(Untitled)

[3weasel]

FACT: Frenchmen have extremely skinny calves and no joints below the knee.

That's what these French army boots suggest, anyway. They're the only shoes ever in which I've been able to stand en pointe. Of course, I'm half-squatting at that point because the ankles don't bend either, but still. My point is that they don't flex AT ALL. I don't know

Comments

[rue_deday]

Trivia:

Silly French! Copying the American WWII combat boot!
http://www.olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_clothing_combat_ww2_combatboots.php

(Better than the gaiters, which were better than the (WWI) puttees, but not as good as the next gen combat boot, which is what people think of when you say "combat boot".)

[3weasel]

Yeah, I knew that. I assumed we gave the design to them after the war

[3weasel]

Oddly enough, there are differences between the M'43 US and the French version -- the former had the straps and cuff in one piece (French had separate bits riveted on, as you can see), and the buckles were farther toward the back.

As another P.S., I need to get some insoles for them -- the nail ends on the inside, though not able to be felt, turn my socks green.

[rue_deday]

Apparently the French do still have a similar style combat boot.
http://www.worldofsurplus.com/ishop/1061/shopscr347.html
While looking into French combat boots (there's a LOT of hate for the French Army, innit there?) I saw a non-definitive picture that makes it look like the Turks have a similar style boot. But it could have just been blurry. If those are the boots Sportsman's Guide have, they could just be old(ish) surplus. Who knows how long they've been sitting in a warehouse somewhere?

You don't need a Utilikilt. I've seen short pants around the 'Net in the BDU pattern. Those would be great!

Heh- "I can't imagine taking back Europe in them"...
"Man, I'd LOVE to save the free world and all, but I can't find any shoes to go with these pants!"