US forces in WWII had problems with their issue footwear going rotten in the Pacific Island jungles, several attempts were made to produce a boot capable of surviving the climate, but none were particularly successful. So, soon after the War it was decided to properly develop and trial boots for hot and humid environments.
This was the fist real attempt at a jungle boot.
Early advisors to Vietnam were often based out of Japan, and these particular boots were first tested in Okinawa, hence the original name: Okinawa Boots.
The originals were exactly the same as the double buckle leather boots issued to American troops WWII, but with part of the upper in canvas. Good luck finding a pair though, they are as rare as rocking horse sh*t!
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| An original pair. |
Luckily Pike Brothers stepped in and have made their own version: much shorter than the original, dispensing with the double buckle, they've named it the Lowkinawa.
The upper boot is a mix of cowhide and canvas. Construction is a durable Goodyear welt with an outdoor sole.
It's a stylish and comfortable boot, the cowhide is beautiful and sturdy, however, the canvas ensures that the boot remains nice and light.
In short, it's a boot that wears it's military heritage proudly, but won't make you look as if you're about to retake the Solomon Islands single handed.
For those of us that wear boots year round the Lowkinawa is a great option for Spring & Summer. I can't wait to see how these break in.
Check them out here.
(Pix courtesy of Pike Brothers & Saunders Militaria.)
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