Rough Outs or Russet Service Shoes...

[Biltmore Bob]

ZF...

Did you try thise site for the russets?

http://hpassociates.chubbsdog.com/ext_buzz.html

 

[BellyTank]

History Preservation Associates,
$400 for the correct ones!
http://historypreservation.com/hpassociates/newproduct.php


Fellow Lounge member 'Scotrace' has a pair of these-

Oops Bob, you beat me buy seconds...

B
T

 

[Biltmore Bob]

Sweet, BT.....

 

[Zemke Fan]

History Preservation Associates, $400 for the correct ones!
http://historypreservation.com/hpassociates/newproduct.php

Fellow Lounge member 'Scotrace' has a pair of these-

Oops Bob, you beat me buy seconds...

BT

Major Problem (besides the price): Sizes 7-10 1/2 by half-size increments in only one width. And I'm a 13D.

 

[BellyTank]

Problem?
The one width is 'E width'- buy for your foot length- unless you have extra wide or extra narrow feet...

$400 seems like peamuts for an excellent pair of shoes that are the best WW2 repro out there. Good shoes cost.

B
T

 

[Zemke Fan]

Yep, good shoes cost...

Alas... I'm a size 13!

Also, and maybe it's just me, but I have a problem buying WWII U.S. Army shoes from a company in Japan.

For now, I'm going to stick with the AE's for dress Class A and will buy the WWII Impressions roughout for the field uniform.

 

[Prairie Shade]

Low Quarters - Class "A" Uniform

Those definately look like their serviceable and ready for use. But, in my experience (limited-- Black Shoe Army) this type of shoe, Low Quarter, was worn only with Class A or Dress Uniform,i.e. not under arms. The leather soles were smooth with a stacked leather heel. Were the WWII dress shoes actually constructed with this type of sole and heel? I know times were different but I guess I just supposed that a dress type sole then would have been the same as now. Surely someone out there has a pair of classics they could report on!!! The sole and heel resemble Jump Boots and they appear to be a hybrid for field or dress (?) use. Any comments are more than welcome.

 

[Zemke Fan]

Buzz Ricksons'

I think these ARE a very accurate reproduction of the original WWII-vintage low quarters that were the standard issue. As I understand it, the concept was to make the soles of all of the standard boots/shoes the same to facilitate repair in the field. However, as Jon MaGuire and others emphasize over and over again, there was an incredible variation in every element of the uniforms because so many manufacturers were involved in meeting production. But you are right in that they were primarily for wear with the Class A uniforms.

 

[BellyTank]

I believe that the shoes are actually English made.
That Japanese company; Buzz Rickson/Toyo and another sell the best repro flight jackets and gear available- you gotta get it where it is...

Pilots wore all manner of footwear ranging all the way from Loafers to Cowboy Boots. A vintage looking pair of Russet/Brown shoes would suit.

B
T

 

[BellyTank]

Buzz Ricksons' footwear- the HPS source-

http://www.buzzricksons.jp/product/0007.html

B
T

 

[scotrace]

Excellent shoes

I have a pair of the Buzz Rickson russet low quarter shoes. They are just an excellent shoe. I wear them once a week in rotation and get a lot of compliments.
HPA had them on sale awhile back.

 

[Zemke Fan]

Truly a beautiful shoe...

I agree that they're a beautiful shoe and the construction (rubber heel and partial sole) should ensure that they last a long time. Alas, the fact that their sizing stops at 10-1/2 is a problem for a 13D like me. And since I am looking to DANCE in my low-quarters, the rubber components are not as desirable as full leather soles. I see that PADDY found an alternative -- cobbler made shoes by the same folks that make the RAF flight boots -- for $200 that also look pretty terrific. So, I guess we've solved the low quarter dilemma for now.

 

[airfrogusmc]

Buzz makes great stuff the only problem is they don't make anything for full grown men.

 

[scotrace]

My Buzz Rickson Russet Low Quarter Offficer's Shoes

From History Preservation Associates. Plenty of compliments.

 

[BellyTank]

Nice shoes Mr. Race!

B
T

 

[jake431]

My wwiiimpression service shoes are now on their last legs. I've worn through the stitching and their sole is starting to go. But hey three years isn't bad - I wore them through two full Chicago winters, replete with snow and salt, getting wet, salt soaking into them etc. Can't complain. but I think I'll soon grab a pair of Alden Indy boots if I can afford them. They're next in line after a pair of Frye's.

-Jake