The trench boot, sometimes known as the "Pershing boot," was an American
combat boot
Combat boots are military boots designed to be worn by soldiers during combat or combat training, as opposed to during parades and other ceremonial duties. Modern combat boots are designed to provide a combination of grip, ankle stability, an ...
used in the latter stages of
World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
, made for the cold mud of
trench warfare
Trench warfare is a type of land warfare using occupied lines largely comprising military trenches, in which troops are well-protected from the enemy's small arms fire and are substantially sheltered from artillery. Trench warfare became a ...
. For the WWI British Army trench boots, see
Ammunition boot
Ammunition boots are a form of military footwear. They were the standard combat boot for the British Army and other forces around the British Empire and Commonwealth from at least the mid-1860s until their replacement a century later in the 196 ...
.
Introduction
The 1917 Trench Boot was an adaptation of the boots American manufacturers were selling to the French and Belgian armies at the beginning of World War I. In American service, it replaced the Russet Marching Shoe. The boot was made of tanned cowhide with a half middle
sole covered by a full sole, studded with five rows of
hobnail
In footwear, a hobnail is a short nail with a thick head used to increase the durability of boot soles.
Uses
Hobnailed boots (in Scotland "tackety boots") are boots with hobnails (nails inserted into the soles of the boots), usually installe ...
s.
[ Iron plates were fixed to the heel. Although it was a great improvement, it lacked waterproofing, leading to ]trench foot
Trench foot is a type of foot damage due to moisture. Initial symptoms often include tingling or itching which can progress to numbness. The feet may become red or bluish in color. As the condition worsens the feet can start to swell and sm ...
.
Improvements
In January 1918, Harry Lovejoy Rogers
Harry Lovejoy Rogers (January 29, 1867 – December 12, 1925) was an officer in the United States Army. A specialist in quartermaster and food service activities, Rogers attained the rank of major general, and was most notable for his service as ...
, Quartermaster General of the United States Army
The Quartermaster General of the United States Army is a general officer who is responsible for the Quartermaster Corps, the Quartermaster branch of the U.S. Army. The Quartermaster General does not command Quartermaster units, but is primarily ...
, met with a board of officers at American Expeditionary Forces
The American Expeditionary Forces (A. E. F.) was a formation of the United States Army on the Western Front of World War I. The A. E. F. was established on July 5, 1917, in France under the command of General John J. Pershing. It fought alon ...
Headquarters to make recommendations in order to improve the footwear of soldiers. The findings of the board were sent to General of the Armies
General of the Armies of the United States, more commonly referred to as General of the Armies, is the highest military rank in the United States Army. The rank has been conferred three times: to John J. Pershing in 1919, as a personal accola ...
John J. Pershing, who approved the proposed changes. He cabled the study to the War Department War Department may refer to:
* War Department (United Kingdom)
* United States Department of War (1789–1947)
See also
* War Office, a former department of the British Government
* Ministry of defence
* Ministry of War
* Ministry of Defence
* D ...
for action. Shortly thereafter, the improved 1918 trench boot, also called the "Pershing boot", was first issued to personnel. It used heavier leather in its construction and had several minor changes from the 1917 Boot, including a thicker sole and improved waterproofing.[ Due to the boots' greater size, they were known as "little tanks" by the soldiers who received them.][
]
References
{{footwear
Military equipment of World War I
American military uniforms
Military boots