaves service. I had a pair I bought when I joined from a guy who was leaving. I kept those boots immaculate for 8 years through many many pardes and sold them on when I left years later. I would not be surprised if they are still being used. Love your videos and would love to see you strip down a pair of 90s era Danner Matterhorns. The best pair of combat boots I ever had. Keep up the great work.
Danner..nice boots..bit expensive though..best boots used where made by Lowa..not any of their high leg ones..but the just up over the ankle..survived many a crease job of a battle march with them and a good pair of socks..
Ahhh Danner/Matterhorn are a joke since you can't ever fit them right with that cutout they have The rare times I needed a insulated boot (training in New Zealand) I wore their Fort Lewis (I think it was Lewis.....Fort something or another) boot because it was a taller version of their Acadia, which fit my foot like a glove
A version of these boots is still being made, in Britain, the traditional way by a company called William Lennon. They’re a truly great boot maker, still using traditional methods in the same factory they’ve been is since 1904. Well worth checking out if you enjoy quality footwear.
I have a pair of their version of the Canandian Mk 5 , well worth a look but popular and you may a have a wait , mine were made to order ( right foot injury) and a sound investment.
@@sgtcrabfat I’m waiting for a custom pair of field boots from them. Currently about 12 weeks into a 20 week lead time, which sucks but it’ll be worth the wait I’m sure. They’re even pre-stretching the left boot for me to accommodate my weird shaped foot. A great company and it feels good to support a GB firm.
I joined the British Army in 1976 just after leaving school, and we were issued the "Boots DMS" which were patterned on these, except they had rubber sole, pimpled leather on the outside and a smooth toecap. They were pretty much useless, as discovered during the Falklands war, when they were found to be as "waterproof as a pair of sandals", and soldiers were getting trench foot, not seen since WW1. They were replaced in the mid 80s by a high combat boot with a bellows tongue, and these were slightly less crap. For parades, we'd purchase our own non issue ammo boots, which, like these had a double leather sole and hob nails set in groups of 3, and a heel and toe plate. They were very stiff, also had pimpled uppers which needed to be "burned down" and a smooth toe cap and heel. Good for marching and holding a bull without cracking. They're still used today for ceremonial use by the Guards Division.
I joined in '63 and the first issue boots were ammo of 1940s vintage. Later we were issues boots DMS which were alright for wandering around the office etc. but as a plant op. I would go through the soles in about 6 months needing a replacement.
When you took the blade to the boot to cut it in half, my heart almost stopped. Almost 30 years ago I worked as a cobbler hand tailor making medical shoes and boots and doing repairs on various leather goods like horse harnesses, saddles and such. I could have told you the high quality of work that would have gone into those boots without you cutting them open. Edit: modern shoes and boots will never last as long as the old shoes and boots. Too many modern inferior materials are used in shoes these days. Sometimes I wish I still had the tools for cobbling. I'd make my own damn shoes.
So I found out. This was the first of his videos I've seen. Checked out his channel after watching and most of the modern shoes he cuts up are rubbish anyway.
I think that if you have a high enough subscriber count, the number of people who are going to see the video justifies destroying the boot. I'm never going to be able to see one of these boots personally, but I get to learn about the quality because of this channel. That said, I felt the same thing when the knife went in.
I had the same boot from my south Africa army days. But a rubber sole. They're still the most comfortable boots I've had. I walked 6000km on patrol in sandy soil in Namibia
There's other advantages of making boots with the leather rough side out; that the rough outside absorbs wax-type waterproofing very easily, and when it does get soaked, the inner skin side of the leather usually stays watertight, helping to keep the soldiers' feet dry - plus due to the coarser grain of the outside, it dries out faster. There's an old horseman's saying - "No foot, no horse"; but it applies just as much to a soldier, doesn't it? Many thanks for yet another fascinating video, and a look into an aspect of history which is rarely covered anywhere else.
I've enjoyed your videos and because this one is fresh, will add something about my experience with work boots. More specifically in the field with a survey crew and then as a geologist in mining exploration. This dates back to 1957 with my first pair, but with a leather or flat compound sole they had little traction on wet boulders or flat-lying saplings. Had hobnails installed, which was better in saplings but not good on rocks. Wore them once on a cold day and the heat loss was noticeable. In graduating in 1962, there was a European boot maker on campus, mainly making hiking or climbing boots to just above the ankle. Had a pair made with 8-inch uppers for going through the wet places. The "Vibram" sole was new then and the improvement in traction in most terrain was outstanding. The boots were beautifully made with a very smooth lining--and I still have them. In working for a "junior" exploration company we made some money on a discovery, such that I went into the investment business, only wearing them on some consulting work. Now my very dear friends, they are well-worn, but not worn-out.--Sigh--like me.
@@SilverKnightPCs Had I continued full-time field work in mountain terrain the boots would have been worn out. Going down skree slopes wore out the heel counters. Nevertheless, the soles are well-worn but I had them re-nailed about forty years ago.
@@SilverKnightPCs Hey--a conversation. I've looked after the uppers with leather preservatives such that they need no work. In good shape. I've lost a lot of weight over the past 18 months and some morning when my feet are not too "puffy" I'll try to put them on.
Just a note on how to lace up Ammo Boots. I served in the British Army from 1970 to 1995. Started with Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion at Oswestry in Shropshire. We were taught how to lace the boots by our two Platoon Sergeants- Alec Chisholm Scots Guards and John Hamill Queens Regiment. A knot is tied one end of the lace and threaded through the lace holes from the bottom left lace hole. The lace comes out the top lace hole and is wrapped round and tucked through itself to secure it. The same applied to DMS boots and Boots Combat High but changed with the issue of Boots Combat Assault which had metal mountain boot type hooks. The laces were leather. This method of lacing was called "Kings Pattern". Hope this is of interest. PS I have never laced a pair of boots using a bow or knot.
On the topic of lacing... When I was a kid, an old man in our village told me that he was out in Burma, during the war. He told a story about how the Sikhs they had with them would strip down to their shorts and go out into the jungle at night with just a dagger, hunting Japanese soldiers. At a certain point, they had a detachment of Americans stationed with them. The Americans began losing their sentries at night. It turned out that the Sikhs were crawling up behind people, in the dark, and feeling their boot laces. If they were laced up in regulation British Army style, they'd simply crawl away again. If not, they'd leap up, slit the throat and move on. The Americans were instructed to change the way they laced their boots and instantly stopped losing men in the night. How true it is, I couldn't say, but as a 10 year old kid, it made me very particular about lacing my boots the way the old man showed me... in case the Sikhs got me, in the dark.
Supposedly the reason for this type of lacing was that should you suffer a foot injury, say from a bamboo stake or a "toe popper" type mine, it was said to make it easier for a medic to cut through the laces to remove your boots. In reality when you get badly wounded they just cut the boots off with surgical shears.
To be fair, the channel has yet to cut open a pair of modern Northampton made boots from one of the heritage British boot manufacturers (e.g Trickers, Crocket and Jones, Cheaney etc). Would be interesting to compare them to these John Whites
When I was a coal miner a long time ago (in the UK) I'm almost certain the boots I was given at the mine were John White made. Something rings a bell with the design and quality.
I found myself wondering about who had worn those boots and what they had experienced together. My Dad did a stint as a travelling salesman when I was a kid in the sixties. The company used to sell clothes and shoes often on credit. I recall my Dad showing me his stock one day, opening a shoe box with reverence, explaining to me that these shoes were John Whites and they were the best. Great video, I've enjoyed these historic videos.
Quick note on the comfort of hobnails - if you're on soil/sand, they're both comfortable and provide a really good grip. Works especially well on show/ice; your weight drives them in and gives you a better grip than you get out of just about anything else; if you've ever put yaktraks on a pair of boots, they're like that but better since they can't shift or slip. On any kind of hard surface (like pavement), they're not great, and they make your footsteps sound strange. They also tear the hell out of any indoor floor finish - take them off outside if you value your floors. I keep a pair of my work boots nailed for hard digging/landscaping and snow clearance; mine are nailed by driving 1/4" hexhead screws into the lugs of the soles. They wear forever and really help with the grip.
2:36 I would definitely dispute that statement. Arguably the highest quality "off the rack" dress shoes and boots in the world are still made in Northampton. Cheaney, Crockett and Jones, Edward Green, Foster, Gaziano and Girling, Grenson, John Lobb, John White, Loake and Trickers (to name just a few) all still turn out fantastic footwear from Northampton. And of course there's Dr Martens, which I know you're not a fan of (neither am I), but you can't deny their iconic status.
I think the point he was making is that Northampton used to produce millions of shoes, exported around the world. Nowadays there’s only a handful of firms left, some of whom farm out production to India. I don’t think he was disputing the quality of welted shoes still made in Northampton.
Grenson aren't very good anymore unfortunately, and Loake aren't work buying unless they're the 1880 range, even then they've started to cut corners post pandemic in terms of quality
@@hunting4honeys I haven't worn a pair of Grensons for a while so can't say. I have many pairs of Loakes myself. In what way has their manufacturing changed since the pandemic?
@@rebel200794 they've started using painted leather instead of tanned. This kind of leather is much more brittle and thin. They've also been sneaking a lot of production to India
I remember my neighbor (Canadian ww2 veteran) telling me that as soon as they had the chance to get a pair of British issue boots, they would jump at the chance. Thanks for answering why!
As an ex Royal Marine, we still got decent boots even back when I was serving - not sure about the regular Army, but I doubt they got given trash. At the start it was Doc Martens, then followed by Haix and Altbergs. I still have a few now in my shed, one pair must be 20 years old (I signed up in 97 so maybe older) and had so much wear yet they're still almost new looking. I looked after them at one point, but I haven't since joining civvie street and they're still going strong. My Grandad still has an old pair of his from when he served in the 50's, I'm not sure who made those though, I've never really looked.
Not my experience. As an officer the ammo DMS boots were total shit and contributed to trenchfoot in Falklands. Maybe you're thinking of something COTS gucci, but no Drill Pig is going to allow yellow stitching from your gucci doc martens on Their acre.
Well that's interesting. When I joined the (British) Army in 1972 I was issued with an old pair of ammunition boots. I was told that they had to have at least 13 hobnails in each sole (or else), and you mentioned the figure 13 around about 7.40 minutes in to the video. I can't remember if my boots were date stamped, I was more interested in keeping them polished after cleaning the mud off them. They were very flexible and I could fire from the kneeling position sitting on the heel of the right boot with my toes parallel to the ground. That was impossible with the DMS boots I was given a couple of years later, their soles were stiffer.
I think one of the issues with "higher quality" (aka hardier) boots is they're not as comfortable. Hence why modern boots use modern materials like foam or chrome tan. People are no longer willing to piss in their boots just to make them bearable.
It's also much harder to find brick and mortar stores for the hardier boots so folks end up buying the wrong size online and think that "breaking in" means blisters and literally bleeding from their feet so they give up on them. Forums online are littered with people saying their red wing's are killing their feet.
