Guten morgen oder abend!
I've been helping a friend plan out an SS/Heer impression, but I've run into a bit of a snag, he insists on having jackboots due to the flexibility in being able to switch between officer or EM at a moment's notice, plus they look nice. However, my major concern is the fact that whenever I read about the reproduction jackboots that are on sale, they are all normally with leather soles.
So, I'm cautious as to whether they are actually worth buying since I know the rubber on my British DMS boots will last forever, but will the Germany jackboot do the same, regardless of it NOT being rubber?
On another note, what is everyone's suggestion on decent lookalikes/reproductions of this iconic piece of footwear?
Thank you for reading and even more so if you can help me help a friend.
Weapons:
King Arms M1928 Thompson Submachine Gun
AGM Sten Mk.II
CYMA M1911 EAP
Since your friend is likely to be wearing the boots for, what, 10 days a year, 'wearing out' isn't going to be an issue. Real army boots had leather soles, shoes I wear every day have leather soles - can't see what the issue is!
Now, if you were concerned about safety, then yes, rubber soles would be an idea for CQB. (Marginal, though IMO - skidding on BBs is an issue with rubber soles!). Woodland, less so.
More of an issue is construction - cheap repro boots (whatever the sole type) are cheap repro boots, and won't stand up to the hammer of pretend warfare for ever. Go for Epic's second hand real German jack boots - government contractor standard of construction and they look OK...
Leather soles are fine if you look after them (dubbin, cobblers can replace them if necessary) although cheap leather will behave like cheap leather. The main problem I have with my (cheap leather) repro ammo boots is the hobnails falling out, but they have dozens of coats of dubbin on and are as waterproof as wellingtons.
For jackboots, ex East German Army ones are a good buy. Relatively cheap, built like tanks and they even have plastic soles. I had mine resoled and hobnailed by a cobbler.
With repros you get what you pay for (see my other thread re low boots), but these are proper army boots made of thick leather. They do take a bit of breaking in, a few coats of neatsfoot oil helps.
Cheers
Martin
"Mistakes in the initial deployment cannot be rectified" Helmuth von Moltke
Toys: AGM MP40, Cyma M1A1, TM M14/G43/SVT40, TM VSR/K98, SnS No. 4, ASG Sten, Ppsh.
Arnhem3,Gumrak,Campoleone
Thank you to you both for the advice, I appreciate the help, sirs.
Weapons:
King Arms M1928 Thompson Submachine Gun
AGM Sten Mk.II
CYMA M1911 EAP
