Hi folks - I'm getting to the desperate stage that I am now prepared to have my current D.R. boots deconstructed, copied and renewed...

Has anyone done this before and if so, ball park figure for the cost of getting a wearable pair of boots returned to you, AND, who's clever enough to do such a restoration on old boots?

My alternative is to PURCHASE a pair of boots from someone, but there isn't anyone selling :-(

The anoying thing is, ONE of my boots is like new, the other one is falling apart :-(

** HELP!! **

Ian

email (option): fozzie001@hotmail.com

Hi Ian,

I still have a pair that I want to sell. You need to have giant feet, size 14...
There were a few enthusiasts with size 11/12 and they tried extra socks etc, but that doesn't work. They are simply too large. Can you imagine??
Someday someone will be very happy

Regards,

Sven

email (option): snvosselman@gmail.com

I know its a long shot but you could try to get in touch with Cheaney's factory at Desborough Northants, these were one of the original manufaturers of these boots, the other one was Churches in Kettering, it may cost a bit but you could be lucky. I used to live across the Road from Cheaney's as a kid. HTH.

TTJohn

email (option): Jomichael@aol.com

I wonder if Altberg in North Yorkshire would do them.
I have had motorcycle boots from them in the past and they make them to order to be a perfect fit after measuring your feet.
May be worth a shot?
Darren

email (option): dwrudd at lineone.net

I'm sure Dave Plumb was looking into doing the same thing, I don't know how he got on.

email (option): horror@blueyonder.co.uk

I've found Dave's post, it was a few years ago now.

http://pub37.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3155626639&frmid=16&msgid=1309770&cmd=show

email (option): horror@blueyonder.co.uk

If all else fails, by no means all army motorcyclists received DR boots, even late in the war. Battle dress trousers, anklets and ammo boots are always an accurate alternative.

I have a pair of size 7 or possibly 8 that was on offer on here but got no interest.

This old established firm will make you excellent boots, expect over 200quid,

They make WW1 army boots. I have a pair of sprung shepherds boots, hobnailed and all from them, made to order.

http://williamlennon.co.uk/footwear/268d-hill-boots.html

email (option): deadsheds[at]yahoo[dot]com

Tried Altberg already :-( I have two pairs of fantastic boots from them for my modern bikes, but they won't tackle a restoration job :-(

Thanks for your helpful suggestions though guys, I have followed some of them up and now await the response....

Watch this space....

Ian

email (option): fozzie001@hotmail.com

Ian, put a WANT ad in as many of the Brit bike club websites as you can get at. I advertised on the AMOC for boots and a nice bloke gave me his FOC! Plenty of oldies still have their old riding gear even if no longer using it and may be happy to see it get a good home rather than winding up in the skip. And much of that gear used in the Fifties was ex-Army of course. My local cobbler put on new soles and replaced a few straps, etc so they are now sound.

email (option): fergusanckorn@icloud.com

These people sorted out my old 'Gold-Top' motorcycle boots for me which was something that nobody else wanted to touch (full length zips and sheepskin lining).

http://www.shoe-repairs.co.uk/

If the uppers aren't rotten then your existing boots should be repairable. The soles and straps aren't the problem.

Saw that someone made a reproduction DR boot in the 1970's too. Should be 100% accurate, hobnails and all. Sure it's not original WW2 but still old and looks the same.

No recommendation on where to get a boot resto'd yet tho. Mine need some work too but I figured I'd do it myself being advised by an expert.

does no one read the previous posts?

probably the only craft boot/shoemaker left in UK, also repairs.


http://williamlennon.co.uk/footwear/268d-hill-boots.html

Don't be ridiculous, John Lobbs are in rude health. Cost?? Think something around £6000, as over £4000 is a ball park figure for their shoes. No one is going to touch these for less than a four figure number as one offs cost a huge amount of time to make.. You could get a run made abroad for a fraction of that.

email (option): j@clogmaker.co.uk

Lobbs would be a ridiculous place to get DR boots made.

The link I gave made me a bespoke pair of boots, a cross between hill shepherds spung boots and tug of war boots, all leather, hobnails and toe/heel irons for £175 a few years ago.

No way they'd be in business now for those prices. Lobbs cater to a different clientle entirely.
Still if no one asks them they'l never know will they?

Meanwhile I still have a pair of size 7 on offer for 80 quid.

Been on offer for over a year, so can't be that much demand.

He does good plain boot, will add the toes caps if wanted.

https://www.rufflander.co.uk/shop/heritage-footwear/268d-hill-boots/

If you want a good 'new' boot that looks right.

Cheaper outlets are out there, but not always exactly looking correct.

You can get a repro from places like Paddelaters ( think there is a few threads on the India makers of Bike bits too )

http://www.paddelaters.com/ww2%20British-images/picture%2036.php

I am not recommending any of the above just highlighting the availability.

Paul Crisp

https://www.rufflander.co.uk/shop/heritage-footwear/268d-hill-boots/

amazing.

same firm as I posted link to twice above.

talk about wasting ones breath.

No-one reads the thread then?, just tacks on.

Very nice boots. The ordering time probably takes into account the postage from abroad....

I have a pair of Lennon ammo boots. They're very well made. The only downside for me is that I have a prominent navicular bone and they don't offer the range of width fitting that was available in the originals. This means that mine lace up a bit narrow and easily pressure above.

They have improved with a few sessions gardening in them after soaking though.

I've never seen any indication that they would consider making DR boots but they would be the ideal people to do it.