Modern combat boots are meant to be something you replace every few years, they sacrifice durability for performance. The difference between hiking with synthetic mesh boots and leather boots is frankly night and day, even when leather is fully broken in. Probably the biggest difference is the weight, there is an old saying that every 1lb on your foot is equal to 5lb on your back. The mesh is something that is extremely important for preventing trench foot when water gets into your boot as well, as it allows the water to properly drain out.
@@jfs5873 I've hiked in mesh and leather. The leather are stronger but you have to take them off every hour or two just to air your feet, the mesh you can walk all day in them and your feet will be fine. The problem is it's getting harder to get good mesh boots.
@@manticore4952 I have modern leather hiking boots (Scarpa SL) and they are really very comfortable even for all day hiking in 30 degree C heat. My last pair lasted me 10 years, I replaced them a year ago.
My father served in the South African army in the 60s and 70s. When I completed school in 1995, he gave me a pair of his boots, those were thee most comfortable shoes/boots I have ever worn. I wore them so much, I had small little calluses above each shoe string ring on the bridge of my foot....and also, they lasted longer than any pair of my shoes ever.
Can you look at the American jump boots from Corcoran and see how they how up quality wise to these ww2 era boots? We still use them as dress uniform items nowadays.
I got a pair that I bought a couple of years ago and let me tell you they suck. They're super lightweight but quality simply isn't there. They feel very plasticky just like the doc martens. I don't think they deserve a review. Maybe the old Corcorans were good but not the new ones.
@@RogerLoera I've owned the Corcoran brown historic jump boots for about four years now. They do have a painted on finish (which I stripped off and re-dyed) and don't feel as solid as my White's boots (much thinner heel counter, no leather lining in the vamp, foam sock liner) but they're absolutely a cut above Doc Martens I've owned imo. They're Goodyear welted with a half sole/heel that are both nailed into what I'm guessing is a "leather board" (shredded leather bonded with adhesive) midsole.
As a WW2 enthusiast and former living history and reenactment bod who did British army and commando, I have to say that I was almost crying with you cutting the boot in half however it was very interesting to see the results, ww2 and post war boots were fantastic and really well built, I have owned a few pairs over the years and have worn them for long periods and done a lot in them and they are great to wear and comfortable and I would wear them in the Blacksmiths shop to when I did museum days, we used hobnails and rubber top souls as British commando and some other groups started using crepe and rubber for some operations for quite work, the hob nails work well and are comfortable albeit a little noisy at times but they are great for sliding across high polished marble floors. Good boots and my cobbler always loves working on them as he has around 20 history guys who use him. Good video and very interesting series thanks.
It's neither the ammonia nor an old wives tail, it's making the leather wet and then wearing the boots that forms them to your feet better. I came across this by "accident" when i did my conscript time. I was standing in heavy rain for two hours waiting for a convoy to arrive and guide them into place. I was able to wear an issue Goretex jacket, and my steel helmet, so my upper body stayed dry, but the rain water ran down my knees and into my boots. That happened around 6-8 in the morning. Then the rain stopped and the sun came out. I wore the boots the rest of the day, put as much newspaper into them over night, and wore them again the next day. So i basically wore them until dry. Never ever has a leather boot had a better fit to my feet than that pair of boots! (i sadly had to give back at the end of my service) So in short: you can just make the leather a little wet and then wear them.
I’ve also heard very similar stories and always been told too pour water into my brand new boots and wear them until they dry out ( either through heat of my feet or the environment ) or wear them for around a day or so and dry it out with some paper or cloth Never done this myself but I’ve been told many times it’s the best way to wear in a new boot
It's not the same as just getting them wet with water. In the German paratroopers, we also pissed in them and it neutralizes some of the tanning acids that soften your skin/inflame them and cause rashes and blisters in the beginning. By peeing in them, they won't get much softer but guys who did it had less blisters and hot needles to deal with.
You should do an H.H. Brown Canadian Marching boot next. These things are practically indestructible, even if they are neglected. I've worn these almost exclusively for 30 years.
As Weston said: Even by ww2 there was discussion back then at the time that boot quality was declining, it makes me wonder if 'good quality' WW1 boots could be even higher quality than these WW2 boots.
Some aspects are actualy better in ww1 boots but some improvements were made in (german) ww2 boots, like the metal plate near the toe end of the foot to help with marching.
"higher quality" does not equate to better combat boot. If they used all leather and it weighed 4 lbs, i guarantee you that 100% of all armed forces personnel hated it.
@@BiigiieCheeese people hated anythinf associated with the horrors of war if they weren't crazy. Example vietnam. They just did not want to be part of it.
I wore DMS boots in my military training in the nineteen eighties during the Falklands war it was found that they held the water were too short in height, caused many problems. It amazes me why it took so long to discover this it changed to the far better high leg still DMS boot by 1984.
not sure it was 'discovered' at all in the Falklands. . .it was obviously common knowledge that DMS boots were ludicrously out of date and useless, but the MOD was just inept.
@@krisjonesuk that's right. They make a lot of more budget shoes that aren't welted and are quite nasty. But I have some much better country style brogues (think Trickers) from them from a few years back that they've used their old "impregnable" slogan for and for good reason as they are beautifully made, tough and storm welted. Well up with the standard of Northampton quality shoes, which their budget ones certainly aren't
@@jonstern7511 trickers are known to be really good, tough boots, and good to know the quality is there from your experience. Of course not cheap either but hey
@@jimmy7494 Indeed. I don't own any Trickers and can't guarantee mine are quite that good (I was mentioning Trickers because they do a lot of those country shoe and boots design) but they are certainly not far off! Can't see anything of that quality on their website currently though!
Fascinating - don't know why this came up on my UA-cam recommendations but glad I watched. One of my sons lives in Northampton and the remains of some of the old factories are still visible. Incidentally the nickname of the local professional football (soccer) team is The Cobblers
Northampton UK still makes the world's best shoes. Foster & sons, Edward Greens, John Lobb & Solovair to name a few. Crown as mentioned in the video. Northampton hasn't stopped making awesome shoes, but the world seems to prefer cheap and disposable. I mean... who even repairs their shoes these days?
@@Sth_Magical The Dm brand name was sold to a company in the far east and are not the same quality. My last pair of Dm steel toe shoes fell apart in less than 12 months, just got a pair of Solovair shoes new and the difference is night and day. The leather is thicker and all the inside is lined with a thin soft leather, the Dm's just had cloth lining not the same quality.
Crockett and Jones, Trickers, Loake, Barker, Sanders, the list goes on. There's more companies making goodyear welted shoes in the 'shire than in all of america.
@GrS It isn't silly, you can look at this one part of the shoe to see where Solovair cuts corners: they use rubber welts and rubber outsoles compared to the other manufaturers who still use oak bark tanned leather welts onto either leather outsoles or Dainite/ridgeway/a derivative. Specifically the welt itself is something which is a crucial part of a shoe's construction and requires that it be a study material.
Really love these videos. Would be great to see you cut in half the modern British Army boot from Altberg (From Yorkshire in the UK). Think the standard issue is the Altberg Warrior or Defender mk2? Maybe compare to countries' standard military boot? That would be really interesting.
That would indeed be an excellent video. I hope he does it. From conversations it does seem that many militaries issue gash in the knowledge that soldiers will spend their own money for a bit more comfort in the field.
High quality does not mean practical in today's battle field. Anchored down with a pair of weight-laden boots weighing 2 pounds on each foot will definitely handicap you where mobility and agility are foremost requirements. Of course, without the need to of a lengthy break-in period is god-send on the foot soldiers while on a warpath.
Great if your supply line is intact but certain death if you are caught behind enemy lines and your boots get shredded by NATO wire or the synthetic melts cause you left it too close to a fire and you have to hump it barefooted. 😂
Couple points: - The General Service boots (ammo boots) in British service were of a pebble grain leather. Generally not this rougher side; - They were straight / ladder laced, in order to be cut open in one swoop in case of foot injury; - There weren't any hobnails on the heel. There was a horseshoe fixed to the heel. Also there was an iron toe plate nailed to the toe of the sole. Both fittings were done to protect the sole from wear. The hobnails was a combination of protecting the leather and adding grip to the leather sole.
I have a pair of Cheaney boots, made in Northamptonshire and they are easily one of the best pair of boots I've ever owned. They weren't cheap but I figured an upgrade to my thorogoods was necessary after the plastic welt snapped.
Very interesting. My beloved old Thorogoods are finally reaching the end of their lives after three years of faithful service. I might have to look into those Cheaney boots.
I spent 21 years in the Army. The best boots I ever had were my basic training “leg” boots. I never wore them out, but they became non-regulation issue after about 15 years, around the time of the first gulf war, when the entire uniform changed. Once broken in, they were like wearing sneakers, but with ankle support.
@ I liked the Altima boots. I always wore them in the field. Required to wear jump boots in garrison (82d). They were OK, but never broke in like the Altimas. The only good thing I can say about the brown desert boots is you didn’t have to polish them. They never fit right.
Fantastic video! Very informative! I love series about vintage military boots! Thank you! I own Swedish M59 military boots which are also great example of quality and durability!
My GGrandfather, grandfather, great uncles and father wore these boots as career soldiers who were also serving during the WW’S. When my time came for me to join up in the early 1970’s (I served 17 years) I wore boots similar to these. I took their advice on breaking in boots (my great grandfather was still alive and fit when I joined the army and lived through my first two years) and pee’d in mine when I got them from the stores. It seemed to work, but so did soaking them and wearing them until they dried naturally.
Would love to see a comparison with a modern reproduction ammo boot. It would be very interesting to see what the mass produced modern version looks like.
If you have not seen them, try finding Australian Army boots which basically were unchanged from WW1 to WW2. Apparently they were a highly prized trading item in both wars.
I was about to say. These are 100% wearable. Even if you had to get them resoled. The uppers are fk'n beautiful. A lot of designers now try to replicate this look. No way would I have cut these up. I would wear these.
I know. they needed new welts technically but I bet a skilled cobbler could have gotten away using the original welts one last time. Everything learned from destroying these could have been learned by re-soling them. This video was really hard to watch because of that.
Excellent video, I have worn a few different Canadian military (Army, and air force flying boot), and was always surprised at the durability. I live in logging country, and there are still many speciality cork boot makers. Now, I see why some of these boots are so expensive. It is not only the materials, but the construction, that makes the custom boots so special. Because of your channel, I am just finding out more about boots than I ever wanted to know, and it has been an enjoyable experience. I have read a lot of military history, and often wondered why the Germans and Soviets stayed with the same looking boot for so many years. Now I know.
I'd be very curious to see this boots compared to a modern reproduction made by the UK maker William Lennon & Co. They're still a family owned business an I believe also made boots for both world wars. Their construction method is one I think people will find interesting.
