80's 90's Air Force Flight Boots Are Taken Completely Apart & Restored | Military Boot Restoration

[@TrentonHeath]

Check out the Rover collection here: friedrik.com/fh3 and use the discount code: TRE15 to receive 15% off the entire CF collection. (Discount code valid for only 7 days)

[@timmcneil906]

Hi guys, fifty years ago this past May, I was in southern Louisiana, breaking in two pairs of Army boots. To this day, still the most comfortable footwear that I own. I’m seventy now, spending my twilight years on a small farm in western North Carolina. Somewhere in this old farmhouse in a box hidden away, is a pair of those old boots. My hope is to find them and send them to y’all for restoration. Best video yet!!

[@TrentonHeath]

That would be amazing! Please do. Western NC is beautiful country. A lot of our family is in East TN. Thanks for your service, and let us know if we can ever help.

[@BritInvLvr]

I would love to see that restoration.

[@kenc2257]

You should absolutely get your old Army boots refurbished. Even if you decide to not wear them, you could pass them on to younger family members or friends--they'd be very happy to have them.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Get them re built, polish them all up, then lacenthem all the way up. Put them on a shelf or cabinet with a steel helmet over them like we used to do when we were short timers.

[@royfrady8219]

For me it was 40 years ago and I still live near Ft Bragg. Before I retired we went to the brown rough leather boots and initially still resoleable. My last set as you mentioned were one-piece molded soles and I hated them. The material breaks down in the heat and deteriorates. I still have my black German Tanker boots in a box somewhere, and some older jump boots as well.

[@edgy1rocks]

I flew in the USAF back in the 1980’s! I had these boots (or ones just like them). They came with speed laces that had a little aluminum device that allowed you to pull the laces up tight and cinch them with the cam in the aluminum device. You stowed the ends of the laces under the collar at the top of the boot. We were issued two sets of flight boots - ones like these and insulated ones for cold climates. Good times. Thanks for doing these!

[@jsmithnh]

You sir are correct. I had those same boots when I was in the Air Force and they are missing the cam for the speed laces. They were there in case you ditched in water. What it allowed you to do was take your boots off without untying them

[@Metalwolf765]

@@jsmithnh still have my speed laces on them- mainly use them on the motorcycle theses days.

[@terencegalati970]

Speed laces were helpful when you were on alert and you had 2 minutes to suit up and jump into the cockpit for an intercept or strategic launch mission.

[@j3157]

The leather collar was a keeper for the laces. We had a speed lock on the laces and wrapped the excess laces around the top of the boot and tucked the laces under the flap and it kept the laces in place.

[@1malikalik]

Very interesting. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@andrewtuck77]

I'd like to see an even longer, in depth video. The process you go through is merely glimpsed through your brilliant videos. Excellent. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@hogheadtb6489]

Thank you for keeping the art (trade) alive. Like a fool I gave my Corcoran jump boots to a kid in ROTC. I had them resoled in England at RAF Mildenhall while serving as a Security Policeman there. While working as a gate guard we had the thick 1" soles put on our boots to help keep out the cold and make you look taller.

[@chieftd9340]

I flew in the Air Force for 20 years, 1980-2000, and wore this same style boot the whole time. I wore one pair for over 15 years. Once broke in they were very comfortable. Great to see your pair redone and given many more years of life. Cheers 👍

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you for your service.

[@chieftd9340]

@@TrentonHeath thanks to your father as well for his service. 👍

[@paytongill8734]

Current issue Navy flight boots are steel toe fire resistant waterproofed leather uppers with a goretex liner, synthetic laces, and a vibram anti-fod sole that isn’t attached by a welt but can be replaced. Belleville 330STs. Sometimes guys and gals wear the Red Wing 8 inch safety toe boot too.

[@retiredafce3373]

I had a pair of Air Force Lineman boots issued to me in the early 90’s. I loved those boots! Wish I still had them.

[@dylanboling8638]

It’s so fascinating everything that leather can make. Leather work needs to be recognized as art and be in art museums.

[@crosenblum]

There's something about just watching guys who really do a good job, at some old school hands on job, that gives us peace and pride. Thank you.

[@robertmckay694]

Nice work guys. In a throw away world it’s great to see things being saved and revived.

[@thomassampson5910]

I’m retired Navy and those were the first pair of flight boots I had. I loved those. We went to Bellevilles. I still have them after twenty years, but wish I still had those first pair.

