BACKGROUND: Besides the helmet, the tall, blackened leather boot is probably one of the most instantly recognizable items of the German military. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms including footwear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army's Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO's could choose to purchase their footwear from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase footwear of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their footwear from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately manufactured footwear although the price may have been restrictive. Of Note: The German's concern with leather shortages was evident as early as September 1939 when issue of the traditional tall leather marching boot was restricted to personnel serving in the field. Regulations in November 1939 shortened the tall leather marching boot in an attempt to conserve leather. Additional regulations in August 1940, introduced the canvas gaiters to be worn with the short lace up ankle boots, and issued to all second line troops in a further effort to conserve leather. By 1941 the short lace up ankle boots and gaiters were issued to all new recruits in place of the marching boot as a cost and leather saving technique. By 1943 with increased leather shortages the gaiter's and lace up ankle boots were issued in ever larger quantities and production of the tall marching boots was discontinued altogether.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A pair of brown, multi-piece constructed leather with leather stacked heels, hob nails, and heel plates. The boot measures approximately 41cm long from the top of the heel. An oval "disc" is protruding between the top of the heel and the leather for the suspension of spurs. All four original pull tabs are present. The foot measures approximately 31cm. Nice untouched worn and used boots.