paratrooper boot question

[asmith80]

I have a pair of Bates 11'' paratrooper boots that are really not comfortable. I've narrowed down the comfort problem to reinforcements in the ankle/heel area which I am assuming are to provide extra support when you actually hit the ground from a jump. For me, since the heel is so stiff, it doesn't move with my foot and instead my foot moves in the boot and rubs the heel raw.

Do all the paratrooper-style boots have this reinforcement? I've noticed some other people saying the repro Corcorran paratrooper boots are pretty comfortable. Do they have this reinforcement? Is there a way I can get this reinforcement out (I can actually feel something in the heel in between the lining and the outer leather, so I know it's not just really stiff leather) or some way I can mess with the reinforcement so it's not so stiff?

 

[Harp]

Corcorran

I wore Corcorrans, which were standard issue; w/o complaint,
and ran nine miles easy in 'em. And used Kiwi polish and Johnson's
floor wax for a spit shine.

 

[indycop]

If they are the right fit there should be no movement from your heel.

 

[sean138]

Hello, all jump boots are fairly thick leather (except the Corcorran Field Boot), so they do take time to break in. The only times I wore mine, with dress greens (10 yrs w/101st ABN) and for guard mount. The capped toe always seemed to bite down on my foot. When I left active duty I gave them away since I didn't think I would ever want them for anything. Now I do want a pair of brown jump boots.

I wouldn't mess with the ankle support. I think they just need broke in. Also you might try thicker socks to keep your heel from moving around.

Sean

 

[Harp]

Elaine's

Hello, all jump boots are fairly thick leather.. The only times I wore mine, with dress greens (10 yrs w/101st ABN) and for guard mount.
Sean

...Is Elaine's still open down the road toward Clarksville?

 

[sean138]

...Is Elaine's still open down the road toward Clarksville?

I'm not sure. I left Campbell in 2000.
Sean

 

[lauwalton]

I'm glad we don't have to wear jump boots any more

 

[OldSkoolFrat]

ASMITH80,

You have the dreaded, "combination foot." Not the boots, I mean your feet are "combo." This means that your heel is narrower than your forefoot. Most feet that are say, width, "D" are a "D" forefoot and a "D" heel. Your heel is prolly at least one width smaller. That causes "heel float."

I backpack and can only wear one maker's boots. And yes, I went somewhat vintage: A model of mountaineering boot was being phased out and so I bought a couple pair, they are massive over kill for me, but they fit. They are built on a combo last.

If your ego can handle it get the women's model, they are all "B" width and bates makes them large enough to do it, I think. Try the women's in 2 sizes up. If you wear a men's 10, try the women's 12 (up 2 sizes). Might be narrow enough in the heel to lock it down and stop the heel float.

 

[fireman sam]

don't know about paratrooper boots but i have about a dozen firefighter boots from various makers my first one was your traditional leather top boot which was specifically made for your foot quite comfy the others have got a lot more ankle protection and take a bit more breaking in but once broken are quite good but again that depends on what company make they are they all have slight variations i'd say that would be the same with paratrooper boots.

 

[Spitfire]

My "replica" Corcorans - what are replicas by the way - it's boots, made like they used to make them. They are just not from 1942. fftopic:
As I were saying, my Corcorans also have the heelsupport - but they broke in quite easily, and are really comfortable now.
Must be something wrong with the size.
Here they are:

 

[Smithy]

Nice boots Spitty