Service Shoe, Rubber Taps, At the Front

SKU: REPRO US 054
Category: U.S. Footwear

Brand new, American made reproduction of the standard issue boot worn by soldiers and airmen throughout the Second World War.

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Description

Brand new, American made reproduction of the standard issue boot worn by soldiers and airmen throughout the Second World War. These are commonly called "Type II Service Shoes", but ATF is using "Service Shoes, Rubber Taps" which is the actual name from the Quartermaster Catalog since that's how they have labeled their boxes for historical accuracy. The boots are made by HH Brown with components from Goodyear Tire and Rubber to our specifications. The design, sole and heel patterns, leather, and color are all identical to those made in the 1940's. The laces are original 1944 manufacture. They even copied a period shipping box, and the labels have the correct US Army Quartermaster part numbers. The only things they have not managed to get done were the exact ink stamps inside (which run afoul of modern labeling requirements) and the factory can no longer acquire the old style linen thread. Fit, finish, sizing, and workmanship are what one expects from an American made product.

Made in USA

Wear: These are period correct for all Army and Air Corps personnel for the entire 1941-45 period. With exception to some combat trials, mostly in Italy, the reverse upper service shoes didn't appear until just before D-day, and the Combat Service boots in the Fall of 1944. These were still in use with many soldiers at the end of the War.

Sizes: They have sizes 8-13. D (regular) width only. The sizes are accurate!

Laces: ATF'sService Shoes are made with genuine, 40" (101,6cm) WWII production (August 1943) nylon laces. This is the size issued in all service shoes during the War. The shoe size has no effect on what length lace is needed- the eyelet run is the same length on all sizes.

History: From the late 1930's until late 1941, personnel of the US Army were all issued the Type I Service Shoe, which is this style of boot with leather soles. The Army introduced an improved version, the Type II, which had a rubber heel and tap (half sole) in the Fall of 1941. The Service Shoes were made from polished, grain-side out leather, painted cordovan brown. (Yes, there is leather paint.) They have welt soles, toe caps with brogue holes, no internal toe box, 7-9 pairs of eyelets, and leather full sole. The change to rubber taps and heel was predicted to double the life of the boots. The taps are reinforced with brass (later steel and zinc were used) nails. Service Shoes were intended to be worn with leggings for field use, and alone for when not in field conditions.

Training exercises and combat experience showed shortcomings in the design, which led to experimentation with different sole compositions and leather types in 1942. Ultimately, the Service Shoes proved to be lacking as combat footwear and were gradually superseded by the Type III reverse upper service shoes ("roughouts") and the Combat Service Boots late in the War, although they were never totally replaced until the 1950's.

Item weight:	2,20 kg