Soviet Army Footwear - Jackboots and Footwraps

Soviet jackboots covered quite a bit of ground in their time. In this video we take a brief look at some footwear of the Soviet Armed Forces from the late Cold War period as well as the famous/infamous "portyanki" footwraps. Enjoy!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 General info
1:27 Portyanki
3:30 Kirza Jackboots
5:54 Chrome Jackboots
7:50 Care routine
8:09 Conclusion
9:35 Outro
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If you found the content interesting and feel like supporting our channel, make sure to leave a like, subscribe and watch the video till the end. That's what the KZbin algorithm likes.

[@cosmincraciun2]

I cant believe your channel gets so little attention, your videos are super high quality comrade. Keep up the good work ❤

[@froginthewaves8450]

ВИА "Весёлые ребята" "Не волнуйтесь тётя". Love it

[@Rokaize]

Hard to believe this is only your second video. This is really well made. Subscribed. Keep up the good work. More obscure soviet military info is sorely needed on KZbin.

[@SmileyFaceOfRom]

Fantastic quality friend!

[@isgcontractor8787]

This is a really good, and flushed out video, you've earned yourself a new subscriber, I really hope that you end up doing more videos like this in the future as this isn't only fascinating, but also very informative for the civilian populous from different countries. Keep going my friend, and continue in good health, stay safe out there.

[@ProjectSparkPC]

I appreciate your comment. There is a lot of interesting stuff I have to share and, as long as people find it valuable, I will do my best to create quality content.

[@h4unt3db0i]

I love all your videos, glad I subscribed.

[@INSVRGENT]

I saw this a bit late but wonderful video!

[@portjanka]

9:19 why are they morally obsolete? I bought a pair of them 7 years ago on ebay and I wear them almost every day to work and to ride motorcycle, and they are nowhere near to being worn out. No regular work boots ever have lasted that long for me.

[@Native_love]

Wow! Great video! Subbed!

[@HungarianJacket]

Thank you for the informations, I would love to see a video about your 6B5! Also keep up the good work!

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Thanks for the comment. It's a 6B4, btw.

[@HungarianJacket]

@@ProjectSparkPC Ah alright, thanks for correcting me!

[@grzegorzbrzeczyszczykiewic9682]

Даёшь олдовую обувь и снарягу в массы! Очень классное видео. Особенно порадовала музыка) Жалко только не рассказал о яловых сапогах и легендарных деревяшках. Но даже так респект. Боже, храни кирзачи.

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Спасибо за коммент! Показал то, что было на тот момент на руках. По возможности планирую запилить вторую часть.

[@womb_raider8316]

Definitely interested in more. I'd like to see a video about Russian Federation boots, or even boots used by DNR and LNR during the pre full scale invasion period.

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Thanks for the feedback, I will most probably gather more material on footwear

[@womb_raider8316]

@@ProjectSparkPC looking forward to more videos!

[@user-un5xj1wl6p]

I prefer east german or other more western jackboots, my absolute favorites being ww2 hungarian laced jackboots, but witouth Russia having so much good educative videos on jackboots and wraps I would still be burning trough socks like a madman.

[@amilcar_vladimir2.0]

I liked a lot your content comrade! you got a new sub good vibes and please make one talking about your clothes, I'm really interested in your coat

[@ProjectSparkPC]

For sure, I have some things planned and the uniform is one of them

[@tabascoman7558]

nice vid bro, im waitin to see next gas mask video

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Working on it)

[@CarolusR3x]

I have myself a pair of yuft jackboots meant for officers. Comes with a nice oaky scent to them. Though these days I use custom Wehrmacht marschstiefel with rubber soles instead and are unlined. I find that kirza/juft boots are always a bit more hotter to wear than their unlined leather counterparts. I suppose it's because the boots are leather lined in the vamp (and for juft the shaft also), the tighter fit around the calf and that kirza isn't all that breathable. For socks I just use regular wool socks and flannel footwraps. Or just footwraps if it's hot. In my opinion, unlined jackboots will always be a little bit better just because they can deal with the summer heat a little better.

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Neat to read a comment of actual experience. What is your opinion on German boots in comparison to Soviet counterparts and overall? I have respect for German gear but never got a chance to seriously interact with any.

