Russian Boots for the Germans?

[wittmann]

Hiya everyone, it's my first post here.

I've been overseas in Germany for the past seven months and upon my return learned that all the German Reenactment units in my state had folded. I've decided to start one, and the majority of the people who have expressed interest are people my age (college). The only issue is that, as younger people, we lack the funds to purchase a lot. I've done a lot of bargain shopping, but where we reach a real problem is those darn boots.

The cost of our Pants + Jackets is $90, our A-Frame and Accesories ~ $35, and then belts and hats are about $~30 (god bless the Chinese).

But then the boots, the first issue is Germans seem to have the world's smallest feet, all of us wear US 10's to 12's, which is a real pain to find, the second issue being Low Boots are around $140, and Jackboots can run up into $180-$200. Buying used is okay for us, but we're all trying to stay reasonably similar, and even used the prices are still exceedingly high.

Our idea was to purchase Russian Jackboots, as they look similar, and can be justified as "acquired gear", as I know both sides took the boots from the other.

Here is a link to about what we're looking at.

www.ebay.com/itm/331161550690?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I know the hobnailing is different, but our goal is "to the average person at 5m, we look authentic. We recognize that it's better to participate with some minor alterations, versus simply not being able to participate.

Are there any better substitutes? And do these boots look similar enough?

Thanks guys!

[Chris P.]

Part of me is wondering if this post is a joke but it is late for April Fools so I will give you an honest and serious response.

Those boots in the link are terrible and not like German boots. I don't believe these look like wartime Soviet boots, either. I would say those would be suitable for a Halloween costume, not for a serious reenactment impression.

I spent a lot of money on my kit and would prefer not to attend an event with a unit whose goal is to look authentic to an uninformed bystander 15 feet away. I bought my kit when I was 21 years old using money I saved from my job working at a pizza restaurant. This was before cheap Chinese stuff was available- everything was USA made or original and I spent more than $1000 on my basic kit, not including my rifle. It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice to afford that but in the end I had an impression I could be proud of, and I was passionate about a realistic portrayal. To me it was worth waiting to get started, rather than hastily jumping in with substandard gear. First impressions are important. And in any case I learned the value of buying the right stuff the first time. I'm still using the same Y-straps, equipment straps, shovel carrier, trousers, helmet and M43 cap, 13 years later!

[gummipuppe]

Don't try to cheap yourself out because you will end up with crap that doesn't look authentic and falls apart. Sorry, but this is a very expensive hobby. IMHO, you really should face reality and not get into it if you can't come up with the cash to do your impressions right.

[unteroffizier38]

All of the above plus look where the boots are being sold from--right now you're gambling by sending money to the Ukraine and hoping they will be sent out.

Don't, however, get discouraged...speaking as a reenactor who started while still an undergrad, it's possible to do it right. Dont' think you have to rush right out and buy EVERYTHING at once...where are you? You should look around for German units at least nearby if not in your state who can teach you and maybe even let you borrow some loaner gear while you get on your feet. But your feet are one place you definitely don't want to skimp...seriously, you can hurt yourself and that's not even considering authenticity.

[wilhelmrenner]

wittmann: If all of the reenacting units in your state disbanded there might be a potential to buy used, but authentic boots from the former members of those units. I have acquired a lot of gear second hand from guys leaving the hobby, usually at fair discounts. A little persistence and a little inquiring might give you some good results - far better than trying to cut corners and end up disappointed in the end.

Most of us here have tried that route with the same result: buy the same article again when the cheap one either fails to meet standards or falls apart. Learn from our collective mistakes and save up to get the right item the first time.

[tomprad]

German low boots are a good boot and sometimes cost less than jackboots. We need more people in the hobby, save up a few bucks to get the most important and costly part of your impression, good quality pair of boots.

[wittmann]

Apr 6, 2014 19:27:27 GMT -5 wilhelmrenner said:

wittmann: If all of the reenacting units in your state disbanded there might be a potential to buy used, but authentic boots from the former members of those units. I have acquired a lot of gear second hand from guys leaving the hobby, usually at fair discounts. A little persistence and a little inquiring might give you some good results - far better than trying to cut corners and end up disappointed in the end.

Most of us here have tried that route with the same result: buy the same article again when the cheap one either fails to meet standards or falls apart. Learn from our collective mistakes and save up to get the right item the first time.

Well I ended up sucking the cost up and just buying the pair of boots from Man the Line, they were $170 jackboots, but I am satisfied with them.

Regarding your suggestion with buying used gear, I ended up picking up the majority of a kit from a fellow reenactor who was leaving SS Reenacting and beginning to start Luftwaffe.

[Chris P.]

It sounds like you are making some wise choices. Often, sucking it up and paying what it takes is the only sensible option.