What was the "normal" combat boot of the UK...

http://cas.awm.gov.au/screen_img/REL/10926
Pair of unmatched brown leather ankle boots, size 7 1/4, with leather soles and heels, heavy cotton stitching, six pairs of brown-painted brass lace eyelets, a leather loop at the upper rear of the left boot only to retain the laces, and a double row of stitching across the toe cap. The left boot is constructed with a wide tongue, while the right boot has a narrower tongue with a pared edge. The sole of the right boot is fitted with toe and heel reinforcing plates - these are tacked to the sole and heel with heavy duty tacks - while the sole itself is reinforced with five rows of steel tacks. The sole of the left boot is plain. The soles are impressed with the boot size 7/4 and the respective maker's name (or number) and date of manufacture. The upper of the right boot is impressed MCMURTRIE 421 and D^D; while the upper of the left boot is impressed 52, V842 and 1944.

 

The art of 'bull' - a damp yellow duster boiled to remove any trace of grease from the dyeing process. Some use all sorts of concoctions - aftershave- like a French polisher - no need. Wrap the duster around four fingers, none of this one finger stuff, like painting the Forth bridge with a toothbrush! keep duster damp using big sweeping circular movements until you see something scary - the dial/coupon or face. The whole boot must appear to have spent time on Covent Garden amongst the civilian diamonds. But how I hear you ask does the polish not crack and fall off, As any Meerkat will tell you - when prepping up sand the surface to produce a key for the polish, some make cuts with a razor that is brutal ugly and is in the realms of M and D - misuse and damage. After use remove laces brush and skin up with a layer of polish leave until next 'bulling' session. On being commissioned into the TA and reading up on the new regimental customs and traditions - shoes and Sam Browne, sword frog etc, to be brown polished black, gives a nice depth of colour and shine.

 

i can recall being asked to 'test-wear' a pair pair of really comfortable high boots in the early 1970s much to the Sgt majors disgust when he tried to put me on a charge for wearing unauthorised footwear - they lasted a long long time - alas the Army never adopted them
We tested Doc Martins with a Vibram sole, sewn in double tongue and side fastening by means of three triangular rings through which the lace passed. The free end of the lace was pulled to lock the rings together and then wound around the top of the boot and turned under itself. Bliss to wear and put on in a matter of seconds, needless to say the army never bought them.

 

We had a batch of patrol boots issued in early '79. Unfortunately the soles peeled off after only a little use. The QM's staff were reluctant to replace them (probably had nil stock) and we reverted to DMS until new stock arrived.

Having said that the patrol boot was certainly comfortable, especially so when used on the streets. They seemed much more flexible than the DMS.

 

The leather boot was very comfortable to wear. Easy to run in. In training, we did a seven mile run before breakfast (in boots) as a squad, and running at the same pace. LIke a drill squad. You had to see your face in the polished surface of them.

The earlier picture of a service man was of a 3 div soldier but I fancy the ammo pouches were longer in length than those shown. And more rectangular. WE also had the later helmet with the added advantage that the rain was carried out further so that it did not run down your neck
sapper

Having worn mine for a week in Normandy without taking them off for more than ten minutes, I can wholeheartedly agree. They're very good indeed and also having run in mine, I can say that aside from a lack of grip on cobbles and paviours, they're excellent pieces of kit.

They also make you stand up straight, don't really know why though...probably the way they position you archilles or something.

 

On some shiny or wet surfaces with tackety boots you came to a halt just short of the intended point and let the momentum slide you into position.

 

I've tried doing that. I need more practice...