[@CarolusR3x]

@@ProjectSparkPC the German jackboots need a lot of love and care since the lower sole is made of leather with metal hobnails (I opted for mine to have a rubber half sole and heel). German jackboots need to be greased as well as polished since not many synthetic materials go into their construction. However, it does mean they are much easier to break in since you're softening the leather for every application of grease you put on them. If you have hobnails, you MUST to grease the lower soles frequently. For sock wear, you can usually get away with a double pair of double wool socks, but I like using the fußlappen and sock combination. Fußlappen is essentially almost the same as portyanki, except its a 42cm square piece of fabric that you're supposed to wear in combination with socks. The wearing is a bit thinner than portyanki since you're not wrapping so much fabric around your foot, so it makes it ideal for use in summer without a sock, if you want. Wearing the German jackboots is a bit nicer during the hotter months because it's made from just 1 layer of leather as opposed to 2 for the Soviet models. It's an unlined boot, so you can add more layers the colder it gets and take off the hotter etc. Usually I find the fußlappen - sock combo with a good pair of trousers to be good enough for most weather conditions.

[@user-el9pt9hn1m]

Я подумываю о покупке себе пары ботинок. станет отличным пополнением моей коллекции советской техники. Очень хорошее информативное видео, чувак.

[@mrsandywilly7279]

Еще хорошое видео братан. Я рад это смотреть.

[@thomasbong3564]

Интро огонь и контент всё качественнее!

[@isaiahallen2507]

Hanks for the info

[@VanaO2]

It is possilble make more videos about Gas mask And NBC/CBRN items?but this video is good too 👍👍

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Yes, more CBRN is the plan

[@user-ox7qj8uo2w]

Кирзовые сапоги выдавали один раз в 8 месяцев. Летом в них жарко, в технической форме были аэродромные туфли. Зимой в них холодно, в технической форме одежды были валенки.

[@user-te7bs4gj1h]

Just found a pair of kirza boots in great condition at goodwill for 10 bucks made 1989

[@UltimateAleks]

Would you say that kirza jackboots are wider then chrome one and what size should I need if my foot is 31cm long?

[@ProjectSparkPC]

I can say that kirza boots have a slight ability to stretch in the vamp, which could give you some extra space. The chrome ones have a tighter fit. As for the size, it is best you look for a Soviet/Russian shoe size table, you can just google it.

[@the_guy_88]

Need to know that song in the beginning

[@ProjectSparkPC]

ВИА "Весёлые ребята" - "Не волнуйтесь тётя". Enjoy!)

[@m0rc1us]

Hey maybe anyone know whats song plays on the intro sounds like i heard somewhere before 😀😀

[@ProjectSparkPC]

It’s called «Ой напрасно, тётя!» by Веселые ребята. Enjoy)

[@angryben9669]

This is a really well-made video did the Soviets ever have problems with the Jack boot funnels being too small? I got a shorter Ukrainian pair and I have that issue

[@ProjectSparkPC]

On the kirza boots the funnel is actually pretty wide. The chrome ones have a tighter fit, but it’s still far from small. Could you tell me more about the origin of your boots?

[@redlygang]

Балдеж

[@CarolusR3x]

also need to ask you my friend, what uniform is that you're wearing?

[@ProjectSparkPC]

That is a KZS suit.

[@changhee95]

When I wore my kirzachi boots in the rain, salt stain looking marks appeared on them. Idk of its from the salt or what, but I tried removing them but it keeps coming back. Any way how to remove them?

[@ProjectSparkPC]

It sounds unusual as these aren't textile or soft leather boots. I guess it depends on where you live, because if you live in an urban area, there is a chance of those being actual salt marks from the stuff they use on the streets. Another idea is that it could be something the boots were treated with for storage or maybe something they were cleaned with. Sometimes excess soap or wrong type of soap on boots starts to pop up like that when they dry out. It will take some experimenting, but I suggest giving your kirzachi a good wash with warm water on both inside and outside. Soaking is usually not recommended with old leather as it can dry it out or shrink it, but if done carefully, some old things like this do better after a wash and kirza doesn't care for water at all.

[@changhee95]

@@ProjectSparkPC thanks for the tip. As for wearing them, I enjoy them but you're right, when walking in them with socks, it sorta leaves a gap with the sole and my heels. I'll need to get my hands on some foot wraps or make some

[@ProjectSparkPC]

@@changhee95 They are literally a square of crude cotton cut in two. You can google the dimensions, it should a piece of cake to make them. Actually wrapping them is a skill to be learned XD

[@skywatching9140]

Is that safe to wear these boots？ I saw some photos that the rubber near the nails star to crack

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Safe to wear them for what purpose? Their condition obviously depends on how they were stored, used and cared for.

