BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms, headgear and footwear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although the uniforms did evolve during the interim years, many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The German navy also had a long tradition of brown and white tropical/landing dress that was worn in hot climates with the white uniform also serving as a walking out dress. The tradition was continued through the Weimar Reichsmarine, (National Navy, Circa 1919-1933) era and in 1929 the Kriegsmarine introduced new brown and white tropical/landing dress uniforms with stand-up collars. In 1937 the Kriegsmarine introduced new style brown and white tropical uniforms with lay down collars. With the impending entrance into the North African campaign in late 1940 the Kriegsmarine developed another new tropical brown uniform independently from the Heer, (Army), and Luftwaffe, (Air-Force), but retained the 1937 pattern white uniform. Officers and certain Senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniform items and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniform items from government supplies they were also permitted to privately purchase uniform items, although the price may have been restrictive. Generally speaking Officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots. The Kriegsmarine utilized a wide variety of footwear to include the tall marching boots, riding boots, lace up ankle boots, foul weather rubber boots and a variety of lace up leather and canvas shoes. Private purchase lace up shoes were also permitted for wear as long as they were unadorned and conformed to regulation patterns. Dress regulations generally stipulated what type of footwear was to be worn according to the uniform worn or the functions to be performed. Officers and Senior NCO were authorized wear of the low-cut, traditional, "Plimsole" type, white deck shoes, with white pants, while on ship board duty, in certain cases, with the summer walking-out dress within greater Germany, in foreign counties and when off duty. Of Note: Officers and Senior NCO were only authorized wear of the white deck shoes while on ship board duty when the EM’s and junior NCO’s rank were wearing the issue, low-cut, canvas, "Plimsole" type deck shoes. Also Of Note: The proper form of dress regulations were not always strictly adhered to. As their name implies the "boot-forms" were specially designed "tools" to be inserted into footwear, as required, to maintain their shape. Although they were very popular and viewed as an essential item in the days prior to relatively inexpensive, mass produced, synthetic footwear, when almost all footwear was manufactured in leather, they have lost most of their popularity. Although each Company or larger sized unit within the armed forces were assigned a cobbler, the individual soldier/sailor was still expected to care for and do basic maintenance on his issued footwear. The basic care of the leather footwear generally included the application of water repellant oils and/or waxes. With the potential, moisture caused, shrinkage problems of leather footwear the application of water repellant oils and/or waxes and the shape retaining "boot-forms" were of the utmost importance. With issued uniform items, including footwear, there was an established wear-out period with most forms of footwear being required to last two years in regular service, which added another important factor in maintaining the required shape and flexibility of all footwear. Although the "boot forms" were not an officially issued piece of kit they were readily available at garrison shops and canteens as well as at commercial shoe shops.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Nice quality, private purchase, Officer’s and Senior NCO’s low-cut, multi-panel, white canvas construction shoes with brown leather heels and soles. Original laces present. Nicely marked. Measure 28.5cm in length. Scarce Kriegsmarine Officer’s and Senior NCO’s white deck shoes.