M-43 Style boots

[chamboid]

I have a pair of Doursoux's in France M-43 roughouts, they are made by Corcoran same as the WWII Impressions ones, and built to last, love 'em. Size down though they come up big, I bought a U.S size 7 (uk 6) and they fit my UK7-7.5 feet perfect with a nice thick sock.

http://doursoux.com/product.php?id_product=495

Otherwise there are these which I love and will own next year the WWII Impressions Boondockers. The same as the service shoe, but slimmer down the foot and a bit more if a dressy style. I wouldn't 'dubb' these like I did the service shoe but leave the nice suede alone.

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/newusmcboondocker.html

[J.W.]

Wow! Those look great! What did you dubb them with? Thanks for the link - then again: these boots might be worth a trip to Paris...

[chamboid]

these are done with mink oil, but I got this stuff called Pecards, which is amazing stuff,

http://www.antiqueleatherdressing.co.uk/

use it on all my leather.

they will ship aswell and I don't think its too expensive

[Sgt Brown]

Pecards is what Sweeting (Curator of flight gear at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.) recommends for use on all leather items. That's good enough for me!

Tom

[J.W.]

@chamboid: Can you tell us a little bit more about the shoes? How do they perform on different surfaces? Do they offer any ankle support?
By the way, the ones in the picture are the Doursoux-shoes, right?

[ButteMT61]

FWIW, here's my Germans with two applications of Sno*Seal.







I also have Pecards, but for these, I went hard core...

[J.W.]

I think the German low boots just don't look as good as the U.S. M43s. I have really fallen for the ones Chamboid has posted. Do you think changing the soles can be done without too much of a problem, once the need to be replaced? Could any good cobbler do that?
I'm basically looking for an unobtrusive boot for traveling and perhaps every day wear . I'm looking for a boot that can be worn while exploring old and new towns around Europe, but also for a boot that can take a beating, if necessary (rain, mud, rocky paths - exploring national parks and so on). For a hike up Teneriffe's Teide next week, my old Caterpillar's will have to do, but they have become much to clunky for my taste. My aim is to travel with as few items as possible (think: 2-3 chinos or khakis, some shirts or polos, a couple of socks and underwear, plus maybe a G&B Raider)

[normanf]

I think the German low boots just don't look as good as the U.S. M43s. I have really fallen for the ones Chamboid has posted. Do you think changing the soles can be done without too much of a problem, once the need to be replaced? Could any good cobbler do that?
I'm basically looking for an unobtrusive boot for traveling and perhaps every day wear . I'm looking for a boot that can be worn while exploring old and new towns around Europe, but also for a boot that can take a beating, if necessary (rain, mud, rocky paths - exploring national parks and so on). For a hike up Teneriffe's Teide next week, my old Caterpillar's will have to do, but they have become much to clunky for my taste. My aim is to travel with as few items as possible (think: 2-3 chinos or khakis, some shirts or polos, a couple of socks and underwear, plus maybe a G&B Raider)

I think a pair of Galibier Super Rando will do. If you need more support, the Vercors are what you'd want. The Super Guide are exceptional but if you aren't going to climb eight thousanders in the future, they may be overkill. A good pair of leather boots will give you support and conform to your feet. You have break them in gradually and don't wear them the day before you leave! If that's too much, modern hiking boots are good - if you do need Gore-tex and the performance that come along with them. YMMV.

[ButteMT61]

If you're talking a boot to wear in public and to travel, I'd say the US low boots are better for comfort and looks. But the German shoes are great for what I bought them for.
The US boots can have sole issues though, depending on the vintage and/or maker. Read reviews of the boots you like before buying. Good luck!

[J.W.]

@ chamboid: do you know how much the Doursoux-boots weigh?