WWII Boots - Service, Jump, etc.

After WW2impressions - comes ATF (at the front) - and in last in WPG (what price glory).

ETO boots

I've still got my dad's. Had 'em refurbished a few years ago. They evidently had holes on the inside where the ankles would occasionally rub. There were small leather patches put over them. They look so much nicer than my 1981 issue USMC boots and no platoon sergeant yells at me to shine them.

order of quality

Thanks, you've made that easy then.
I particularly like your placement of the outfitters in regard to price.
WWII Impressions = $150
At The Front = $110
What Price Glory = $130

Then there's Lost Batallions = $105
And
S&M Wholesale = $129

Thanks

I recommend waiting as I own both the WW2IMP Boots and ATF Boots and the ATF are super stiff and uncomfortable even after almost 2 years of use. The also are cut weirdly and the leather isn't all that great. WW2IMP is worth the wait.

-Josh

That sounds like something Juan would say over there at WWII Imp's.
I haven't got around to the order yet, so I may take your advice. Money is a little hard to come by at the moment too.
In regard the ATF boots; Have they really had heavy use? Ever used the water and wear method? I'm just surprised your experience is that bad.
Merry Christmas

I've worn about a bunch, a couple times all weekend long without taking them off my feet. They just are not that comfortable, the lasts are great and aren't a problem, its really the uppers that are the problem with this weird leather that super-stiff even after repeated use. I've come back from many events with my ankles raw to the bone from the leather edge of the boot cutting into it, Finally they are a bear to get to a proper shine with the finnish they put on it.
Basically these boots have been relegated to my dress uniform, where I wouldn't be wearing them for long protracted periods and would not be subjugated to hard use. Also I use them for when I do Pre-War Barracks Displays.

-Josh

Hi, i just got a pair of ATF service shoes and i feel the leather is soft and nice, i dunno if they have changed since you got them, but i find no problem.
Except one. The right shoe squeaks, i think its from the sole. Is there anything i can do about this?
Thanks,
Wolfe

Can someone post a picture of the front of the ATF Service boots? I was wondering how these boots would look with jeans and trying to gauge how bulky they are.

Hi all,

I am also looking for service shoes of the WWII style. Not so much to wear in reenacting, but they just look really good to me. Has any one bought from ATF lately? My birthday is coming up and I plan on my wife getting me a U.S. made pair for my birthday.

Thanks,
Brian

rebelgtp said:

Hey I figure you might be the guys to ask. A few years ago, ok maybe 15 or so, I found an old pair of brown GI boots at a yard sale and I absolutly loved them. They were the best $5 I had ever spent on a pair of shoes. Anyway these boots had a flap that had 2 buckles and covered the upper laces. Someone told me these were paratrooper boots or somthing like that. I've searched around in the local surplus stores and I have never found another pair like them. The closest I found were all canvas and I beleive Israeli. I have fond memories of wearing these boots until they fell apart and would like to get another pair. Does anyone know what boots I am talking about and where I might find a pair? I would really like to find original boots if I can but if not are there any good (well made) reproductions of these? thanks.

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Hi, interesting comment about the cuff style boot. Here is a site www.trancheemilitare.com You can find the two buckle cuff style infantry boot which is still made for the French paras and some Foreign Legion units. They are not reproductions but are new, military spec, leather with lug soles and of course lace up
with the cuff. They come in a couple of styles with a lighter ranger boot (chasseure) somewhere between 65 to 90 euro I think. Occasionally they have the cuff style boot in brown sold as surplus items but it isn't the same color as the old Corcoran boot. I miss the old corcorans even though the modern boot has evolved.
Due to a dual citizenship status within the family I served with the Israel Defense Force army reserve and we had the Israeli reddish brown infantry boot. The jump style that I had was made with a thick rubber sole on the bottom but it had a leather upper construction, lace up, no cuff, very light weight and comfortable. The canvas ones are made for the IDF by the french company Palladium and are lightweight like a sneaker with heavy rubber soles, they are not jump boots. You can buy them through a couple of different websites like Israel Military Products and Zahal. I have my old pair of issue boots and I have seen the ones sold through the Israeli sites and they are the same although not sure if you can get the red boot through the website, it might be a special order. Since the advent of helicopter borne assault forces, there really are no longer large scale parachute drops like the big ones in WWII so "jump boots" are pretty much the same thing as infantry boots, not too much difference really. Makes sense because airborne units are, on the bottom line, ground infantry with enhanced training. Most of what I did in my "jump boots" was marching, hiking, and riding in armored vehicles. The wings are still a status symbol and even though very few troops today will ever make a combat jump, the training is tough and remains a source of pride. The old saying in Israel applies to the airborne trooper everywhere for all time."Echad tsanchan, tamid tsanchan" "Once a paratrooper, ALWAYS a paratrooper." good luck.

I have both ATF's AND WPG's I like them both. No stiffness and sturdy and take a great shine. As many know I have issues with Juan and WW2 Impressions so I won't buy from him.

Scott

Bump!

Anyone sporting roughout boondockers these days?

The ones that have my interest peaked are these newcomers from Indonesian (of all places) bootmaker Sagara:





I'm sure there are more period authentic offerings out there, but they definitely have my attention! With all eyelets and a coat or two of sno-seal, i think these would look amazing

They look interesting indeed! Any details on the price?

J.W. said:

They look interesting indeed! Any details on the price?

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They're approx $180 usd, but shipping is an extra $50-60 depending on where you live. But from my perspective that's still a better way to go than the WWII impressions ones, as these appear to be much better made. The Sagara site is here:

http://sagaraindonesia.wordpress.com/
There are several discussions on this brand on other forums, but not much. The company started up in 2010.

I'm seriously debating picking some up

If you do, be sure to share your thoughts on them here. I've got the Corcoran roughouts and although they are quite nice, they're not the most comfortable pair of boots I've owned.

JW, will do! You have any other recommendations beyond the brands mentioned earlier in this thread?