Cavalry (Strathcona) Boots

[Shabraque]

Traditionally, the cavalry wore heavy knee-high boots that afforded protection against sword blows in battle. These boots were generally stiff and unwieldy, and not conducive to walking or marching. The conditions of service in the South African War, where mounted infantry usually fought on foot, brought this problem to a head. The British, therefore, developed a high leather boot with a sole that was intended for walking, and a laced instep that provided the wearer with greater flexibility and ease of movement. For the most part, however, these boots were worn by the officers, with the rank and file adopting the ankle-boots and puttees used by the infantry.

Strathcona's Horse developed its own variant of this type of boot for its service in South Africa. Produced by the Slater Shoe Company of Montreal, this boot had a laced instep made more flexible by the introduction of a large gusset. In addition, there was another gusset on the upper calf that was loosened or clinched by an adjustable strap to improve the fit around the leg.

Perhaps in keeping with its image as an elite unit, the Strathconas issued these boots to all members of the regiment, and not just to the officers. Although, officially, they were to be worn only for walking out and for parades, it is clear from photographic evidence that they were frequently used on active operations. Many members of the Strathconas were former members of the North-West Mounted Police, including the unit's commanding officer, Sam Steele. One of the war's lasting legacies was that the boots were taken into wear by the North-West Mounted Police, and they remain today one of the more distinctive components of the dress uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

[Pat Holscher]

We have some old, old threads up on Strathcona boots, and a lot of threads up on cavalry boots. I consolidated a bunch of them a while back and will bump some up. It's been a popular topic from time to time.

Traditionally, the cavalry wore heavy knee-high boots that afforded protection against sword blows in battle. These boots were generally stiff and unwieldy, and not conducive to walking or marching. The conditions of service in the South African War, where mounted infantry usually fought on foot, brought this problem to a head. The British, therefore, developed a high leather boot with a sole that was intended for walking, and a laced instep that provided the wearer with greater flexibility and ease of movement. For the most part, however, these boots were worn by the officers, with the rank and file adopting the ankle-boots and puttees used by the infantry.

Tradition and cavalry boots can get a little loose, depending upon the army. Certainly the very high boot that went up over the knee has seen use in a lot of armies, just as you note. In the Civil War period they saw some unofficial use by U.S. cavalrymen, although I don't know that American cavalrymen ever wore that type of boot officially. After the U.S. cavalry was reconstituted in the mid 19th Century it actually wore shoes up until the Civil War, and only started to issue cavalry type boots late in the Civil War. It returned to issuing service shoes again for enlisted men some time in the late 19th Century, and only returned to issuing purpose built riding boots to ems, officially, after World War One. Be that as it may, a lot of cavalrymen can be seen wearing riding boots of various types early in the early 20th Century.

Were field boots actually designed for walking? They look like they would have been more comfortable on the ground, as compared to traditional mid 19th Century style cavalry boots, but I was unaware that this was their design purpose.

Strathcona's Horse developed its own variant of this type of boot for its service in South Africa. Produced by the Slater Shoe Company of Montreal, this boot had a laced instep made more flexible by the introduction of a large gusset. In addition, there was another gusset on the upper calf that was loosened or clinched by an adjustable strap to improve the fit around the leg.

Perhaps in keeping with its image as an elite unit, the Strathconas issued these boots to all members of the regiment, and not just to the officers. Although, officially, they were to be worn only for walking out and for parades, it is clear from photographic evidence that they were frequently used on active operations. Many members of the Strathconas were former members of the North-West Mounted Police, including the unit's commanding officer, Sam Steele. One of the war's lasting legacies was that the boots were taken into wear by the North-West Mounted Police, and they remain today one of the more distinctive components of the dress uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

I think they may also remain a dress item for the current Canadian unit that descends from the Strathconas.

I'll bump up some of the old boot threads.

[Shabraque]

The boots enabled the troopers to fight in the dismounted as well as mounted role in a scouting and counter ambush role. The modern version of these boots are basically what you see today's RCMP wear however, they are dyed black and are not for daily wear.

[Pat Holscher]

The boots enabled the troopers to fight in the dismounted as well as mounted role in a scouting and counter ambush role. The modern version of these boots are basically what you see today's RCMP wear however, they are dyed black and are not for daily wear.

It's interesting how different boots reflected a mounted or partially dismounted role. After being recreated mid 19th Century, US cavalry only went to true boots in the 1860s, but then US Cavalry had strong dragoon influence. The US boots of the late 19th Century probably reflected that. Strathcona boots, for their part, came during an era when mounted infantry was on the rise.

The color of Strathcona boots is sometimes reflected as being "red rock". It isn't quite the same as russet. It's a shame, in a way, that the modern Strathcona boot used for ceremonial purposes is black, as red rock would better reflect their origins. The RCMP boot (also a dress item, of course) remains red rock.

[Pat Holscher]

I split the threads off about new riding boots and put them in the "rough country" thread. Minor editing call there, but we get so many questions on boots being used today I thought it might be handy to put them in one common thread.

[Pat Holscher]

Bump.

[Pat Holscher]

Bump, given as I referred to this type of boot in another thread.