Project: 19th to Peron's era footgear replicas
Reproduction footwear for the 19th Century, WWI, and WWII is widely available, with top-tier suppliers focusing on historical fidelity, often using period-correct materials and construction methods like hobnails and pegged soles.
But Finding replicas of specific Argentine 19th-century military footwear is challenging because the reenactment market for this specific historical period and nation is limited compared to the American Civil War or European Napoleonic eras.
Most global suppliers focus on the mainstream reenactment markets. Replicas of general 19th-century styles that could potentially be adapted or used as substitutes are available.
And it's even harder because Argentina remained neutral for the vast majority of both World Wars, there is almost
zero commercial mass-production of their specific uniforms or footwear.
While they weren't in the trenches, the Argentine Army of that era was fascinating because it was heavily influenced by German (Prussian) military aesthetics, making their gear a strange "mirror" of European styles.
The lack of interest in recreating Argentina's military past from 1930–1945 is deeply rooted in the period's connection to systemic corruption, institutionalized fraud, and the birth of a long cycle of military coups. This era, known as the Infamous Decade (Década Infame), began with a military coup in 1930 and ended with another in 1943, marking the end of constitutional government and the rise of authoritarianism.
The shift in interest toward the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas) is driven by a completely different national sentiment. Unlike the "Infamous Decade," Malvinas is viewed through the lens of sovereignty and the individual sacrifice of the conscript soldier (colimba). For many in Argentina, recreating Malvinas isn't about celebrating the dictatorship of 1982; it’s about honoring the veterans (ex-combatientes) who fought in extreme conditions.
By focusing on the Perón era (1946–1955), they are documenting the specific moment when Argentina’s military aesthetic was at its most "eclectic"—a strange transition point where the old Prussian influence met the new Americanized "Cold War" look.
Here is why that specific era is so unique. And that's why this project. My main interest is to recreate the first army hiking boots used from the 30s to 40s, based on old photographs. unfortunately testimonies of those who manufactured or used them is very difficult to get because that generation is no longer with us.
In modern English,"footwear" is the standard, everyday term. "Footgear" is much more technical or "old-school."
Reproduction footwear for the 19th Century, WWI, and WWII is widely available, with top-tier suppliers focusing on historical fidelity, often using period-correct materials and construction methods like hobnails and pegged soles.
But Finding replicas of specific Argentine 19th-century military footwear is challenging because the reenactment market for this specific historical period and nation is limited compared to the American Civil War or European Napoleonic eras.
Most global suppliers focus on the mainstream reenactment markets. Replicas of general 19th-century styles that could potentially be adapted or used as substitutes are available.
And it's even harder because Argentina remained neutral for the vast majority of both World Wars, there is almost
zero commercial mass-production of their specific uniforms or footwear.
While they weren't in the trenches, the Argentine Army of that era was fascinating because it was heavily influenced by German (Prussian) military aesthetics, making their gear a strange "mirror" of European styles.
The lack of interest in recreating Argentina's military past from 1930–1945 is deeply rooted in the period's connection to systemic corruption, institutionalized fraud, and the birth of a long cycle of military coups. This era, known as the Infamous Decade (Década Infame), began with a military coup in 1930 and ended with another in 1943, marking the end of constitutional government and the rise of authoritarianism.
The shift in interest toward the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas) is driven by a completely different national sentiment. Unlike the "Infamous Decade," Malvinas is viewed through the lens of sovereignty and the individual sacrifice of the conscript soldier (colimba). For many in Argentina, recreating Malvinas isn't about celebrating the dictatorship of 1982; it’s about honoring the veterans (ex-combatientes) who fought in extreme conditions.
By focusing on the Perón era (1946–1955), they are documenting the specific moment when Argentina’s military aesthetic was at its most "eclectic"—a strange transition point where the old Prussian influence met the new Americanized "Cold War" look.
Here is why that specific era is so unique. And that's why this project. My main interest is to recreate the first army hiking boots used from the 30s to 40s, based on old photographs. unfortunately testimonies of those who manufactured or used them is very difficult to get because that generation is no longer with us.
In modern English,"footwear" is the standard, everyday term. "Footgear" is much more technical or "old-school."
This solitary boot belonged to a German or Austrian child from the late 19th to early 20th century. The boot is typically of mountain configuration. I bought it to study the technique of the old German master shoemakers, who were the same ones that made the Gebirgsjäger's boots during WWI and WWII . This same technique was found in the Alps with the Italian master shoemakers who made the hiking boots for the alpini.
In the post-war period, the technique of the Italian Old Masters was imposed in Argentina. Among many improvements experienced in the WW2, also came the "ganchos alpinos or alpine hooks" used in mountain boots (Borceguíes de Montaña). This type of combat boots was seen in the South Atlantic War, in Army Commandos, Gendarmes and Marine Corps.
