The History of Ammo Boots

[Johnles]

Why do Ammo boots have to have 13 studs in them? Why this paticular number?

[dot.hawkes]

Well, I look at ot this way, 13 is an odd number but actually adds up to an even number, and boots come in pairs, which means two. So, two boots, two sets of 13, that is 26. Which is the even number I allured to earlier. Well, if it was a number that didn't add up to an even number it wouldn't work, because one boot would have more studs that the other, in the pair, but it might have the same number as the one from another odd pair made say, at the end of a run when the cordwainer went home early.
The one design feature that one should look closely at is the ability to put the 13 studs in the same place on each boot and yet there are all those different sizes. that is the real mistery. How do they do that?

[heathfield]

The theory was, to prevent wear, the leather of the sole should not touch the ground when the solider was walking on hard surfaces. I have the feeling that 13 might be the minimum number of segs, or hobnails, to ensure this.

[Johnles]

I have been told though that for insurance purposes, unless we have 13 studs in, we are unable to claim for accidents whilst wearing them.
there also a rumour about 1 stud represents each of the original infantry battalions, but it seems this is incorrect as well.

[stewey]

Here is an interesting site. Scroll down to 'The leather soles of WW2 pattern Army boots circa 1950.' Certainly a lot more than 13 hob-nails.

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-uniforms/l eg-foot-wear.htm

[stewey]

And here's a site that does show 13.

http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/ishop/ 1069/shopscr9.html

However, still no history of the design

[stewey]

And yet more info:

Product Info, General:

The NLM British ammo boot is based on the ankle boot used by the British for decades, Worn with two buckle anklets/gaiters, or with cloth puttees by some units like the SAS & Commandos. These boots are still worn today by Guard's Regiments for Ceremonial Duties. NLM has done a very fine job in reproducing these boots in 1/6th scale right down to the regulation number of hobnails (24 later reduced, as of 29 August 1942 [ACI 1827, Davis, p.165], to 13 hobnails per boot) to the toe and heal plates. You will find that NLM ensured that their boot eyelets are six or seven high and have a full leather sole and heal as specified by British military regulation. NLM has even included the boots size on the bottom of the boot, which is stamped into the leather sole. Another fine detailed item of the Ammo boots are the gaiters. The gaiters for the Ammo boots are made of a heavy cotton material and fit snug to the leg. The buckles to secure the gaiters are made of metal. Additionally, there is a leather-retaining band for the excess securing/tie strap laced through the gaiter�s buckle. A very nice touch!