German WWII Schnurshue (Low Boots)
Grading of the suppliers listed here is based solely on the personal judgment of Doug Strong. No insult is intended, nor does it reflect the opinions of any reenactment organization. The boots have been placed in three tiers. The list is made with US buyers in mind. All prices have been converted into US dollars at a mid August 2015 exchange rate.
This evaluation does not take into account makers that have changed their designs multiple times and only accounts for the newest version as pictured on their website. Some makers may also have old stock from earlier runs with which they are still filling orders. It may also be possible that companies have changed their designs and not changed the photos on their websites.
Updated 9/14/16
Tier 1 boots are made by the company, seller or individual selling them and are high in both quality and authenticity.
Maker/Dealer | Country of dealer | Authenticity rank | Quality rank | Positive features | Negative features | Grade | Price |
Vlastislav Koutný
This is the boot maker I personally chose for my custom boots. I think he is the best. |
Czech | 1 | 1 |
|
|
A+ | $323 |
Lederarsenal | Germany | 1 | 1 |
|
|
A+ | $285 |
Wehrmacht Shoes | Czech | 1 | 1 |
|
|
A | $263 |
Mattimore Harness | USA | 3 | 1 |
|
|
A- | $240 |
Tier 2 boots are primarily made by someone other than the company selling them and and are moderate in either quality, or authenticity, or both.
Maker/Dealer | Country of dealer | Authenticity rank | Quality rank | Positive features | Negative features | Grade | Price |
Nestof.pl
I personally purchased a pair for my own use and think they are very good. I believe this is the best option for most people. |
Poland | 1 | 1 |
Also available form Man the Line and on ebay if you don't want to order from Poland. |
|
A | $209 |
SM Wholesale | USA | 2 | 2 |
|
|
B
(If you order without the hobnails) |
$245 |
At The Front (New batch) | USA | 2 | 3 |
|
|
B- | $200 |
Nicholas Sekela | USA | 3 | 3 |
|
|
B- | $299 |
Tier 3 boots are primarily made by someone other than the company selling them and and are poor in either quality, or authenticity, or both.
Maker/Dealer | Country of dealer | Authenticity rank | Quality rank | Positive features | Negative features | Grade | Price |
Militaria.net | England | 1 | 1 |
|
|
C | $98 |
Man
the Line
Standard line. They also carry high quality Nestof boots. See above |
USA | 2 | 2 |
|
|
C- | $155 |
ZIB-Militaria
|
Germany | 3 | 3 |
|
|
D | $150 |
Soldier of Fortune Military | England | 3 | 3 |
|
|
D | $110 |
Epic Military | England | 3 | 3 |
|
|
D | $140 |
My recommendation is as follows.
1 Buy from a top tier maker. Their price is VERY similar to a tier two dealer and their quality and authenticity is far superior. I Personally recommend Vlastislav Koutný
NEW 5/11/16-- 2. I you do not want to wait for custom boots I strongly recommend you do what I did. I bought a pair from Nestof.pl and am extremely pleased. They are nearly as good as the custom pair I ordered but they were significantly faster and cheaper than them. You can also buy them on ebay and you can order them form Man The Line though you will pay more for the same boots.
3. If budget is the biggest concern then consider Militaria.net and have a skilled cobbler such as myself fix them and make them wearable for you. You may save a little bit of money this way but they will not be as nice or as authentic as either of the previous options.