@@roverboat2503 While I've never owned a pair myself and can't drop by (I live in the States) I'd very much like to own a pair. Is it true they are pretty friendly to wide feet?
@@Lmolina90 you can send them a trace of your foot, they will match a last to it for you :) In general though, UK shoes are wider than in the USA I think. But contact William Lennon I'm sure they will be happy to help!
Regarding the ruggedness of the Ammo Boot, it is amazing. However, having actually used these boots, while on parades when I served in the British Army, and when I was a WW2 Re-enactor. Even after they are broken in, they where unconfutable with not much flexibility, requiring padded insoles, and tended to cut into sections of the foot after long marches. There was also the problem with the tongue of the boot not being sewn in, therefor it use to leak water into the boot. The DMS (directly moulded soul) versions in the 1980's with rubber soles, although more flexible, still required short puttees to be used, to ensure mud and water did not enter the boot. I was very glad when long legged boots were issued in the mid 80's. The comparison between the ammo boots and modern military boots is like night and day.. I understand the purpose of these videos, is to discuss the characteristic's and making of a particular boot, but unless you have walked in those boots, you will never be able to appreciate the essence of that boot.
Yeah, a tough boot isn't always a comfortable one, unfortunately. That lack of a gusseted tongue also sounds brutal. Lord knows, puttees only keep out so much.
I needed a pair of Boots for my first job in the 1970s and my Mum rooted out a pair of my Uncles that he'd worn in WW II, very similar to the ones you've reviewed. They were a bit dusty and stiff so asked my dad about pissing in them. He had been in the Army himself and suggested Boot Polish. Well that did the trick and loosened them up a bit. First couple of weeks were painful then I switched to wearing Wellingtons. Considering they were second hand and thirty years old by the time I had them they were excellent boots. There's a slim chance they'll turn up again at my brothers tucked away in a cupboard. Crikey they were built to last though.
My dad fought in the Second war with the Canadian Army. I used to have his boots. If l still did, I'd send them to you to cut apart as I'd be curious as to their construction. They were similar in appearance to your US boots you did earlier. Keep up the great work, very interesting stuff. 👍
they make reproductions of these boots, i wonder how accurate they are in construction. i know William Lennon still makes the B5 ankle boot from WW1 on the same machinery, would love to see those cut in half
Winston said that these WW2 boots are equal to $1000 USD boot nowdays. William Lennon B5 WW1 reproductions are £205.95 (converts to ~250USD at the time of this comment). Obviously massive corners are cut to get to 1/4th the price. Perhaps fewer layers of leather, thinner leather, lower quality leather, fewer or lower quality studs/nails? Not a good way to see the quality of boots truely made in WW1.
I’m a wwii reenactor and portray the 9th para battalion during 1944 to 45.(British airborne ) Those are indeed not standard issue British ammo boots. The standard issue ammo boots were a cap toe pebble grain boot, that came black and the only thing a soldier would do is mirror polish the heels and toes and dub the rest with period water proofing. As for the peeing myth, it by no means was anywhere near common, if done at all. As with any all leather boot they do indeed hurt during the break in, but once they’re broken in they feel amazing. Also the hobnails don’t hurt at all with 3 pieces of leather in between. Sm wholesale and William Lennon make on par boots to originals. I love your channel but the info on your WWII boots could be better.
Comfort over 'Last' when you're under fire and shells whizzing past your ears? It's a no brainer - COMFORT all day long! If you're putting your life on the line the MOD can supply comfortable footware as long as required.
When I first started hiking as a teenager in the mid sixties (Australia) I used army disposal ww2 boots just like these. I put trihobs in them which was standard AIF issue. The traction on mossy logs or greasy rock was terrific, much better than any of the rubber soles I have used since. Not so good on hard smooth rock and terrible on tiled floors. You could wear them wet for days.
I joined the Brit Army in 1989. The ammo boot was changed about then because water was getting in over the top in the Falklands. They changed it to a higher boot but cheapy made with no research. Out of a squad of 50 in basic only 17 of us were left without shin splints. It turned out the boots were not letting you bend your ankle properly. A year of so later, some Doctor discovered the problem and we had to lace the boots up missing holes, were your ankle bends. Later boots fixed the problem. Underestimating how important basic equipment like boots are can lead to big mistakes.
They were not ammo boots but DMS and my feet were soaking wet when on patrol , guys were having feet problems in fermanagh I never served in the Falklands but in NI we were issued boots combat high to overcome come water getting into the boots, and we covered the boots combat high in neats oil then polished them to a dull shine because of the neats oil , then had to bull the buggers for guard mount and other shit parades I was issued the combat high boots just after the Falklands war still have them bulled up but the rubber soles are falling apart, bad shelf life
Back in the 70's me and my best mate would buy army surplus boots. They had steel toe caps and hobnails. Skidding on paving slabs! We made a bit of a mess of the parquet floor in the school hall. Happy days
Hi I think these might be officers’ boots, made for private purchase. In WW2 and before, British officers had to furnish all their own kit and uniform, sometimes even revolvers. Officers’ boots were generally brown, (perhaps not all regiments as some chose black leather) and sometimes included features not found on issued ammo boots. I see these boots have a soft leather lining (very nice) and it looks like they have a sewn in/waterproof tongue which were not part of the War Dept specifications. IF the soles and heels have not been replaced over the boots’ life then the long headless nails in the heels are similar to the the heels on many private purchase officer’s boots. The issue ammo boots had metal horseshoes rather than these - very loud and very hard wearing. I’m not sure how “officer like” horse shoes were considered, as they were a feature of a working man’s boot. This stuff matters when you are an officer, and certainly might draw comment from a more senior officer! Ammo boots were even more hard wearing, and started life with a black pebble leather and toe cap. The heel, toe cap and sometimes the whole boot might start life being smoothed down with a spoon heated over a candle and pressed onto the pebble finish. Beeswax could then be rubbed onto the hot leather, and a smooth finish built up, for a mirror shine. This generally only happened during initial training, or perhaps if a regiment was based in the UK, or the owner of the boots got sentenced to the “glass house.” In those circumstances the number and layout of the studs/hobnails would be inspected and penalties may be given for deviation from regulation. I’m sad to say I had to use a blowtorch to get my ammo boots burnt down, then did the whole beeswax thing. Hob nails are great grip on grass and most natural surfaces, but a complete bastard on smooth hard surfaces like concrete. Many times have I seen an immaculate soldier, carrying rifle with fixed bayonet, stride out then be flung on his back, as he slips, usually accompanied by a whispered snigger from everyone else formed up in the ranks, bloody glad that it’s not them!
Crockett and Jones make a repro WW2 officer boot based on their archive. It's not rough-out leather like the boots shown. The ones in the video seem to be based on standard workboots with upgrades to lining and soles.
I’m a former British infantryman, 12 years, 1978-90. I’d worn ammo boots as a cadet a few years earlier. In the infantry the ammo boot had been relegated to drill boots. Not sure if it was the John White. I think our ammo boots had steel toe caps. But our service boot was the DMS boot worn in conjunction with a a puttee. To my knowledge the ammo boot is no longer issued in the British Army. That ethos of buying and trading for better equipment was alive and well in my day. The Compton-Webb beret was a rare sort after item.
One thing NEVER mentioned in most cobbler videos, is when you go back 50, 70, 100 years...you are dealing with 'smaller men', too! For example, the average soldier in WWII weighed 155-lbs, was 5' 7" tall. Now, we ALL know what happens when you put 'robust footwear' on lighter people...they last truly FOREVER (and may be near-impossible to break in). So...while you're correct that this is an EXCELLENT-built boot...imagine what you'd have to add to them to make them EVEN STRONGER, better, to fit the average 180-200 lb soldier of today? (this is also VERY key to the 'air soles', like Doc Martens, as to why they don't last for heavy people...)
They are still worn by ceremonial units in the British Army, like the Royal Guards who have above-average build. I think they still last very well from daily use.
@@istillusezune82 of course, you're referring to the Foot Guards; the Horse Guards (Life Guards and Blues & Royals) do not utilise ammo boots. The Household Division's regiments of Foot are referred to as Queens Guards or Foot Guards; despite the common euphemism, British Foot Guards are not officially referred to as Royal Guards. That designation is probably more appropriate to continental contingents of Household troops. I suspect the Swedes and the Danes, for instance, refer to theirs as 'Royal Guards'. Also, there is actually no height restriction specific to any regiment of the Foot Guards, although there is a minimum height requirement for Queen's Company, 1st bn Grenadier Guards and there traditionally was for Prince of Wales' Company, 1st bn Welsh Guards. I served alongside Guardsman who were 7 feet tall, as well as Guardsmen who were well under 5 feet tall.
Respectfully, I'm not sure that's entirely true. Modern combat boots are designed far more for economy and comfort than durability. The assumption tends to be that the boot will simply be worn down and replaced. Ammo boots have, for instance, the capacity to be re-soled; this means that so long as the leather is maintained, the boot will continue to last for a long time. I had, as a crow, seen ammo boots dating from before WW2 used by veteran NCOs (who incidently were well over 6 feet tall); incidentally, this was in the '00s. The average height of the British soldier in WW2 may well have been 5'8, but I suspect that figure is simply a median value based on medical records; there was obviously a considerable spectrum in between. They must have considered that soldiers of 6 feet or 200lbs and above would wear these boots. I myself am 6'2 and at the time of service was an average of 190lbs; my drill boots never wore out, but they were remarkably uncomfortable. Indeed, to this day I suffer from plantar-fasciitis which is worse in the right foot than the left; my theory is this is because we bend-and-drive mostly on the right. Ammo boots were designed for durability but not comfort. Modern issued boots are not necessarily comfortable, but they are one hell of lot easier on the feet than ammo boots with rigid soles - the chore of exchanging them notwithstanding. I am honestly more inclined to believe that ammo boots from the pre-war to wartime period were simply over-engineered, as it were, for durability. But this is simply personal opinion...
Ahhh you might be talking about the malnourished "cockney lad" but you forget that Britain had a empire of tall stocky built men from places like Australia, New Zealand and Canada....where due to the more rural lifestyles and plentiful supply of cheap meat and vegetables meant that we were "head and shoulders" above the average Pommie. Ammo boots (Boots,AB in Australia and New Zealand) were bloody indestructible for the average person.....many of which are still found without too much trouble eventhough we haven't produced them in over 50 years......the move towards "yankification " where boots and uniforms are made to have a shelf life instead of repair is a sad part of the post 60's world
There's a company out of Finland making classic style leather combat boots in Estonia. Varusteleka särma. I would be interested to see how they stack up because they are surprisingly affordable
Could you check out modern boots made in Northampton? Such as Trickers, Cheaney, Grenson, Crocket and Jones etc. Would be interesting to see how the quality has changed since these WW2 boots
Yet another great video illustrating an aspect of history that seldom, if ever, gets mentioned. WELL DONE ! 👍 As far as "breaking in" goes: USMC (Quantico) 1976, we had the 100% leather boots, made in North Carolina. We were instructed to beat the living HELL out of them, lots of hot water, rocks, banging around. Then, let dry out, polish. Wearing these was like wearing a pair of kid gloves. And the DI was correct: these DID shine up better than the "unviolated" second pair we had. Amazing.
