This is the US Army's first attempt at a true combat boot. It was developed as part of the M1943 Field Uniform scheme and, though it was approved in that year for issue, most troops didn't get their hands on one until the late years of the war (1944 and on), if at all. They were essentially the Roughout Boot with an extra few inches of leather up the calf. At the top of the boot was a leather cuff with two buckles and straps, hence the nickname, "Double Buckle Boot." New boots in the 1943 pattern were developed, but in a way of retrofitting existing stock, cuffs were sewn in to unissued (or rebuilt) Roughout Service Shoes. The eliminated double buckle cuff bloused the pant legs in the same manner the leggings did, thus eliminating the need for them, much to the soldier's delight.
We recommend you spend your first uniform dollars on acquiring either Roughouts or Russet Service Shoes before you buy the double buckles. As mentioned before, these were part of the M1943 Uniform, but weren't necessarily reaching the troops at the front lines. The other two boots will be appropriate for any type of event and battle whereas the Double Buckle Boots will only look correct for events set in 1944 or 45. However, one solution to increase the reenacting versatility of these boots is wear leggings over them. It'll require you to find some pretty large leggings, but if you have your heart set on getting these boots before any others (or you just happen to have some already), this is a fair option that won't make you feel out of place at early to mid-war events. Once again, we definitely recommend buying reproduction due to the wear and tear of battles and the weakened state of original leather.
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