[@skywatching9140]

@@ProjectSparkPCI really want to wear them for reenact，do you have any advice about the size？My feet is 255cm ，usually wearing size 9 boots

[@ProjectSparkPC]

I am not familiar with US sizes, but I can tell you that Soviet sizes are pretty much identical to modern Russian sizes. You can easily google a chart for those. One piece of advice I can actually give you is that you should definitely try them on and walk around before purchasing if at all possible. If not, then I would opt for a smaller size, rather than a larger size, because a smaller size can be mechanically stretched to fit, that’s a common practice and you can research that if needed.

[@skywatching9140]

@@ProjectSparkPCThanks

[@PaddyIRA]

If you have jack boots and not footwraps you can use short socks

[@hiphip4808]

Only 486 subs?

[@ericcartman2119]

Really good video, but it would be better if you shared some sources/resources for viewers to continue on... also please put songs in description they are good.

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Yes, it's I good idea to put the songs in description, not sure why I didn't do that. What kind of sources/resources do you mean? Something external on the topic or my other videos?

[@ericcartman2119]

@@ProjectSparkPC Both of them would be good, something external on the topic will help us, links to other(and preferably related) videos on the channel will help you. Also thanks for the answer.

[@ProjectSparkPC]

I see what you mean, thanks for the opinion

[@ericcartman2119]

​​@@ProjectSparkPC You're welcome, wish you the best of luck on KZbin.

[@jamesquinney6686]

What would you recommend to someone who is 10 3/4

[@ProjectSparkPC]

What do you mean by 10 3/4? Is it some sort of size?

[@jamesquinney6686]

@@ProjectSparkPCten and three quarters

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Ten and three quarters of what? Are we talking about inches? If so, there are charts that compare US shoe sizes to EU and so on. The Soviet shoe size measurement is pretty much identical to EU or modern Russian. One thing I would say is that slightly smaller is always better than slightly larger with this type of boots. @@jamesquinney6686

[@witnessgem2503]

FEET

[@killerthepurple5145]

Are these boots still available? I love Soviet equipment and want to buy a leather tanker jacket and boots

[@ProjectSparkPC]

You could find them, yes. Probably search on eBay first of all if you are from the US or Western Europe. Good luck with your search!

[@killerthepurple5145]

@@ProjectSparkPCThank you for your support. But I mean are those items still be produced in Russia or have they been discontinued?

[@ProjectSparkPC]

@@killerthepurple5145 I see, no, they have been mostly discontinued decades ago if we are talking about the Soviet kirza model. There was a later improved model in the Russian army that was used until 2007, but those were also not a thing for like 15 years now. I have heard that in some units those are used for technical work in muddy conditions, but that's a very small exception. That's exactly why I said that you have the highest chance of getting a pair from surplus or eBay.

[@killerthepurple5145]

It's a pity to know that. Honestly, I would love to use such boots. However, today very few armies in the world still use that type of boot, it is gradually being replaced by the laced boots, Russia with its climate is the only remain country which still appreciate them, but now it's be obsolete. What a shame!

[@user-sd3yw4og5e]

Автор вы русский или очередной европеец?? Сам в кирзачах не когда не ходил, только в берцах, думаю это к лучшему за видос👍👍

[@ProjectSparkPC]

Русскоязычный, но довелось выучить английский. Берцы старых образцов еще не попадали в руки, но было бы интересно взглянуть на такие.

[@joshuakustaborder199]

What a real stalker 😢

[@gerardoramoncesarreynaldo9469]

How about current Russian Army boots issued to troops fighting in Ukraine?

[@ProjectSparkPC]

We have a pair of Ukrainian standard issue boots on hand, but no modern Russian pair yet. It would be cool to film a comparison once we get our hands on those. But the truth is that both sides use all sorts of boots ranging from standard issue to high grade western commercial boots like LOWA and so on, so there is no uniformity to talk about. And the Russians started receiving a new generation of domestically produced tactical style boots on mass recently, so those would be cool to have a look at too.

[@user-pz4tx7if9d]

As a German Right-Wing I want to buy German march boots and honor German tradition and wear them daily. Thanks for the insight

[@alfatejpblind6498]

Der Bundesnachrichtendienst lässt grüßen!

[@cerberus6654]

I liked this but the nusic was annoying.