My first pair of boots were hobnailed boots. No such things as rubber soled boots in those days. It's not an old wives tale that soldiers used to pee in a new pair of boots. They would leave them with the pee inside overnight (if I remember right) to soften the leather, and then put them on while they were still soft and wear them until they were dry. That way the boot would dry to the shape of your foot. Guys who didn't do this had their feet rubbed into blisters and bloody raw patches when they went out for their first route march ......
When I was in the French Army, 1970-1975, as a volunteer from Britain, I soon found out that my colleagues were not wrong about how many American and British troops kept pestering me to sell my field boots to them as the French boot was just more waterproof, and comfortable, than the boots they were issued with.
@@Demun1649 i can understand why from my dads tale of 70% modern ish equipment and everything else left over from any time period really if it still works lol
@@dun0790 That did not apply in my service. The French gave the latest equipment to the forces, and still outshine the British to this day. We also had the very best machine pistol in the world.
@@Demun1649 was the famas any good? One of the few bull pup's you never hear much firat hand accounts most modern user's just put it in the pile and forget
As a Foot Note ( no pun) 1 of the Trials for acceptance Of the Boot in the British Army was to take a No4 enfield rifle(Standard Issue) held with the Butt stock level to the solders belt line and drop it (Unloaded) on the Toe cover, no injury to the front foot was is be accepted. The rifle weighs 8.9Lbs, Ive done the test on a Near NOS pair a Army bud has and no injury. SUPER well made bit of kit.
Cast Iron is pretty great but you can't use them on glass top stoves induction or electric unfortunately. Personal recommendation whenever you get a new cast iron pan make sure to reseason the pan with a high smoke point oil like vegetable, flax, or lard. Do this a couple times till the pan is shiny and mirror like when dry. It makes it even more non-stick and corrosion resistant.
Oh yes you CAN use them on smooth-top, glass-top, whether radiant heat or induction stoves. I have both, and use both quite regularly and highly successfully, with not one problem! These wee made for induction! Radiant cooktops too, perform very well with these pans! Just as with anything else, with a glass cooktop, you cannot drop the cookware onto, or slam the cookware onto the tops, or they will break.
whats very cool to see here is how the veg-tan leather darkens and rots around the steel nails in the heel, whereas its perfectely intact where the wooden peg sits. That is because corroding metal sucks moisture in but doesnt give it away again. plus the steel reacts to it so differently than leather. they work against each other. thats why in my opinion wooden pegs are way more preferable in a lot of shoemaking areas. they behave the same as sole leather and thus they can hold it together for centurys (and if properly executed they also dont come apart or slide out like some say) they bite into the material
I'd like to see the reproduction boots compared to the original, most sites say they're constructed identically but how do you know without the bandsaw
Those nails around the heels are Cutlan Nails. Flat sided with a slightly bigger tapered head and grip rings on the shank,they hold the Toppiece onto the heel pack.
Hobnail boots are great on loose surfaces but if you walk across rock, asphalt or concrete they are lethal. As a high school cadet in Australia in the 70's we were supplied old war surplus boots (not sure what they were). Parades were awful as at least 2 or 3 of us usually skidded across the concrete when we came to a halt and one kid broke an arm when he fell. I recall these took ages to wear in and we were told to put water in them and wear them a few times until they settled in. Having large wide feet was definitely not ideal with these boots.
Ahhh I have the "Nasho" boots..... same as the ones you had but without any studs mate.......a utter bastard if you've got wide feet and a $100 to the local Mister Minit got a rubber sole put on that stops the sliding
Get a high quality wallet, belt or MORE in the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
My dad was a British WW2 soldier. When he was demobbed these boots became his gardening boots and he was still gardening in them until the 70's.
My father didn't serve, but he did have a pair of WW2 British army boots and had them at least from the 1960s to the 1980s for gardening or when doing construction. They looked tatty, with bits of concrete on, etc., but just kept on going.
My father too.
Did anyone ever invade his garden?
Demobbed?
@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 demobilized
I don't know about this particular brand, but British army boots had a reputation for being very hard on the feet and uncomfortable. In the 1970s/80s the drill was for new recruits to stand in a bath for a bit, soaking their boots, and then go for a long march/hike, to break the boots in. I walked the West Highland Way in modern hiking boots while my friend with me wore British army boots. His feet were a mass of blisters and red raw patches by the end. Mine were fine. Today, new recruits have worn trainers all their lives, and their feet are too soft to be put straight into army boots.
We were issued with high leg combat boots from day 1 in the Royal Navy and expected to run, March and hike in them from day one. That WAS 2010, mind you….
main problem of army boots is that they are either too tight or too big. there are only those two sizes of gear issued.
Same here Lindy, except it was me in the squady boots doing the Pennine Way. Very nasty! Had to throw away and completed said way in trainers!
I joined the Coldstream guards in 1981 as a junior leader at shornecliffe. we were issued these ammo boots and made to wear them for an exercise in winter time, I think the idea was to get them worn in quickly. It was like wearing two lumps of iron on your feet. All the wet/snow didn't do the boots much good either.
My grandfather fought in WW11, Australian army. He said that they would break in new boots
by standing in water for ages and then walking around for as long as possible. Blisters inevitable, but it was the fastest least painful way of breaking them in.
Hi, I was issued with 2 pairs of Ammo Boots in the fifties and could tell you that they were crap, and thats not just my opinion but that of a lot of cobblers in UK. First, the boots you are holding don’t have a toe cap so it’s very likely that they were issued to the RAF, the Royal Navy or the Canadians. The Brits had dimpled leather toe caps and heels. First thing that we had to do was iron the toe cap and heel to stretch the leather so that it would take twenty layers of shoe polished mirror shine. There were 13 studs in the sole and a steel horse shoe in the heel. The leather lace had a knot in one end and the lace was threaded from the toe cap end in one continuous loop. Laces were also polished! These boots were only ever used for important parades and usually lived in the bottom of your steel locker. The other pair of boots became your work boots, these were the ones your life depended on. So, you placed them in a bucket of water overnight, put on two layers of socks on your feet the next morning and put your wet boots on, lacing them up tight and went for a ten mile run. When you came back you made sure that they were nice and dry and started putting as much Dubbing (leather preservative) as the boots could take and went for a quick three mile run and got the Dubbing out and rubbed some more. After that you got your Kiwi boot polish and worked the polish in to get a reasonable shine on them to pass the daily inspection. Because the tongue in these boots came up only halfway up made the boots wet inside when you stepped into a deep puddle. In the Paras we wore the short Puttees over the boots, partly to strengthen the ankle area and partly to deter water entering. A lot of us managed to get the Wet Weather Waterproof boots issued for Artic warfare and they were definitely waterproof but heavy. The next issue in the late fifties we got the same boots but with a rubber Commando Sole. Les noisy but still a crapy fit and just as wet. The first decent pair of boots i got issued was in New Zealand, these were high boots with the tongue attached all the way to the top of the boot. I hope that this first hand footwear knowledge is of some use. The Army issue shoes in the seventies were pretty good and lasted well. Cheers mate. Harera
Ive a photo of my Dad taken i think after May 1945 in Germany looking really smart but his friend with him in the tank corp i think has shoes on , i never seen a soldier the in shoes
In the field there was no boot polish, only dubbin.
@@Arcmor1 Polish soldiers took Monte Casino! What do you mean they weren't in the field?!
@@tomobedlam297 not sure if you're being serious or not.
Boot polish* for clarity. Little p
@@Arcmor1 😅 @ your edit! 😉
The John White factory shown was in a small town called Rushden, about 15 miles east of Northampton. The factory is now converted into appartments. As a kid, living in Rushden in the 1970s I used to be taken to the factory shop to buy shoes - they were 'seconds' meaning that had slight cosmetic defects and couldn't be sent out to shops - I think in those days most kids in the area went to school in good quality footwear. It's a shame most of the factories have gone but we still have a few high end shoe manufacturers in the area keeping the old skills alive. Thanks for an interesting video and bringing back a few memories.
Scoobridge x
Agreed and so has most of britian, since most of its been going over to china, where is the proud label made in britian a factory worker would come home after nine hours of work read the news paper and his sons would walk into the house with a new pair of boots and the dad went
(Son those shoes you’re wearing was made by me) even jobs were generational where your great grandfather worked in the mines, your grandad worked in the mines, your dad worked in the mines hell even you would work in the mines if school was off, yes people didn’t have a lot but people were happy
I grew up in Stanwick in the 80s. I remember shoe shopping trips to Tarrys.
Hence the leather skills centre at Northampton University.
There were still quite a few shoe shops in the town when I lived there.
My children grew up wearing Doc Martens from the seconds shop at their factory in Rushden.
Could you do soviet boots worn in Afghanistan? They hated them so much that they wore knock off adidas
Plastic fake leather.... ill fittong jackboots and well afghan heat... dare to say i ubderstand them completely, wearing a german jackboots is just a "different animal" completely.
The Hidden War was an outstanding book.
“Mocba” is “Moskva” in Cyrillic letters, and “Moskva” is the Russian name for “Moscow”, Russia’s capital.
That explains too many things 🤣
I own a pair....
they're horrific, blisters after 1 mile kinda horrific.
Every British Army Infantry Battalion until 1965 had a Cobbler. He repaired Boots, Ankle and returned them to the Quartermaster Store for pickup by the individual soldier. This included replacement studs, heel and toe plates, and stitching-up breaks in the upper leather. This practice ceased after 1965, when Boots, DMS (Direct Moulded Sole) came into service. Thereafter, boots were simply replaced as a whole Stores unit.
DMS boots, had a few pairs in the late 70's early 80"s (Crab air so not alot of of rough treatment) and even we said they were rubbish, the Falkland war confirmed this, did not go, but some of my para mates said they "swopped" boots with captured Argie troops, as theres were better quality!!.
I can't believe you cut that beauty in half
My grandfather was a member of PPCLI who fought in Korea . He said one day he found a pair of British boots on a battle field . He said he was happy to have found such a treasure because the British had the best boots . Anyway when he picked one up there was still a foot in it ! The previous owner was literally blown out of his boots .
That was a rollercoaster
Did he still keep them?
I didn't see that coming (excuse the pun). I hope his mother was looked after. It's always the mothers... :-(
@@TeddyBear-ii4yc What pun?
@@ErwinPommel
I don't know... two weeks ago! Was the guy hit by a shell (blown out of his boots) so he didn't see it coming?
William Lennon, one of the original government suppliers, is still making these for under £200. They've been making excellent quality boots for work, hiking and casual wear since 1904. They also make specialised boots for certain industries, such as foundrymen and hill shepherds.
