Historical information

These boots had a metal plate inserted in sole to protect the feet of personnel wearing boot. This was after earlier boots without this protection did not protect the wearer from sharpened spikes eg bamboo set in pits or “punji” pits, during the Vietnam war.
The laces were done up by knotting one end,threading from bottom hole across to opposite hole,up next hole on same side,across to opposite hole etc. This meant that only one loop per opposite holes was all exposed for a quick and easy cutting to release the boot in case of injury to wearer.

Significance

These boots were typically worn on parade,training and in combat during the Vietnam war era and after.

Physical description

The LEFT boot solid black leather uppers with split leather tongue sewn to sides - making the boot semi water and insect proof.The sole is hard black rubber compound with 7 cleats on sole and 3 cleats on heel,all part of rubber sole. Woven black cotton laces.
30 mm leather reinforcing strip sewn on inside top of boot. 11 by 5mm metal holes per boot for laces. Sole is welded on.

Inscriptions & markings

“Dunlop made in Australia” and “5/5” on sole in front of heel.
Inscribed on top reinforced inside leather band is- “ B 22 R.B.T 1439 188” on one side and “ 5/6” on the other.