Prepare yourself with the proper materials.
"How To Page"
Index
Make your own Combat Boots
It isn't always easy to find boots dated in the early to mid 40's which are available in mid to larger sizes. To remedy this situation we've found that the use of modern "Jump Boots" will work as a good substitute as the price of reproduction boots range from $125.00 - $175.00. Most all Army/Navy surplus stores carry these items and are priced very reasonably. The following report details the process in which a person my modify his boots to match those worn in the great WWII.
Once a person has procured the boots it is very important to properly strip away the entire black finish. This involves some work, however with patience and a little time it can be done somewhat easily and will improve the over quality and appearance of your boots by exponential amounts.
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Prepare yourself with the proper materials. |
Lacquer Thinner and /or Acetone work well to dissolve the black finish on your contemporary boots.
Kiwi Brand Nu-Life (tm) brand spray dye (#646 Mahogany)
Nu-Life (tm) leather preparer solvent *.
* Although the Nu-Life Preparer is called out by the manufacturer it was found that the above mentioned solvents Lacquer thinner and Acetone worked as well if not better for stripping the surface. The case which we are about to explain utilized all the above using Lacquer thinner, and Acetone to effectively strip the boots down the leather base and the Nu-Life prep agent as a "final" step to clean the surface for the application of the dye.
Step 1 Using the solvents mentioned above thoroughly clean the surface of the leather and remove any sheen which is left by the original finish. Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(Note: it is extremely important that the pores are exposed for the dye to work effectively. The magnified area shows the pore detail of the leather we are preparing.)
Step 2 Once cleaned and ready to spray. Use masking tape to protect the sole and heal area. You will note the area just above the rubber sole is masked as well. Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Step 3 Spraying light coats initially will also improve the overall quality of the boot and durability of the finish. In essence try to fog the first layer on as you begin to dye your boots.
Fig. 3
Step 4. Continue spraying light coats on your boots until the surface is completely covered and beginning to hold a shine. Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Step 5 Allow your boots to dry thoroughly before handling, and remove the making tape. (see Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
Step 6 Appling the black finish to the soles of the shoes.
Step 7 Insoles my be necessary for your boots if they have seen considerable use. In the case for these boots the steel shank was beginning to protrude through the portion of the shoe where the ball of your foot rests. This made the boots very uncomfortable to wear. The use of insoles gave these old jump boots new life!
Step 8 Completion of your WWII combat boots. As R Lee Ermy would say... "What a site to behold! Hoooo Rah!"
Care for your newly dyed boots include using a neutral or mahogany shoe polish to maintain pliability and texture. If all the above steps were followed correctly the dye will not crack or show signs of fatigue.
Step 1 locate some stiff card stock. (similar to the cardboard used in to hold soda or beer cans.
Step 2 download the following image and use the included instructions for the proper measurements and markings.