Still family owned too! I'm intending on buying some for the autumn!
@@dngrmousey if you want them for the autumn order now. In fact you might not get them till Christmas. They are all made to order and have a 4-5 month lead time. I love my Lennon boots though, they were well worth the wait! (I have the 78TC work boot with Vibram sole customised in a different leather)
I've got their B5 boot and I love it (with the rubber sole and Blakey tips and heel)
I just posted a comment on Lennon's myself then found your entry. (It won't hurt to leave mine up to give them a bit more help)
I recently bought a pair they are fabulous handmade boots at a very reasonable price.
Bought some British Army boots in an army surplus store, probably date from the 1950s or 1960s. Used them for many years mainly for motorcycling but also for hiking. Fantastically waterproof. Best pair of boots I ever owned.
As a British forces veteran I believe I may be able to add some extra snippets of info. Ammo boots, usually more modern, are prized highly among serving soldiers. They are kept aside for purely ceremonial purposes. Full dress parades etc. They are polished, or bulled as we called it, to a mirror finish.
And due to their full leather construction they are long lasting and are usually sold on once a soldier leaves service.
I had a pair I bought when I joined from a guy who was leaving. I kept those boots immaculate for 8 years through many many pardes and sold them on when I left years later.
I would not be surprised if they are still being used.
Love your videos and would love to see you strip down a pair of 90s era Danner Matterhorns. The best pair of combat boots I ever had.
Keep up the great work.
Danner..nice boots..bit expensive though..best boots used where made by Lowa..not any of their high leg ones..but the just up over the ankle..survived many a crease job of a battle march with them and a good pair of socks..
Ahhh Danner/Matterhorn are a joke since you can't ever fit them right with that cutout they have
The rare times I needed a insulated boot (training in New Zealand) I wore their Fort Lewis (I think it was Lewis.....Fort something or another) boot because it was a taller version of their Acadia, which fit my foot like a glove
A version of these boots is still being made, in Britain, the traditional way by a company called William Lennon. They’re a truly great boot maker, still using traditional methods in the same factory they’ve been is since 1904. Well worth checking out if you enjoy quality footwear.
I have a pair of their version of the Canandian Mk 5 , well worth a look but popular and you may a have a wait , mine were made to order ( right foot injury) and a sound investment.
@@sgtcrabfat I’m waiting for a custom pair of field boots from them. Currently about 12 weeks into a 20 week lead time, which sucks but it’ll be worth the wait I’m sure. They’re even pre-stretching the left boot for me to accommodate my weird shaped foot. A great company and it feels good to support a GB firm.
I joined the British Army in 1976 just after leaving school, and we were issued the "Boots DMS" which were patterned on these, except they had rubber sole, pimpled leather on the outside and a smooth toecap. They were pretty much useless, as discovered during the Falklands war, when they were found to be as "waterproof as a pair of sandals", and soldiers were getting trench foot, not seen since WW1. They were replaced in the mid 80s by a high combat boot with a bellows tongue, and these were slightly less crap.
For parades, we'd purchase our own non issue ammo boots, which, like these had a double leather sole and hob nails set in groups of 3, and a heel and toe plate. They were very stiff, also had pimpled uppers which needed to be "burned down" and a smooth toe cap and heel. Good for marching and holding a bull without cracking. They're still used today for ceremonial use by the Guards Division.
Exactly.
I joined in '63 and the first issue boots were ammo of 1940s vintage. Later we were issues boots DMS which were alright for wandering around the office etc. but as a plant op. I would go through the soles in about 6 months needing a replacement.
Boots dms were a piece of sh*t. Traded my woolly pully with a west point kid for his para boots.
I have heard only bad things about boots DMS. I can't imagine being stuck with them.
@@eanschaan9392 this is because there was absolutely nothing good about them.
When you took the blade to the boot to cut it in half, my heart almost stopped. Almost 30 years ago I worked as a cobbler hand tailor making medical shoes and boots and doing repairs on various leather goods like horse harnesses, saddles and such. I could have told you the high quality of work that would have gone into those boots without you cutting them open.
Edit: modern shoes and boots will never last as long as the old shoes and boots. Too many modern inferior materials are used in shoes these days. Sometimes I wish I still had the tools for cobbling. I'd make my own damn shoes.
His channel is literally him cutting boots in half...
So I found out. This was the first of his videos I've seen. Checked out his channel after watching and most of the modern shoes he cuts up are rubbish anyway.
I think that if you have a high enough subscriber count, the number of people who are going to see the video justifies destroying the boot. I'm never going to be able to see one of these boots personally, but I get to learn about the quality because of this channel. That said, I felt the same thing when the knife went in.
@@shutout951 I disagree. the only thing that justified him destroying this boot was the pursuit of knowledge.
Who cares, it's not like anybody is going to be wearing them ever again.
I had the same boot from my south Africa army days. But a rubber sole.
They're still the most comfortable boots I've had. I walked 6000km on patrol in sandy soil in Namibia
There's other advantages of making boots with the leather rough side out; that the rough outside absorbs wax-type waterproofing very easily, and when it does get soaked, the inner skin side of the leather usually stays watertight, helping to keep the soldiers' feet dry - plus due to the coarser grain of the outside, it dries out faster.
There's an old horseman's saying - "No foot, no horse"; but it applies just as much to a soldier, doesn't it?
Many thanks for yet another fascinating video, and a look into an aspect of history which is rarely covered anywhere else.
I've enjoyed your videos and because this one is fresh, will add something about my experience with work boots. More specifically in the field with a survey crew and then as a geologist in mining exploration. This dates back to 1957 with my first pair, but with a leather or flat compound sole they had little traction on wet boulders or flat-lying saplings. Had hobnails installed, which was better in saplings but not good on rocks. Wore them once on a cold day and the heat loss was noticeable. In graduating in 1962, there was a European boot maker on campus, mainly making hiking or climbing boots to just above the ankle. Had a pair made with 8-inch uppers for going through the wet places. The "Vibram" sole was new then and the improvement in traction in most terrain was outstanding. The boots were beautifully made with a very smooth lining--and I still have them. In working for a "junior" exploration company we made some money on a discovery, such that I went into the investment business, only wearing them on some consulting work. Now my very dear friends, they are well-worn, but not worn-out.--Sigh--like me.
Get them resoled and restored. I had a pair of leather dress shoes completely redone with JR soles from the 1960s
@@SilverKnightPCs Had I continued full-time field work in mountain terrain the boots would have been worn out. Going down skree slopes wore out the heel counters. Nevertheless, the soles are well-worn but I had them re-nailed about forty years ago.
@@bobhoye5951 like I said, full new soles and a upper restoration and they will feel like a new pair of boots with the same styling and look
@@SilverKnightPCs Hey--a conversation. I've looked after the uppers with leather preservatives such that they need no work. In good shape. I've lost a lot of weight over the past 18 months and some morning when my feet are not too "puffy" I'll try to put them on.
With success, maybe write a note: I took my sixty-year-old boots for a walk, or they took me for a walk.
Just a note on how to lace up Ammo Boots. I served in the British Army from 1970 to 1995. Started with Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion at Oswestry in Shropshire. We were taught how to lace the boots by our two Platoon Sergeants- Alec Chisholm Scots Guards and John Hamill Queens Regiment. A knot is tied one end of the lace and threaded through the lace holes from the bottom left lace hole. The lace comes out the top lace hole and is wrapped round and tucked through itself to secure it. The same applied to DMS boots and Boots Combat High but changed with the issue of Boots Combat Assault which had metal mountain boot type hooks.
The laces were leather. This method of lacing was called "Kings Pattern". Hope this is of interest. PS I have never laced a pair of boots using a bow or knot.
How interesting 😃
On the topic of lacing...
When I was a kid, an old man in our village told me that he was out in Burma, during the war.
He told a story about how the Sikhs they had with them would strip down to their shorts and go out into the jungle at night with just a dagger, hunting Japanese soldiers.
At a certain point, they had a detachment of Americans stationed with them.
The Americans began losing their sentries at night.
It turned out that the Sikhs were crawling up behind people, in the dark, and feeling their boot laces.
If they were laced up in regulation British Army style, they'd simply crawl away again.
If not, they'd leap up, slit the throat and move on.
The Americans were instructed to change the way they laced their boots and instantly stopped losing men in the night.
How true it is, I couldn't say, but as a 10 year old kid, it made me very particular about lacing my boots the way the old man showed me... in case the Sikhs got me, in the dark.
Supposedly the reason for this type of lacing was that should you suffer a foot injury, say from a bamboo stake or a "toe popper" type mine, it was said to make it easier for a medic to cut through the laces to remove your boots. In reality when you get badly wounded they just cut the boots off with surgical shears.
To be fair, the channel has yet to cut open a pair of modern Northampton made boots from one of the heritage British boot manufacturers (e.g Trickers, Crocket and Jones, Cheaney etc). Would be interesting to compare them to these John Whites
This needs to happen
true good boots those.
Have a pair of Crocket and Jones Islay boots, a brutal boot to break in.
@@snuscaboose1942 are the islays made that well? And vibergs? Channel welt?
I love my Trickers Stow Boot. Would love to see them cut apart and compared to the John White WWIII boot.
When I was a coal miner a long time ago (in the UK) I'm almost certain the boots I was given at the mine were John White made. Something rings a bell with the design and quality.
Which pit did you work down?
I love the historical boots. It really is an angle on history never explored
I found myself wondering about who had worn those boots and what they had experienced together. My Dad did a stint as a travelling salesman when I was a kid in the sixties. The company used to sell clothes and shoes often on credit. I recall my Dad showing me his stock one day, opening a shoe box with reverence, explaining to me that these shoes were John Whites and they were the best. Great video, I've enjoyed these historic videos.
Quick note on the comfort of hobnails - if you're on soil/sand, they're both comfortable and provide a really good grip. Works especially well on show/ice; your weight drives them in and gives you a better grip than you get out of just about anything else; if you've ever put yaktraks on a pair of boots, they're like that but better since they can't shift or slip. On any kind of hard surface (like pavement), they're not great, and they make your footsteps sound strange. They also tear the hell out of any indoor floor finish - take them off outside if you value your floors. I keep a pair of my work boots nailed for hard digging/landscaping and snow clearance; mine are nailed by driving 1/4" hexhead screws into the lugs of the soles. They wear forever and really help with the grip.
It's almost a sin to cut a shoe like that, it hurt me. Greetings Edward
2:36 I would definitely dispute that statement. Arguably the highest quality "off the rack" dress shoes and boots in the world are still made in Northampton. Cheaney, Crockett and Jones, Edward Green, Foster, Gaziano and Girling, Grenson, John Lobb, John White, Loake and Trickers (to name just a few) all still turn out fantastic footwear from Northampton. And of course there's Dr Martens, which I know you're not a fan of (neither am I), but you can't deny their iconic status.
