History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer, the Kriegsmarine, and the Luftwaffe. The Heer and Kriegsmarine uniforms were based upon the designs utilized by their predecessor organizations, the Deutsches Heer and the Kaiserliche Marine. Conversely, the Luftwaffe uniforms were based upon the uniforms worn in the sports and para-military organizations that were the forerunners of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe uniforms were specifically designed to deviate from the designs of the other Wehrmacht service branches. It was also necessary that the uniforms differentiate between military and civilian pilots.

These flight boots were worn by pilots and flight crews as protection against the cold at high altitudes.

There are two main versions of these boots. The 1st model boots have two zippers, with one on either side, and the 2nd model boots have one zipper on the interior side. Each boot model is composed of leather and suede, with a warm lining on the inside, such as wool. The boots are secured by two leather straps and buckle combinations. With one at the top of the boot that secures tightly around the wearer’s calf, and the other around the top of the foot.

There are also rare versions of the flight boots which are electrically heated.

The shoe size and manufacturer may be stamped into the interior leather sections, or stamped on a tag which was sewn into interior cloth lining.