[@Herkyload1]

Seeing these brought back some memories, I went thru a few pair of summer weight flight boots as a Loadmaster on C-130's in the 90's. Still have a couple pair in storage. We used to put a dog tag in our laces, as in the event of a crash, your boots were likely the only thing to be found.

[@ms.annthrope415]

I was army and told that if the ballon goes up, wear one dog tag and lace the second dog tag under the laces on the tongue of the boot. That way if we catch a big explosion, the foot and boot is usually the only remaining part so the death notification party can notify your next of kin.

[@kenc2257]

So neat that you have a pair of your Dad's old flight boots. The refurbished flight boots look great (I like the different sole--unique!).

[@evelyn_r]

lol the "til next time" was adorable

[@tofan2622]

You would do good to redo some boots but to remake them exactly as they came from the factory. I enjoyed this, understand you remade them to suit your needs. Just a ton of military history folks who would love to see remade to OG factory specs snd materials. Thanks for sharing!

[@Gearhead1432]

Those are great boots. The ones I was issued came with a sort of barrel nut for the laces so you didn't have to tie them.

[@TrentonHeath]

Yep, these had the exact same thing. Unfortunately, it went missing over the years.

[@nathansee5104]

I prefer these longer videos.... the shoe leather replacement was also neat, pitty we didn't see more of that work, like sewing the tounge in etc. Thanks for another great video.

[@brianbanks3044]

I don't know what it is, but I just love the smoothing of the cork into the sole of the shoe....great job guys!!!!

[@2kull]

I wore these boots while in the Air Force they were great boots, I wonder if theyre still made new....great work.

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Those boots bring back a lot of memories. I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I could find a couple of pairs of those same type of boots in my closet, probably the same condition. The Velcro was important to have and just like your pair, it does wear out over time. Great restoration, thanks for sharing. I liked the interesting facts too. On a normal flight boot we used nylon speed laces that used a slip nut to secure them and then we would wrap the excess lace around the top of the boot and hold that in place with the Velcro flap. They were VERY QUICK to put on and secure.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Gary

[@ATMAtim]

Watched it all and came away very impressed. We love your professionalism and care. Another great job!

[@Melendon44]

Hi guys once again you did it. Love the history behind the boots and love my military brothers and sisters. You guys are second to none. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your followers.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, we appreciate it! Thank you for watching.

[@russellforrest1730]

Really liking the air force and army boot historical content. Longer videos are great too. More in depth explanations keep me watching to the end. Keep it coming! Love to see you guys showing off your talents

[@datura7282]

Человек труда, который умеет трудится головой и руками! Браво! А молоток СССР и инструмент Германии это классика 🤝

[@chriskoran836]

As a USAF vet it was nice to see some TLC to an old pair of flight boots. I still have a few pairs of mine somewhere in the closet that I break out from time to time.

[@strght_flxing]

I love this. Still use my old combat boots and resole them a few times now. When I need to resole again, will consider sending to you both and add see what I get!

[@jeremyhershberger3012]

I loved seeing you work on the upper as well as the soul on this pair of boots.

[@seanlemons5423]

Great job as always guys. My dad was Air Force too during the Korean Conflict, he had a pair of boots like those but I have no idea what happened to them.

[@josephposner9303]

I have the same boot I was issued in pilot training in 1989. We could be issued a new pair every year but mine stayed together so I never bilked the government/AF out of more boots. I wish I had gotten just one more pair of these, however. Over my 28 year career in the AF, the boot supplier changed and that boot was replaced. So I love my original pair - the same you just restored. One of these days I’ll need to take them down for a restoration. I always thought they were very comfortable. And, like yours, the leather has worn really very well. For the nostalgia and memories I’m sure I’ll have them restored. Thanks to your Pop for his service. My Dad flew B17s in WWII. And my Mom was GI combat nurse who came ashore at Normandy about a week after the main invasion. I wish I had her combat boots!! She was proud of that - and the toughest person I’ve ever known.

[@jonkomatsu8192]

So neat you could upgrade and restore your dad's boots! Lots of work, but the results are terrific, those double stitches and that sole with the red cross is cool. Stormin' Norman may ask for them back. Hah! Great job gents. See ya! 👍

[@sharryjones5200]

I enjoy the vintage shoe work and the time you take to add the historical information. Well done and tell your father, "thank you for your service!"

[@shawnflynn1713]

Your videos are getting better and better. AWESOME restoration and very cool tools.

[@jonkrier]

I enjoyed getting to see you guys really recraft a pair of work boots. I like the more rugged boots, and it is neat to see them given the same level of care that you put into the luxury shoes.