I think the point he was making is that Northampton used to produce millions of shoes, exported around the world. Nowadays there’s only a handful of firms left, some of whom farm out production to India. I don’t think he was disputing the quality of welted shoes still made in Northampton.
Some fantastic history in this town
Grenson aren't very good anymore unfortunately, and Loake aren't work buying unless they're the 1880 range, even then they've started to cut corners post pandemic in terms of quality
@@hunting4honeys I haven't worn a pair of Grensons for a while so can't say. I have many pairs of Loakes myself. In what way has their manufacturing changed since the pandemic?
@@rebel200794 they've started using painted leather instead of tanned. This kind of leather is much more brittle and thin. They've also been sneaking a lot of production to India
I remember my neighbor (Canadian ww2 veteran) telling me that as soon as they had the chance to get a pair of British issue boots, they would jump at the chance.
Thanks for answering why!
As an ex Royal Marine, we still got decent boots even back when I was serving - not sure about the regular Army, but I doubt they got given trash. At the start it was Doc Martens, then followed by Haix and Altbergs. I still have a few now in my shed, one pair must be 20 years old (I signed up in 97 so maybe older) and had so much wear yet they're still almost new looking. I looked after them at one point, but I haven't since joining civvie street and they're still going strong.
My Grandad still has an old pair of his from when he served in the 50's, I'm not sure who made those though, I've never really looked.
Rose Anvil needs to test some Haix (and hopefully some Jallettes)👍
Which doc martens did they have you wear?
@@casperme6552 yep, love my haix black eagle workboots
@@brandonspencer7244 the ford F150's
Not my experience. As an officer the ammo DMS boots were total shit and contributed to trenchfoot in Falklands. Maybe you're thinking of something COTS gucci, but no Drill Pig is going to allow yellow stitching from your gucci doc martens on Their acre.
Well that's interesting. When I joined the (British) Army in 1972 I was issued with an old pair of ammunition boots. I was told that they had to have at least 13 hobnails in each sole (or else), and you mentioned the figure 13 around about 7.40 minutes in to the video. I can't remember if my boots were date stamped, I was more interested in keeping them polished after cleaning the mud off them. They were very flexible and I could fire from the kneeling position sitting on the heel of the right boot with my toes parallel to the ground. That was impossible with the DMS boots I was given a couple of years later, their soles were stiffer.
I think one of the issues with "higher quality" (aka hardier) boots is they're not as comfortable. Hence why modern boots use modern materials like foam or chrome tan. People are no longer willing to piss in their boots just to make them bearable.
Thank you for that tip, I was unaware of this practice
It's also much harder to find brick and mortar stores for the hardier boots so folks end up buying the wrong size online and think that "breaking in" means blisters and literally bleeding from their feet so they give up on them. Forums online are littered with people saying their red wing's are killing their feet.
Modern combat boots are meant to be something you replace every few years, they sacrifice durability for performance. The difference between hiking with synthetic mesh boots and leather boots is frankly night and day, even when leather is fully broken in. Probably the biggest difference is the weight, there is an old saying that every 1lb on your foot is equal to 5lb on your back. The mesh is something that is extremely important for preventing trench foot when water gets into your boot as well, as it allows the water to properly drain out.
@@jfs5873 I've hiked in mesh and leather. The leather are stronger but you have to take them off every hour or two just to air your feet, the mesh you can walk all day in them and your feet will be fine. The problem is it's getting harder to get good mesh boots.
@@manticore4952 I have modern leather hiking boots (Scarpa SL) and they are really very comfortable even for all day hiking in 30 degree C heat. My last pair lasted me 10 years, I replaced them a year ago.
My father served in the South African army in the 60s and 70s. When I completed school in 1995, he gave me a pair of his boots, those were thee most comfortable shoes/boots I have ever worn. I wore them so much, I had small little calluses above each shoe string ring on the bridge of my foot....and also, they lasted longer than any pair of my shoes ever.
Can you look at the American jump boots from Corcoran and see how they how up quality wise to these ww2 era boots? We still use them as dress uniform items nowadays.
I got a pair that I bought a couple of years ago and let me tell you they suck. They're super lightweight but quality simply isn't there. They feel very plasticky just like the doc martens. I don't think they deserve a review. Maybe the old Corcorans were good but not the new ones.
It’d be interesting to see a modern pair compared to a WW2 era pair.
Been asking for something like this too!
@@RogerLoera I've owned the Corcoran brown historic jump boots for about four years now. They do have a painted on finish (which I stripped off and re-dyed) and don't feel as solid as my White's boots (much thinner heel counter, no leather lining in the vamp, foam sock liner) but they're absolutely a cut above Doc Martens I've owned imo. They're Goodyear welted with a half sole/heel that are both nailed into what I'm guessing is a "leather board" (shredded leather bonded with adhesive) midsole.
@@RogerLoera I mean, I HAD to buy them, I was forced to. So Id be very curious to see exactly what I and all paratroopers were forced to buy.
As a WW2 enthusiast and former living history and reenactment bod who did British army and commando, I have to say that I was almost crying with you cutting the boot in half however it was very interesting to see the results, ww2 and post war boots were fantastic and really well built, I have owned a few pairs over the years and have worn them for long periods and done a lot in them and they are great to wear and comfortable and I would wear them in the Blacksmiths shop to when I did museum days, we used hobnails and rubber top souls as British commando and some other groups started using crepe and rubber for some operations for quite work, the hob nails work well and are comfortable albeit a little noisy at times but they are great for sliding across high polished marble floors.
Good boots and my cobbler always loves working on them as he has around 20 history guys who use him.
Good video and very interesting series thanks.
It's neither the ammonia nor an old wives tail, it's making the leather wet and then wearing the boots that forms them to your feet better. I came across this by "accident" when i did my conscript time. I was standing in heavy rain for two hours waiting for a convoy to arrive and guide them into place. I was able to wear an issue Goretex jacket, and my steel helmet, so my upper body stayed dry, but the rain water ran down my knees and into my boots. That happened around 6-8 in the morning. Then the rain stopped and the sun came out. I wore the boots the rest of the day, put as much newspaper into them over night, and wore them again the next day. So i basically wore them until dry. Never ever has a leather boot had a better fit to my feet than that pair of boots! (i sadly had to give back at the end of my service)
So in short: you can just make the leather a little wet and then wear them.
I’ve also heard very similar stories and always been told too pour water into my brand new boots and wear them until they dry out ( either through heat of my feet or the environment ) or wear them for around a day or so and dry it out with some paper or cloth
Never done this myself but I’ve been told many times it’s the best way to wear in a new boot
They make shoe stretch spray that has the same affect without ruining any warranty they may have
It's not the same as just getting them wet with water. In the German paratroopers, we also pissed in them and it neutralizes some of the tanning acids that soften your skin/inflame them and cause rashes and blisters in the beginning. By peeing in them, they won't get much softer but guys who did it had less blisters and hot needles to deal with.
That's kinda lame that you had to give them back.
Are they really going to reuse boots?
They should have just let you keep them.
There is the old trick of petroleum jelly as well
Absolutely insane to think how they were producing those boots in the millions, at that quality and consistency. From one factory too. Wow.
You should do an H.H. Brown Canadian Marching boot next.
These things are practically indestructible, even if they are neglected.
I've worn these almost exclusively for 30 years.
Really enjoy the video's on the military boots and the craftsmanship that went into making them , its unreal but they show pride in their work.
As Weston said: Even by ww2 there was discussion back then at the time that boot quality was declining, it makes me wonder if 'good quality' WW1 boots could be even higher quality than these WW2 boots.
Some aspects are actualy better in ww1 boots but some improvements were made in (german) ww2 boots, like the metal plate near the toe end of the foot to help with marching.
"higher quality" does not equate to better combat boot. If they used all leather and it weighed 4 lbs, i guarantee you that 100% of all armed forces personnel hated it.
Thats because people are never appreciative of shit. They always think something used to be better.
@@BiigiieCheeese people hated anythinf associated with the horrors of war if they weren't crazy. Example vietnam. They just did not want to be part of it.
@@CreativeUsernameHere-r1k that is not my point, this video is praising how well made this boot is, but in actual combat its terrible by every metric
I wore DMS boots in my military training in the nineteen eighties during the Falklands war it was found that they held the water were too short in height, caused many problems. It amazes me why it took so long to discover this it changed to the far better high leg still DMS boot by 1984.
not sure it was 'discovered' at all in the Falklands. . .it was obviously common knowledge that DMS boots were ludicrously out of date and useless, but the MOD was just inept.
It would be nice to compare this to a modern John White boot to see the change in manufacturing techniques.
No comparison. It appears some of their modern shoes aren’t even welted.
@@krisjonesuk that's right. They make a lot of more budget shoes that aren't welted and are quite nasty. But I have some much better country style brogues (think Trickers) from them from a few years back that they've used their old "impregnable" slogan for and for good reason as they are beautifully made, tough and storm welted. Well up with the standard of Northampton quality shoes, which their budget ones certainly aren't
@@jonstern7511 trickers are known to be really good, tough boots, and good to know the quality is there from your experience. Of course not cheap either but hey
@@jimmy7494 Indeed. I don't own any Trickers and can't guarantee mine are quite that good (I was mentioning Trickers because they do a lot of those country shoe and boots design) but they are certainly not far off! Can't see anything of that quality on their website currently though!
THANK YOU ! it’s good to get an overview and appreciate this real and high level of quality 🙏🏼
Fascinating - don't know why this came up on my UA-cam recommendations but glad I watched. One of my sons lives in Northampton and the remains of some of the old factories are still visible. Incidentally the nickname of the local professional football (soccer) team is The Cobblers
Only boot I was sad watching getting split in half. Cheers for great content and educating people on shoes
Northampton UK still makes the world's best shoes. Foster & sons, Edward Greens, John Lobb & Solovair to name a few. Crown as mentioned in the video. Northampton hasn't stopped making awesome shoes, but the world seems to prefer cheap and disposable. I mean... who even repairs their shoes these days?
I feel like some people would but alot of cheaper shoe arnt reparable since it's all just one big pice of foam
Solovair are the factory that makes Doc Martins right? If so then I wouldn’t say they’re in the same category as the others you listed.
@@Sth_Magical The Dm brand name was sold to a company in the far east and are not the same quality. My last pair of Dm steel toe shoes fell apart in less than 12 months, just got a pair of Solovair shoes new and the difference is night and day. The leather is thicker and all the inside is lined with a thin soft leather, the Dm's just had cloth lining not the same quality.
Crockett and Jones, Trickers, Loake, Barker, Sanders, the list goes on. There's more companies making goodyear welted shoes in the 'shire than in all of america.
@GrS It isn't silly, you can look at this one part of the shoe to see where Solovair cuts corners: they use rubber welts and rubber outsoles compared to the other manufaturers who still use oak bark tanned leather welts onto either leather outsoles or Dainite/ridgeway/a derivative.
Specifically the welt itself is something which is a crucial part of a shoe's construction and requires that it be a study material.
