Tarpaulin boots are known to each of us as truly Russian uniform shoes. Their appearance is unique, without them it is impossible to imagine a Russian warrior. For several decades, the soldiers of our army have been shod in these rough, but, as practice shows, durable boots. Inexpensive wearable shoes also appealed to ordinary people: rural residents, lovers of fishing and hunting.
It is water and dirt resistant and surprisingly durable. And for many years, tarpaulin boots have been in demand, although they have long been considered a relic of the past.
A bit of history
The word "tarpaulin" is not a type of leather, as some people think, but an abbreviated name of the Kirov factory, where these boots are produced. Kirza is a leather substitute and is a multilayer durable cotton fabric treated with a film-forming agent. To give the material the appearance of rough genuine leather, it is embossed.
It all started with the search for material for sewing soldiers' boots. Leather was too expensivethe state was not able to provide the fighters with shoes made of natural material. A low-cost, rugged replacement suitable for use in harsh military environments was needed.
The Russian scientist Mikhail Pomortsev was the first to start experiments with the development of tarpaulin. It wasn't called that back then. Boots began to be called "kirzachs" when they were put into mass production during the Great Patriotic War. The first experiments M. Pomortsev conducted with rubber, but they were unsuccessful.
Boots made of such material could not withstand the load placed on them and broke. Before the start of the Second World War, the development of material for soldiers' boots was continued by engineer Ivan Plotnikov, and this time they were crowned with success. The work was completed in a short time, and in 1942 the production of soldier's shoes was already launched.
Thus, Russia has become the main producer of tarpaulin boots. The lower part and toe are made of yuft, and the top is made of tarpaulin, which makes the production process cheaper. More than 80% of the plant's products are intended for the army.
Tarpaulin boots. Our days
Soldiers still wear tarpaulin boots today, although attempts are being made to switch the military to lace-up boots.
Tarpaulin boots reliably protect soldiers' feet from any external influences, as well as from heat and frost. They are adapted for long trips through forests and swamps. The outsole is made of durable rubber and secured with nails. The toe and back are made of yuft, the shaft is made of tarpaulin. A rigid heel counter and granitol toe cap provide stability to the foot. Tarpaulin boots have proven themselves in extreme conditions.
As already mentioned, they are in demand in the civilian world. When buying, you need to know that the boots are sewn taking into account the fact that they will be worn on footcloths, so thin socks in them will immediately tear, and it will be uncomfortable for the legs. Today everyone can buy tarpaulin boots. Prices for them range from 800 to 1000 rubles, and they will not wear out. They are sold both in workwear stores and on Internet marketplaces.