[@Tipmoose]

I'll add my voice to the crowd saying that wasn't a long video. I'd have watched it happily if it were twice or three times as long. I love watching craftsmen do their job.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@johnathanmacdonald6697]

Actually like the longer videos, i like to see all the ins and outs of the repair process, not just the before and afrer shots with highlights.

[@paule5812]

Great to see these boots get new life, I had an old pair of steel toe boots from when I went into the Marines, they were hand me downs as I was waiting for my shop to issue me new ones, I wish I knew where they went to😥.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks!

[@fishrider62]

I have those exact same boots. I was a flight medic for years for the space program. They were all leather for flame protection in case of accident. I guess they were made by different contracts, I could never find out who manufactured them.

[@bcwrangler]

I watched all of it..always do! It was interesting seeing the upper repair work being done

[@freddyaramirez9135]

I have to say, what a beautifully constructed boot and the great piece of American history.

[@91rattoyota]

Worth every minute guys! Great video!!!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!!!!!

[@d.c.2916]

Wow!!! I went through a couple pairs of the exact same type of boots...Nice Job!!! I enjoy your resto videos...

[@JohnDoe-df2zz]

I wore that model of flight boots for years. I always thought they were some of the most comfortable military boots I had worn and now I see why. They actually had pretty decent old school construction for a military boot.

[@RoderickGMacLeod]

@Trenton & Heath I joined the navy in the 1980s. Both my boot camp issue Boondockers (Steel toed chukka boots) and a later pair of Bates (8 or 10") had the same soles. They also had the same basic construction as far as the sole/welt/upper interface goes. I imaging there was more than economy involved in the choice of plastic welt. Oil/chemical resistance probably had something to do with it. Those boots lasted for years and years. I'm no longer in the Navy, but the main complaint I hear from younger guys in places like Facebook groups is how cheaply constructed the new boots are. Lots of guys say they're lucky to get a year of wear out of them and there is no way to repair/resole because of the cheap construction methods.

[@MartyPape78]

I’ve spent the last 22 years in the AF. I miss our old black leather boots. The suede ones aren’t something I can use long term and hand down like your father did.

[@kenc2257]

I live in a mostly-Navy town now, and rarely see Air Force people in uniform, but I understand the old black leather combat boots/flight boots are ancient history--it's brown boots nowadays.

[@kenh7181]

I had two pairs of these during my AF career, 1991-2012; slow to break in but amazingly comfortable afterwards. The eyelets and velcro collar were designed for very thin laces for quick-donning using a slide-cinch device, where the excess lace was wrapped around and secured under the collar. Before I retired, we switched to Belleville 690/790 suede and cordura boots which had a running-shoe feel and were probably better suited for desert deployment. Thanks for a great video.

[@veronikavolhejnova5036]

Loved this video - your videos are usually interesting from start to finish and I enjoy watching them very much. Do more of the longer ones, please - it's always interesting to watch someone do what they know to do really well. Also, it was interesting to read some of the facts - and to see which cool guys were actually airmen! But I'm not surprised - I used to work for a publishing house specialized (among other things) on aviation and seafaring books. I've never seen so many handsome and cool guys at one place as on the days when our experts came for their quarterly advisory board sessions :-)

[@RatdogDRB]

Always enjoy an in-depth of how a piece of history was constructed. Lots of good memories to relive as those boots are donned.

[@karlgustav5490]

during one of my travel in usa ( from france), i found the exact same boots in an antic for €20, in perfect condition. that's my favorite boots.

[@jerrylittle7797]

Fun video! I still have a few pair in the closet after 30 years flying. You were supposed to get 2 pair a year but no one ever did because once you got the broken in, they felt like you were wearing tennis shoes! Still have both the summer and winter weight boots. Love'em!

Thank you for this video. I'd always love to know more about old military boots.

[@abbynormal2111]

My youngest son is a Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force. Tell you dad thank you for his service🇺🇸

[@TrentonHeath]

That’s great! We’ll tell him. We appreciate your sons service as well.

[@nellie8543]

Thank you for the great video and good care about your father’s boots!

[@nellie8543]

Also I’m happy about the man who previously owned this place - his family made it to the better place) hope his family is ok now! Btw greetings from Russia, the ussr 2.0 🥲

[@PhotonHerald]

The sole they used is is Vibram's 1318 Alpha +. 1318 ALPHA+ This oil and heat-resisting sole is ideal for industrial applications. Grooves in the heel help disperse fluids for added traction and raised ladder grips help maintain proper footing. SIZES 10 12 14 COMPOUND TC4 THICKNESS 14 iron forepart 40 iron heel 7.4 mm forepart 21 mm heel

[@ciicatriix]

I enjoy watching the process and don't mind longer videos at all. I find them educational and actually relaxing. 😊👍🏻

[@pablobruning4508]

Thank your father for his service!

