Question:
First set were the studded type, hobnailed? What was their proper
nomenclature?
Duh! I just remembered these were Ammo boots?
Answer:
I think "ammo boot" was a military colloquialism. If you have a look
in the Osprey Book on the Battle Dress uniform, I am fairly sure it
goes into the nomenclature of the boot issued back when puttees and
web anklets were worn, along with the various hobnailing patterns.
I had the good fortune to be in the CF where they gave up on the ammo
boot in 1968 and issued a "Shoe, Ankle, Type 3" which had nice flat
laces and eight holes a side, and which took a decent spit shine
fairly easily, and also issued the "Boot, Combat" (marks I through
III) for duties in the field. The latter boot was a militarized Greb
"Kodiak" (a DMS work boot) with a decent tread, a black pebble finish
which we were only to treat with issue boot blacking and silicone
waterproofing, mesh insoles and a nice soft leather lining. It was too
heavy for Cyprus (there we were issued "Boots, Extreme Hot Weather"
which were likely the same item you recall with little brass screen to
let water in and out) but great for Europe and Canada when the weather
was cool.