Really love these videos. Would be great to see you cut in half the modern British Army boot from Altberg (From Yorkshire in the UK). Think the standard issue is the Altberg Warrior or Defender mk2? Maybe compare to countries' standard military boot? That would be really interesting.
Altbergs are great
That would indeed be an excellent video. I hope he does it. From conversations it does seem that many militaries issue gash in the knowledge that soldiers will spend their own money for a bit more comfort in the field.
Can you check out corcoran jump boots.
NGL, i died a little inside when you cut the boot in half 😢
High quality does not mean practical in today's battle field. Anchored down with a pair of weight-laden boots weighing 2 pounds on each foot will definitely handicap you where mobility and agility are foremost requirements. Of course, without the need to of a lengthy break-in period is god-send on the foot soldiers while on a warpath.
Back then soldiers walked more...
Great if your supply line is intact but certain death if you are caught behind enemy lines and your boots get shredded by NATO wire or the synthetic melts cause you left it too close to a fire and you have to hump it barefooted. 😂
And yes, guys were just tougher back than most metrosexual soy boys these days. 😂
Just shows praticality serves both function form. The Romans conquered almost the entire Europe and Asian minor while wearing sandals.
@@spaceman51974 ah yes, men that fought in a war are tougher than men that have never fought in a war. What an amazing observation.
Couple points:
- The General Service boots (ammo boots) in British service were of a pebble grain leather. Generally not this rougher side;
- They were straight / ladder laced, in order to be cut open in one swoop in case of foot injury;
- There weren't any hobnails on the heel. There was a horseshoe fixed to the heel. Also there was an iron toe plate nailed to the toe of the sole. Both fittings were done to protect the sole from wear. The hobnails was a combination of protecting the leather and adding grip to the leather sole.
Been looking for this comment
I have a pair of Cheaney boots, made in Northamptonshire and they are easily one of the best pair of boots I've ever owned. They weren't cheap but I figured an upgrade to my thorogoods was necessary after the plastic welt snapped.
Very interesting. My beloved old Thorogoods are finally reaching the end of their lives after three years of faithful service. I might have to look into those Cheaney boots.
@@jeremyt2212 I will say, I wasn't using the thorogoods for their intended purpose (decent VFM work boot) but simply as a decent all weather boot.
I spent 21 years in the Army. The best boots I ever had were my basic training “leg” boots. I never wore them out, but they became non-regulation issue after about 15 years, around the time of the first gulf war, when the entire uniform changed. Once broken in, they were like wearing sneakers, but with ankle support.
Serve ed from 79 to 90....the Altima boots we felt to be better. Wore out 2 to three pairs of leg boots a year.
@ I liked the Altima boots. I always wore them in the field. Required to wear jump boots in garrison (82d). They were OK, but never broke in like the Altimas.
The only good thing I can say about the brown desert boots is you didn’t have to polish them. They never fit right.
1/319, FIST to 2/505....you?@@LuoJun2
Fantastic video! Very informative! I love series about vintage military boots! Thank you!
I own Swedish M59 military boots which are also great example of quality and durability!
Wow. That blade's sharp! Impressed by both the booth and the blade, and the well made video. All the best. From London.
Absolutely love these historical breakdowns. Hope you can keep them up
My GGrandfather, grandfather, great uncles and father wore these boots as career soldiers who were also serving during the WW’S. When my time came for me to join up in the early 1970’s (I served 17 years) I wore boots similar to these. I took their advice on breaking in boots (my great grandfather was still alive and fit when I joined the army and lived through my first two years) and pee’d in mine when I got them from the stores. It seemed to work, but so did soaking them and wearing them until they dried naturally.
William Lennon do a WW1 British service boot replica, would be interested to see how they stack up!
Thou shall never cut such an olde pair of boots. That was a piece of history.
Would love to see a comparison with a modern reproduction ammo boot. It would be very interesting to see what the mass produced modern version looks like.
If you have not seen them, try finding Australian Army boots which basically were unchanged from WW1 to WW2. Apparently they were a highly prized trading item in both wars.
Man these actually hurt to see cut in half. I found a pair of boots like these and had them restored with a new sole for daily wear.
I was about to say. These are 100% wearable. Even if you had to get them resoled. The uppers are fk'n beautiful. A lot of designers now try to replicate this look. No way would I have cut these up. I would wear these.
I know. they needed new welts technically but I bet a skilled cobbler could have gotten away using the original welts one last time. Everything learned from destroying these could have been learned by re-soling them. This video was really hard to watch because of that.
Excellent video, I have worn a few different Canadian military (Army, and air force flying boot), and was always surprised at the durability. I live in logging country, and there are still many speciality cork boot makers. Now, I see why some of these boots are so expensive. It is not only the materials, but the construction, that makes the custom boots so special. Because of your channel, I am just finding out more about boots than I ever wanted to know, and it has been an enjoyable experience. I have read a lot of military history, and often wondered why the Germans and Soviets stayed with the same looking boot for so many years. Now I know.
That cut was definitely better than a 7.5.
What was the heel counter? That looked really tough to cut through.
Like watching your show cuz the historic boots you're bringing on and you're not afraid to cut them up and show us because I love history
Comparing Canadian military boots from the same period would be interesting.
Love watching videos that show real quality in anything. Those boots are amazing.
I'd be very curious to see this boots compared to a modern reproduction made by the UK maker William Lennon & Co. They're still a family owned business an I believe also made boots for both world wars. Their construction method is one I think people will find interesting.
I have three pairs of William Lennons. They are brilliant boots and hard as nails.
@@roverboat2503 While I've never owned a pair myself and can't drop by (I live in the States) I'd very much like to own a pair. Is it true they are pretty friendly to wide feet?
@@Lmolina90 you can send them a trace of your foot, they will match a last to it for you :)
In general though, UK shoes are wider than in the USA I think.
But contact William Lennon I'm sure they will be happy to help!
I'll be interested to see if you can get your hands on the Alt-Berg Defender. That's pretty much the main boot we mostly wear in the British Army
Regarding the ruggedness of the Ammo Boot, it is amazing. However, having actually used these boots, while on parades when I served in the British Army, and when I was a WW2 Re-enactor. Even after they are broken in, they where unconfutable with not much flexibility, requiring padded insoles, and tended to cut into sections of the foot after long marches. There was also the problem with the tongue of the boot not being sewn in, therefor it use to leak water into the boot. The DMS (directly moulded soul) versions in the 1980's with rubber soles, although more flexible, still required short puttees to be used, to ensure mud and water did not enter the boot. I was very glad when long legged boots were issued in the mid 80's. The comparison between the ammo boots and modern military boots is like night and day.. I understand the purpose of these videos, is to discuss the characteristic's and making of a particular boot, but unless you have walked in those boots, you will never be able to appreciate the essence of that boot.
importance of field
experience
Yeah, a tough boot isn't always a comfortable one, unfortunately. That lack of a gusseted tongue also sounds brutal. Lord knows, puttees only keep out so much.
I needed a pair of Boots for my first job in the 1970s and my Mum rooted out a pair of my Uncles that he'd worn in WW II, very similar to the ones you've reviewed. They were a bit dusty and stiff so asked my dad about pissing in them. He had been in the Army himself and suggested Boot Polish. Well that did the trick and loosened them up a bit. First couple of weeks were painful then I switched to wearing Wellingtons. Considering they were second hand and thirty years old by the time I had them they were excellent boots. There's a slim chance they'll turn up again at my brothers tucked away in a cupboard. Crikey they were built to last though.
My dad fought in the Second war with the Canadian Army. I used to have his boots. If l still did, I'd send them to you to cut apart as I'd be curious as to their construction. They were similar in appearance to your US boots you did earlier. Keep up the great work, very interesting stuff. 👍
how nasty they must smell...stinky
@@martinvanburen4578 whatever
@@exJacktar lol
IIRC the Canadian ones were called assault boots.
@@Waldemarvonanhalt i think they were actually called calgary stompers because they were predominantly made in Calgary
Sorry you lost me when you said you were going to cut those beautiful antique boots in half.
they make reproductions of these boots, i wonder how accurate they are in construction. i know William Lennon still makes the B5 ankle boot from WW1 on the same machinery, would love to see those cut in half
Winston said that these WW2 boots are equal to $1000 USD boot nowdays. William Lennon B5 WW1 reproductions are £205.95 (converts to ~250USD at the time of this comment). Obviously massive corners are cut to get to 1/4th the price. Perhaps fewer layers of leather, thinner leather, lower quality leather, fewer or lower quality studs/nails? Not a good way to see the quality of boots truely made in WW1.
This is the best series on your channel imo
I’m a wwii reenactor and portray the 9th para battalion during 1944 to 45.(British airborne )
Those are indeed not standard issue British ammo boots. The standard issue ammo boots were a cap toe pebble grain boot, that came black and the only thing a soldier would do is mirror polish the heels and toes and dub the rest with period water proofing.
As for the peeing myth, it by no means was anywhere near common, if done at all.
As with any all leather boot they do indeed hurt during the break in, but once they’re broken in they feel amazing. Also the hobnails don’t hurt at all with 3 pieces of leather in between.
Sm wholesale and William Lennon make on par boots to originals.
I love your channel but the info on your WWII boots could be better.
Comfort over 'Last' when you're under fire and shells whizzing past your ears? It's a no brainer - COMFORT all day long!
If you're putting your life on the line the MOD can supply comfortable footware as long as required.
I'd love to see you cut the USMC RAT Boots. The best modern combat boots today
When I first started hiking as a teenager in the mid sixties (Australia) I used army disposal ww2 boots just like these. I put trihobs in them which was standard AIF issue. The traction on mossy logs or greasy rock was terrific, much better than any of the rubber soles I have used since. Not so good on hard smooth rock and terrible on tiled floors. You could wear them wet for days.
Hob nailed boots were renowned as being slippy on cobblestones in Northern Europe late in the war.
I did exactly the same thing when I first started Scout's in the late 90's.....still got that pair and usually are my go to boots
I joined the Brit Army in 1989. The ammo boot was changed about then because water was getting in over the top in the Falklands. They changed it to a higher boot but cheapy made with no research. Out of a squad of 50 in basic only 17 of us were left without shin splints. It turned out the boots were not letting you bend your ankle properly. A year of so later, some Doctor discovered the problem and we had to lace the boots up missing holes, were your ankle bends. Later boots fixed the problem. Underestimating how important basic equipment like boots are can lead to big mistakes.
They were not ammo boots but DMS and my feet were soaking wet when on patrol , guys were having feet problems in fermanagh I never served in the Falklands but in NI we were issued boots combat high to overcome come water getting into the boots, and we covered the boots combat high in neats oil then polished them to a dull shine because of the neats oil , then had to bull the buggers for guard mount and other shit parades I was issued the combat high boots just after the Falklands war still have them bulled up but the rubber soles are falling apart, bad shelf life
My mates in 2 para brought back Argentine boots from the Falklands and were selling them
For too much money
Back in the 70's me and my best mate would buy army surplus boots. They had steel toe caps and hobnails. Skidding on paving slabs!
