The Eastman Raider Boots are another more obscure piece of historical footwear that Gary has worked to revive, and we're seriously glad he did. Based on original pairs of Theodore Bergmann Shoe MFG Co. worn by specialty Marine units during the second World War, they represent an interesting interaction between the fledging US Special Forces and the growing private sector. Read the history of how the Bergmann Boots became the Marine Corps Raider Boot here. Before the official introduction of Special Forces units within the US Military, elite "Raiders" units were formed amongst the US Marine Corps. These specialty units were experts in guerrilla warfare, being deployed behind enemy lines for extended durations - requiring top of the line equipment to successfully conduct their missions successfully. The Raider Boots are a recreation of the special private-issue boots worn by the 2nd Raider Battalion, and are just as handsome, durable, and functional as the originals. Seeking a service boot that was hardier than anything offered by the government, the 2nd Battalion opted to wear civilian logger boots, as they held up much better than any military issue footwear of the time. They're made from Italian veg-tanned horsehide, a custom "walnut brown" tannage developed exclusively for Eastman Leather - this superior quality leather will age and wear just like the original Raider Boots from WWII. The vegetable tanned leather starts a little stiffer than some other leathers, but over time will break in and take the shape of the wearer's foot, softening considerably. On top of that, the brown dye at the surface of the leather will darken as it takes in oils and moisture, and grow lighter in areas where the uppers scuff off to reveal the natural core beneath. The trims are no joke either, as one would expect from the combined forces of Gary Eastman and John Lofgren (these boots produced at John Lofgren's workshops in Japan) - from the custom made Eastman raw cord outsole and heel, to the shuttle loom woven labels, to the mil-spec eyelets and heavy duty multi-row stitching. The very large tongue is fully gusseted for extra security, firmly wrapping your ankle behind brown rawhide laces. These have fairly standard heritage-boot sizing - take one size smaller than your Brannock size for the best fit. Vegetable-tanned horsehide uppers from Italy Fully leather lined Custom lasts made from the original WWII boots 12 mil-spec tonal eyelets Brown leather laces Double row 270 degree goodyear welt Double stitched at high stress points Woven shuttle looms Custom Eastman raw cord outsoles and heels Perforated Eastman branding at shaft Choose 1 size smaller than Brannock device size (Re)designed in England Made in Japan Our sizing recommendations These are an accommodating last with a rounded toe, relaxed fit through the waist, and a comfortable heel. The last is E-width, with a lace-to-toe configuration that fits well on the majority of different feet. Narrow and low volume feet: 1 size smaller than Brannock for a comfortable fit (you may need to use insoles, thick socks, or both) D-Width and average volume feet: 1 size smaller than Brannock for a comfortable fit E width feet with average volume: 1 size smaller than Brannock for a snug fit 0.5 size smaller than Brannock for a more relaxed fit
