When I started basic training in 1975 was issued 2 pairs of these boots. I was given a choice, either two pairs with rubber soles or one pair rubber and one pair hobnailed. I chose the second variant, later buying an extra pair with rubber - to always have a clean pair at hand at dorm inspection. The boots came entirely untreated - just the raw leather! no grease, no polish, as hard as rocks. First confrontation with the CSM - greas and knead these boots. grease and knead, grease and knead - no water allowed - grease and knead ... on the drillground, July, 32 degs C. 5hours ... Mind you, the boots were still not broken in after this treatment. One week later, first evening furlough, from 1800 to 2400, the entire company was still kneading boots. In the Swiss army - at the time - boots were the standard instrument of torture, a bit like pushups in other armies. Bloody feet were guaranteed in the first weeks of basic training. 35 years later, myself a Battallion Sergeant Major, at my discharge from service, I was still wearing those boots. In fact, I still have a pair today - in full working order, properly greased and with new soles. It is now 2024.
I had 7 of it and send it to Limmers boots for resole. Wow. Best leather It’s a Bally boots. They are expensive now before I bought it $35 a pair. If you found one buy it and have them resole. And you have the best boots in the world
A bit late to the party, but my experience with ankle boots so far is with Norwegian M66 boots. They are fairly simple in construction, with a upper made from pebbled leather and a rubber sole. They do add a bit more height than I'm used to with military boots. Unfortunately i have a very bad impression of them, as they won't shape to my feet no matter how many times i try. Anecdotes from former servicemembers are very mixed, with some saying they felt really good, with others leaving the military with destroyed feet. I want to love them and recommend so much, but for the moment I just can't.
My only gripe about these is that my experience has been that Swiss surplus boots come in pairs of the same size, but aren't ever actually matching; they've all been mismatch pairs and that's made them horribly uncomfortable.
Hello thanks for the review.. I just bought these and was thinking the one eyelet on both was damaged... Thanks for the info... I've bought them for gardening as they look absolutely rock solid....
i have 2 pair,, took a barrel of neetsfoot oil 2 soften em up,, but after that I'm happy with them.. HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY,, if i live 2 B 200 i probably wouldn't wear em out....
Hi Devin, Saw your boots in size 27cm, may I ask what size you wearing normally? cuz I plan to buy a pair but wonder what size should I go with, Thanks a lot
Hi Devin. Thank you very much for yr reply. I wanna get a pair after I watch yr video. Same as you. Measurement 27.0 wear 27.5 normally. So I guess I should go with 27.0 Thanks again