We made a bit of a mess of the parquet floor in the school hall. Happy days
Hi I think these might be officers’ boots, made for private purchase. In WW2 and before, British officers had to furnish all their own kit and uniform, sometimes even revolvers.
Officers’ boots were generally brown, (perhaps not all regiments as some chose black leather) and sometimes included features not found on issued ammo boots. I see these boots have a soft leather lining (very nice) and it looks like they have a sewn in/waterproof tongue which were not part of the War Dept specifications.
IF the soles and heels have not been replaced over the boots’ life then the long headless nails in the heels are similar to the the heels on many private purchase officer’s boots. The issue ammo boots had metal horseshoes rather than these - very loud and very hard wearing. I’m not sure how “officer like” horse shoes were considered, as they were a feature of a working man’s boot. This stuff matters when you are an officer, and certainly might draw comment from a more senior officer!
Ammo boots were even more hard wearing, and started life with a black pebble leather and toe cap. The heel, toe cap and sometimes the whole boot might start life being smoothed down with a spoon heated over a candle and pressed onto the pebble finish. Beeswax could then be rubbed onto the hot leather, and a smooth finish built up, for a mirror shine. This generally only happened during initial training, or perhaps if a regiment was based in the UK, or the owner of the boots got sentenced to the “glass house.” In those circumstances the number and layout of the studs/hobnails would be inspected and penalties may be given for deviation from regulation.
I’m sad to say I had to use a blowtorch to get my ammo boots burnt down, then did the whole beeswax thing. Hob nails are great grip on grass and most natural surfaces, but a complete bastard on smooth hard surfaces like concrete. Many times have I seen an immaculate soldier, carrying rifle with fixed bayonet, stride out then be flung on his back, as he slips, usually accompanied by a whispered snigger from everyone else formed up in the ranks, bloody glad that it’s not them!
Crockett and Jones make a repro WW2 officer boot based on their archive. It's not rough-out leather like the boots shown.
The ones in the video seem to be based on standard workboots with upgrades to lining and soles.
I’m a former British infantryman, 12 years, 1978-90. I’d worn ammo boots as a cadet a few years earlier. In the infantry the ammo boot had been relegated to drill boots. Not sure if it was the John White. I think our ammo boots had steel toe caps. But our service boot was the DMS boot worn in conjunction with a a puttee. To my knowledge the ammo boot is no longer issued in the British Army.
That ethos of buying and trading for better equipment was alive and well in my day. The Compton-Webb beret was a rare sort after item.
One thing NEVER mentioned in most cobbler videos, is when you go back 50, 70, 100 years...you are dealing with 'smaller men', too! For example, the average soldier in WWII weighed 155-lbs, was 5' 7" tall. Now, we ALL know what happens when you put 'robust footwear' on lighter people...they last truly FOREVER (and may be near-impossible to break in). So...while you're correct that this is an EXCELLENT-built boot...imagine what you'd have to add to them to make them EVEN STRONGER, better, to fit the average 180-200 lb soldier of today? (this is also VERY key to the 'air soles', like Doc Martens, as to why they don't last for heavy people...)
They are still worn by ceremonial units in the British Army, like the Royal Guards who have above-average build. I think they still last very well from daily use.
@@istillusezune82 of course, you're referring to the Foot Guards; the Horse Guards (Life Guards and Blues & Royals) do not utilise ammo boots. The Household Division's regiments of Foot are referred to as Queens Guards or Foot Guards; despite the common euphemism, British Foot Guards are not officially referred to as Royal Guards. That designation is probably more appropriate to continental contingents of Household troops. I suspect the Swedes and the Danes, for instance, refer to theirs as 'Royal Guards'. Also, there is actually no height restriction specific to any regiment of the Foot Guards, although there is a minimum height requirement for Queen's Company, 1st bn Grenadier Guards and there traditionally was for Prince of Wales' Company, 1st bn Welsh Guards. I served alongside Guardsman who were 7 feet tall, as well as Guardsmen who were well under 5 feet tall.
Respectfully, I'm not sure that's entirely true. Modern combat boots are designed far more for economy and comfort than durability. The assumption tends to be that the boot will simply be worn down and replaced. Ammo boots have, for instance, the capacity to be re-soled; this means that so long as the leather is maintained, the boot will continue to last for a long time. I had, as a crow, seen ammo boots dating from before WW2 used by veteran NCOs (who incidently were well over 6 feet tall); incidentally, this was in the '00s. The average height of the British soldier in WW2 may well have been 5'8, but I suspect that figure is simply a median value based on medical records; there was obviously a considerable spectrum in between. They must have considered that soldiers of 6 feet or 200lbs and above would wear these boots. I myself am 6'2 and at the time of service was an average of 190lbs; my drill boots never wore out, but they were remarkably uncomfortable. Indeed, to this day I suffer from plantar-fasciitis which is worse in the right foot than the left; my theory is this is because we bend-and-drive mostly on the right. Ammo boots were designed for durability but not comfort. Modern issued boots are not necessarily comfortable, but they are one hell of lot easier on the feet than ammo boots with rigid soles - the chore of exchanging them notwithstanding. I am honestly more inclined to believe that ammo boots from the pre-war to wartime period were simply over-engineered, as it were, for durability. But this is simply personal opinion...
Doc Martens don't last for anyone.
Ahhh you might be talking about the malnourished "cockney lad" but you forget that Britain had a empire of tall stocky built men from places like Australia, New Zealand and Canada....where due to the more rural lifestyles and plentiful supply of cheap meat and vegetables meant that we were "head and shoulders" above the average Pommie.
Ammo boots (Boots,AB in Australia and New Zealand) were bloody indestructible for the average person.....many of which are still found without too much trouble eventhough we haven't produced them in over 50 years......the move towards "yankification " where boots and uniforms are made to have a shelf life instead of repair is a sad part of the post 60's world
A moments silence for a pair of boots that have been around the world. Through a world war just to be cut up … rest in piece boots
There's a company out of Finland making classic style leather combat boots in Estonia. Varusteleka särma. I would be interested to see how they stack up because they are surprisingly affordable
Could you check out modern boots made in Northampton?
Such as Trickers, Cheaney, Grenson, Crocket and Jones etc.
Would be interesting to see how the quality has changed since these WW2 boots
Yet another great video illustrating an aspect of history that seldom, if ever, gets mentioned. WELL DONE ! 👍
As far as "breaking in" goes: USMC (Quantico) 1976, we had the 100% leather boots, made in North Carolina. We were instructed to beat the living HELL out of them, lots of hot water, rocks, banging around. Then, let dry out, polish. Wearing these was like wearing a pair of kid gloves. And the DI was correct: these DID shine up better than the "unviolated" second pair we had. Amazing.
Your sponsor pitch was excellent! I like cast iron, but your parallels with seasong boots wears well.
I just can't watch the original ww2 item being cut in half just for the video... barbarism!
My first pair of boots were hobnailed boots. No such things as rubber soled boots in those days. It's not an old wives tale that soldiers used to pee in a new pair of boots. They would leave them with the pee inside overnight (if I remember right) to soften the leather, and then put them on while they were still soft and wear them until they were dry. That way the boot would dry to the shape of your foot. Guys who didn't do this had their feet rubbed into blisters and bloody raw patches when they went out for their first route march ......
Bro tell your cat I said pspsps
Love the way you pronounce Northampton. I’m gonna say it like you from now on. Makes it sound so much better!!
When I was in the French Army, 1970-1975, as a volunteer from Britain, I soon found out that my colleagues were not wrong about how many American and British troops kept pestering me to sell my field boots to them as the French boot was just more waterproof, and comfortable, than the boots they were issued with.
Lol i always imagined this being a reality in nato
@@dun0790 Only with the Brits and the Yenghi.
@@Demun1649 i can understand why from my dads tale of 70% modern ish equipment and everything else left over from any time period really if it still works lol
@@dun0790 That did not apply in my service. The French gave the latest equipment to the forces, and still outshine the British to this day. We also had the very best machine pistol in the world.
@@Demun1649 was the famas any good? One of the few bull pup's you never hear much firat hand accounts most modern user's just put it in the pile and forget
As a Foot Note ( no pun) 1 of the Trials for acceptance Of the Boot in the British Army was to take a No4 enfield rifle(Standard Issue) held with the Butt stock level to the solders belt line and drop it (Unloaded) on the Toe cover, no injury to the front foot was is be accepted. The rifle weighs 8.9Lbs, Ive done the test on a Near NOS pair a Army bud has and no injury. SUPER well made bit of kit.
Cast Iron is pretty great but you can't use them on glass top stoves induction or electric unfortunately.
Personal recommendation whenever you get a new cast iron pan make sure to reseason the pan with a high smoke point oil like vegetable, flax, or lard. Do this a couple times till the pan is shiny and mirror like when dry. It makes it even more non-stick and corrosion resistant.
Oh yes you CAN use them on smooth-top, glass-top, whether radiant heat or induction stoves. I have both, and use both quite regularly and highly successfully, with not one problem! These wee made for induction! Radiant cooktops too, perform very well with these pans! Just as with anything else, with a glass cooktop, you cannot drop the cookware onto, or slam the cookware onto the tops, or they will break.
whats very cool to see here is how the veg-tan leather darkens and rots around the steel nails in the heel, whereas its perfectely intact where the wooden peg sits. That is because corroding metal sucks moisture in but doesnt give it away again. plus the steel reacts to it so differently than leather. they work against each other. thats why in my opinion wooden pegs are way more preferable in a lot of shoemaking areas. they behave the same as sole leather and thus they can hold it together for centurys (and if properly executed they also dont come apart or slide out like some say) they bite into the material
I love this series, you need to find some Imperial Japanese boots
The ordinary ones or the Jika-tabi ones?
Never thought I'd be interested in watching videos about boot construction.
We live and learn.
I'd like to see the reproduction boots compared to the original, most sites say they're constructed identically but how do you know without the bandsaw
Those nails around the heels are Cutlan Nails. Flat sided with a slightly bigger tapered head and grip rings on the shank,they hold the Toppiece onto the heel pack.
Hobnail boots are great on loose surfaces but if you walk across rock, asphalt or concrete they are lethal. As a high school cadet in Australia in the 70's we were supplied old war surplus boots (not sure what they were). Parades were awful as at least 2 or 3 of us usually skidded across the concrete when we came to a halt and one kid broke an arm when he fell. I recall these took ages to wear in and we were told to put water in them and wear them a few times until they settled in. Having large wide feet was definitely not ideal with these boots.
Ahhh I have the "Nasho" boots..... same as the ones you had but without any studs mate.......a utter bastard if you've got wide feet and a $100 to the local Mister Minit got a rubber sole put on that stops the sliding
you must have went to the special school I never saw one slip or fall in 5 years.