The US entered the war wearing M1938 canvas leggings and rough-out combat boots. The issue combat boot was of russet leather "rough side out". W.W.II boots are getting hard to find. Either buy a pair of beaters and recondition them, or go with a set of reproduction boots. Don't worry about the leather being smooth; by the time a soldier put boot daubing on and really weather-proofed his rough outs they looked smooth anyway. We suggest avoiding steel toe boots if possible; in cold weather your toes will freeze because of the metal in your boots.
M1938 leggings are always going to be khaki colored, and will have either 8 or 9 hooks along the side, along with 16 or 18 eyelets. The hooks will be either brass or black, depending upon the date of issue. There are only 3 common sizes; 1R, 2R and 3R. YOU WILL WANT THE 3R SIZE. Unless you have very thin calves, look on the inside of the legging and get the 3R! |
