Boots worn by the Wehrmacht

[stahlhelm john]

Hi guys,

The German army was well known for it's men in jackboots. I often wonder were they very comfortable? Were the soldiers pleased to wear them?
Did they often have more foot problems like blisters or sweaty feet, compared to other types of army boots?

[Admiraal]

I do know that most German soldiers rather have boots then the German shoe's.
I've readed that in various vet story's.

[david stone]

Well, I was never a German soldier in WWII but I have spent an awful lot of time in such boots, from reenacting WWI and WWII. What I can tell you is that I find the boots very comfortable. They have a somewhat loose fit, which means they ventilate far better than a tight laced boot. Maybe I have tough feet but I never had a pair of jackboots give me a blister. I can't say the same for some hard and tough old ankle boots. If you learn how to wear footwraps you may love them too - properly worn they are very comfortable - the only drawback is they stay in the boot when you take the boot off. Finally, I love how quick and easy to get on or off the jackboot is. Getting up in the morning is a breeze with the jackboot, just pull them on. If you've really got to use the toilet in a hurry this is a big plus! But I suppose you really can't fully appreciate the boot still you've tried to put on an ankle boot plus those long wrapped puttees the world was cursed with in WWI.
Lastly, somewhere I saw a reprint of a US Quartermaster report that German prisoners who had leather soled jackboots and footwraps almost never had frostbite or trench foot. Prisoners who wore socks had a slightly greater risk of having trench foot, and prisoners who had on rubber soled boots - presumably paratroops - had the greatest chance to have foot trouble. Same article also mentioned footwraps being sewn into blankets for prisoners.
Of course, I am sure some people hated them - but as far as boots go - I find them comfortable and practical.

[mfh7200]

Well, I was never a German soldier in WWII but I have spent an awful lot of time in such boots, from reenacting WWI and WWII. What I can tell you is that I find the boots very comfortable. They have a somewhat loose fit, which means they ventilate far better than a tight laced boot. Maybe I have tough feet but I never had a pair of jackboots give me a blister. I can't say the same for some hard and tough old ankle boots. If you learn how to wear footwraps you may love them too - properly worn they are very comfortable - the only drawback is they stay in the boot when you take the boot off. Finally, I love how quick and easy to get on or off the jackboot is. Getting up in the morning is a breeze with the jackboot, just pull them on. If you've really got to use the toilet in a hurry this is a big plus! But I suppose you really can't fully appreciate the boot still you've tried to put on an ankle boot plus those long wrapped puttees the world was cursed with in WWI.
Lastly, somewhere I saw a reprint of a US Quartermaster report that German prisoners who had leather soled jackboots and footwraps almost never had frostbite or trench foot. Prisoners who wore socks had a slightly greater risk of having trench foot, and prisoners who had on rubber soled boots - presumably paratroops - had the greatest chance to have foot trouble. Same article also mentioned footwraps being sewn into blankets for prisoners.
Of course, I am sure some people hated them - but as far as boots go - I find them comfortable and practical.

Do you have any pictures of footwraps or a description of how to make and wear them.

[BergführerKiser]

Servus Fusslappen-Kameraden,

Check this link for proper wear of Fusslappen:

http://www.dererstezug.com/Fusslappen.htm

[mfh7200]

Servus Fusslappen-Kameraden,

Check this link for proper wear of Fusslappen:

http://www.dererstezug.com/Fusslappen.htm

HI,Patrick, Thanks very much for the info. Mike

[robertdmountfor]

Hi guys,

The German army was well known for it's men in jackboots. I often wonder were they very comfortable? Were the soldiers pleased to wear them?
Did they often have more foot problems like blisters or sweaty feet, compared to other types of army boots?

I regularly use top boots manafactured by 'cavallo' when riding. I believe they made officer boots during the war , aswell as civilian. They really are most comfortable, not only when on horseback, but off aswell. Excellent all around support. Only draw back would be their weight.