[@jameswilkes3186]

I like seeing the steps you take in your work. The length of the videos are fine.

[@johnvaluk1401]

Belarus! Both my parents were from Belarus. Went there in ‘93. Very humbling. Thanks for the video!!

[@egorboroda1099]

Беларусь сейчас совсем другая!!!!

[@MichaelVarlotta]

I really enjoy your channel. I'm not really a big shoe person, but I watch your channel because I like see great craftspeople do what they do best. You two are amazing at your craft and that what keeps me watching.

[@javieralvarado1082]

You guy's are super cool,i can't believe there's still people like you guys doing this kind of work in the USA,💪🏻

[@EdAb]

This isn't long! Steve at Bedo's does videos that are about the right length... 😄 Keep'm coming, the longer the better. Cheers!

[@uncannyfox]

Tbh I would love to see a longer video with more information on the construction of the boot and why you are doing what you are doing. I was really curious to know what was the purpose of that flap at the top of the boot where the velcro was. I was also curious about what kind of material was used for the foot bedding and the insole, and if you knew any history about that Biltrite outsole and any other construction details about that boot.

[@kenc2257]

The leather collar at the top of the original flight boots was part of the 'quick donning' feature. The laces for the boots were meant to be knotted together at the tips (called the "aglet"--had to look that up). Note that the eyelets are triangular shaped--that was so the laces could be tightened by just pulling 'up' on them (after you had put the boot on). After the laces were tightened, a small cylindrical metal 'locking device' was slid down the laces, and locked at the top of the boot tongue. The excess laces were then wrapped around the top of the boot, and that top flap/collar was pulled down to secure the laces. As you saw, the top collar was kept in place with the velcro tabs. The quick donning didn't really save much time in putting on the boots. One weakness was the metal lace lock--it was supposed to work by 'pinching' the laces, but it wasn't very effective, and the pinching slider could come apart.

[@enduringhope6859]

Loved this video! I actually wish it was longer!! It was great to see you replace the tongue and collars. It's amazing to watch your transformations! The history of your shop was a cool add on!!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@enduringhope6859]

@@TrentonHeath I always look forward to your newest videos. It's always a pleasant surprise!

[@jamessilveira6419]

Yes please we love longer videos

[@aidanpysher2764]

These boots are from before my time, as I joined the USAF in 2015 during the ABU era, however - I copped a set of 1990 Addison steel-toes and I've used them for motorcycling for the past few years. A steel-toe is great, especially when a car in front of you kicks something off the ground right onto your toe. I've ground-off a good chunk of the sides as I like getting REALLY low in corners, but I have an identical pair coming in the mail that won't be suffering the same fate.

[@drakeorion94]

This is a back to basics video...I love it and it's the reason I continue to watch your videos. I watch Bedo all the time just for that reason. "Let's continue! "

[@exvan3571]

Many different manufacturers procured contracts to manufacture these. One was International Shoe Company. One of their plants was in West Plains, MO. Closed in 1993 after operating for decades.

[@coachvolpato]

I’m always fascinated by nailing the heel that it doesn’t break through!

[@gregaustin8114]

Amazing restoration, great job! They’re almost too nice to wear to knock around in.

[@beardogtube9262]

I love your guys videos and upvote them all. It's time to dress the top edge of the striking surface on your rivet setting punch. When they thin down that much and you're hitting it with a hardened hammer a tiny shard can easily fly off and land where you don't want it. I look forward to more great content!

[@tinydancer7426]

Yeah, they work without eye protection.

[@laurence1643]

I was in the USAF 1966-1970. We called those "Jump Boots " and would take a new pair to the base shoe repair and have them double soled. We laced zippers into the front . The F-4D was brand new then. I really enjoy your channel.

[@GDMonty1029]

All the cool facts reminded me of watching Pop Up Video on VH1 back in the day

[@TrentonHeath]

Surprisingly, that’s where we got this idea from. 😉

[@gunneryelton347]

Coast guard aircrew here. My flight boots are the Belleville 800. All leather upper with the molded rubber like you said. Great video

[@PappyHolliday]

I love those boots. I had a pair in the Marine Corps and worn the living he77 out of them. After that I had new soles put on them and wore those out. I had to put them away when the Corps went to desert boots. They were the true Cadillacs of the flight line.

