On July 1, 1931 the war department announced that 17-inch tall laced boots are to be issued to enlisted personnel of the regular army, mounted cavalrymen, horse artillery, and motorcyclists, among other units as a part of their clothing allowance.
The M1931 boots will be made on a standard U.S. army lasts with a Blucher design and welt construction technique; both of which were standard characteristics of U.S. army shoes and boots of the period. The color of the upper leather was prescribed by the purchasing office, but within the range of colors between mahogany and russet. The boots were to have leather soles, rubber heels, and will be provided with cotton laces.
This boot measures approximately seventeen inches in height with a small leather perforated dimpled toe cap. The M1931 boot of 1931 would have a total of eight holes up, plus eleven holes with tabs and set cross over holds at the top for tie down. Additionally, to assist the wearer in lacing, a series of speed lace hooks were added to the outside eyelets beginning just above the ankle of the boot. At first glance it may seem odd that the hooks were only applied to the outer eyelets facing. But, this was done to prevent the hooks from becoming entangled or damaged through contacting equipment that horse mounted troopers were exposed to. Boots of the time with full speed lace top could get linked up very easily when a cavalry man’s boots were making contact boot to boot with other riders on horseback, and was no less important to motorcyclists. The M31 boot makes all the sense in the world when you understand its unusual lacing. This boot was made right to the cavalry’s last year in 1943.
