Jackboot is a term often associated, metaphorically, with a rigid state and widespread oppression. This comes from the fact that the erstwhile enemies of the Allies in the Second World War, but the term is actually much older than that.
The term’s actual origins can be traced all the way back to the 1600s, from a French term, “jaque,” connoting a coat of mail – an interesting connection for boots.
The reason for this is that the original “jackboots” were commissioned by English cavalry in the 17th century – these were tall leather riding boots that were reinforced with steel mail that was sewn into the lining of the leather. Much like modern riding boots, they protected the wearer, only much better.
Modern jackboots are typically worn primarily for dress function, as cavalry are no longer functional on the field of war. Modern versions are typically represented by tall, laceless, polished black leather vamps and shafts. These are treated with stiffeners and lack the chain mail of the originals.
Yet, the term is most frequently associated with authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and World War II – mainly because the Germans wore a version of jackboot known as the Marschstiefel, or “marching boot.”
The original jackboots were called so because they were very tough. The German version from WWII was tough too, and though it lacked chainmail, it was still a durable boot – and so the English version jackboot has been applied in lieu of the native German “marching boot.”
Can I Get High-Quality Reproduction Jackboots?
High-quality reproduction jackboots are still available to the modern collector but don’t be fooled by cheap, inaccurate, inauthentic dupes.
Visit At The Front (AtTheFront.com), which has been producing high-quality military reproductions for several decades. Their Texled WWII German Jackboots are no different.
Their WWII German Jackboots are the best in the industry and come with a 1-year warranty. They are made in North America from high-quality, genuine cow leather, steel shanks, forged hobnails, heel irons, and most importantly, authentic sizing and construction.
These products were based on originals in At The Front’s collection and exhibit the traits of one of the most common wartime variants.
They have 32-35cm shafts and feature flesh-out, tapered toes, the sort sometimes referred to as “shark nose”; they also include the period-correct black HBT web pulls.
These boots also feature steel shanks, wood-pegged soles, and offset heel irons which are both historically accurate while increasing the durability of the boot. Perhaps most importantly, these boots are made with superior hobnails. Other reproductions likely feature brittle, cast hobnails. Ours are forged steel like the originals and feature slightly curved prongs. Once hammered in, they’re not going anywhere.
By the way, if you have an impression of jackboots as “black and only black,” know this: the German Army issued them in brown and then blackened and polished them. At The Front’s jackboots are faithful to this historical nuance.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of German Marschstiefel, need to outfit a filming operation or would simply like a pair for your collection visit AtTheFront.com or contact their customer service at 270-384-1965.