[@philsparks4125]

I really enjoyed the restoration of the Air Force Flight Boots. Thanks..

[@nhad11]

the longer the video, the better! great work as always!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@johncornell3665]

Great video. My uncle was a cobbler and made quite a few pairs of shoes back when people requested that sort of thing. Keep up the great work!

[@markhunt3792]

I was in the USAF in the 80s and 90s and a I had my flight boots"Repaired" and the guy ruined them in the attempt. Its good to see it done right.

[@nononsenselogic]

As a USMC veteran with a real love of boots, it would be really AWESOME to see these fully restored (sanded smooth, re-dyed, and spit-shined at the toes and heels) but I do understand that would "ruin" them for you as work boots. Every set of work boots that I restore, I can't bring myself to use them for work boots. I can't bring myself to buy boots in poor enough condition that they would only be work boots. Once l restore them, they become favorites of mine hahahahaha. What the heck 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Snipedog1978]

I have a pair of those boot sitting in the bedroom closet from when I went to basic training back in 96. I kept them in one day that they could have the possibility of being restored, they were the most comfortable boots I ever go to swear. That for showing that it is possible now I just need to find a good place in Philly to do it.

[@christiana8991]

Literally just bought boots like these so this is exactly what i wanted to see

[@krasmann]

Very much enjoyed the video. I noticed, when you were setting the eyelets, that your rivet set is extremely mushroomed. You may not be aware of the safety hazard that presents. The mushroomed portion is very brittle and compressed from being struck by the hammer. These are prone to break off when struck and become dangerous projectiles, often causing serious eye injuries. Please consider grinding the ends back to their original shape for your safety and those around. Eye protection is also a good idea when using these as well as any high speed rotating power tools and equipment. You guys do great work. Your videos are seen by thousands. Your examples may be followed by untold numbers.

[@richardhatt6541]

The little force they put behind the hammer and working with the soft eyelets the danger is minimal. I would flatten and grind the mushroom just to have a consistent hit each time.

[@sisleymichael]

I hated my combat boots from my 28yrs service. The question I always had was why couldn't we ever have comfortable boots? When I retired, they went in the dumpster. Those looked like nice boots. I have some Danner boots for hunting snd they are comfortable. Also, I wear Thorogood, 8" moc toes. They are very comfy. I really enjoy the vintage / historical videos!

[@Metalwolf765]

I still have mine, and they’re my absolute favorite boots!

[@gbrooke5580]

When the content is interesting like this video the length does not matter to me. Great job as always.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Great refurbishment, the fly in the end shot seemed to approve as well... 😉

[@MadMathMike]

I knew you guys would do a great job with these boots, and you did not disappoint! Very well done!👏👏👏😁 I also really enjoyed the fun facts you shared about pilots and jets in the US air force. 😊

[@noragodley1270]

This wasn’t too long at all! Most times I want to see more!

[@Snugglez187]

I watched every second of this. I prefer longer, more detailed videos because videos like this are how I'm learning to do this stuff myself, so feel free to keep the longer videos coming!

[@armandovenegas5912]

i love all the videos yall have, i see all the sharp tools yall use. what has been the worst accident either 1 of you guys have had? i'm sure the whole audience wants to know. i apreciate all the info that is shared.

[@davep2999]

I was issued a pair of flight boots when I was stationed in Iceland in the mid 1970s. I wish I had kept them. They were a bit different but they were good boots for sure.

[@TrentonHeath]

👍 Thanks for your service.

[@stanrajca160]

Something soothing hearing sound of the sewing machine working.

[@dantwaites7097]

I hope that Air Force vet spit shines those bad boys. Gotta see your reflection in the toes lol

[@TrentonHeath]

The more wax, the hotter during a crash involving fire

[@aimeeaztec4601]

Amazing job! Wow they look so cool restored. New and old at the same time. Loved the history of them and that they’ve been given a new lease of life. The ussr hammer! Wow! Where’s the sickle? Brilliant extended content! Awesome work guys! 💎💯

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Aimee!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Aimee!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Aimee!

[@timmckusker]

As well as being Aircrew boots those were standard issue for the enlisted side of the USAF Thunderbirds. I went through a few pairs of those exact boots.

[@gdonfreeman1]

I might need to send y'all my dad's old boot he wore while in the Air Force. The bottoms are like slicks haha.

[@tompaciga7386]

Awesome job as always thanks those soles look really cool

[@vbressner]

Great video!! Really good of you to tribute the USAF!

[@JLR77]

Watched the entire video. Very entertaining. Thank you for the upload