In the post-war period, the technique of the Italian Old Masters was imposed in Argentina. Among many improvements experienced in the WW2, also came the "ganchos alpinos or alpine hooks" used in mountain boots (Borceguíes de Montaña). This type of combat boots was seen in the South Atlantic War, in Army Commandos, Gendarmes and Marine Corps.
To practice, disassemble these old replica German ankle boots, Schnürschuhe (literally "lace-up shoes"), to take the design of their shape and pass it into molds. These molds are made to measure, depending on the range of the size.
I couldn't find a single master shoemaker, because today everything is industrial. Finding a master shoemaker today is difficult primarily because traditional hand-craftsmanship has been largely replaced by industrial mass production, which prioritizes speed and cost-effectiveness over individual skill. Historically valuable tools are often cheap due to a massive surplus of vintage supply from a time when the trade was much larger, coupled with a lack of new apprentices to use them. Modern factories use computer-controlled machines to churn out thousands of pairs daily, making the weeks-long process of a master craftsman a niche luxury. Historically, skills were passed through generations or long apprenticeships. Today, fewer young people enter the trade, and many remaining manufacturers struggle to find applicants under age 40.
As the industry moved overseas, the specialized suppliers for materials like high-quality lasts and metal eyelets followed, making it harder for domestic artisans to source traditional components.
As the industry moved overseas, the specialized suppliers for materials like high-quality lasts and metal eyelets followed, making it harder for domestic artisans to source traditional components.
This art of shoemaking today can be reborn from the hands of enthusiasts who try to learn by themselves as a hobby, (as if analyzing the solitary Austrian shoe of 1900), or by old books. That is why these first molds are for me the beginning.
Many affordable vintage tools are found in "rusty" condition, requiring time and knowledge to restorea deterrent for many modern hobbyists.
Finding high-quality natural leather today is not necessarily "difficult" in terms of global availability, but it has become significantly more complex and expensive due to specific market shifts.
Many affordable vintage tools are found in "rusty" condition, requiring time and knowledge to restorea deterrent for many modern hobbyists.
Finding high-quality natural leather today is not necessarily "difficult" in terms of global availability, but it has become significantly more complex and expensive due to specific market shifts.
To reproduce old footwear, nothing is more appropriate than getting special tools from the period. These tools are very varied, however in the past they were standardized around the world. Today many artisanal shoemakers have disappeared, partly due to the innovation of technology, and of course to imports from Southeast Asia. This is the reason why today you can get old and refined shoemaker's tools at miserable prices.
Note that the cast iron anvil is broken, due to bad shipping, and to weld this alloy you need nickle steel alloy rod, something I don't have. Either way, it is easy to get classic tools of this type and at very good prices.
Note that the cast iron anvil is broken, due to bad shipping, and to weld this alloy you need nickle steel alloy rod, something I don't have. Either way, it is easy to get classic tools of this type and at very good prices.
In this book you will see photos of a pair of unusual German late war Fallschirmjager jumping boots. They are the standard jump combat boots, but with hooks. On the right of the photograph are the hooks of an Argentine mountain boot used from the late 40s to 90s by Mountain Troops, Army Commandos and Gendarmerie.
The link between these unusual Fallschirmjager boots and the Argentinian ones was that they were made by Italian manufacturers. The Fallschirmjäger boots in the book are from the Italian Front and the Argentine boots were made by Italian industrialists who arrived in the country in the post-war period, such as the Marasco & Speziale company.
Boots with mountain type hook and "Vibram" soles replaced short boots towards the end of the 40s. Although short boots with nails and clamps did not disappear completely, they were still in use in high mountains. The new Marasco & Speziale jump boots introduced the Vibram soles, which had been used on Alpini skiers during WW2, to the country. This shoe technology evolved into civil, car and sports shoes in the country.
The link between these unusual Fallschirmjager boots and the Argentinian ones was that they were made by Italian manufacturers. The Fallschirmjäger boots in the book are from the Italian Front and the Argentine boots were made by Italian industrialists who arrived in the country in the post-war period, such as the Marasco & Speziale company.
Boots with mountain type hook and "Vibram" soles replaced short boots towards the end of the 40s. Although short boots with nails and clamps did not disappear completely, they were still in use in high mountains. The new Marasco & Speziale jump boots introduced the Vibram soles, which had been used on Alpini skiers during WW2, to the country. This shoe technology evolved into civil, car and sports shoes in the country.
The 1950s marked a pivotal "golden age" for the Argentine outdoor industry, as local manufacturing surged during the era of import substitution. Companies like those you mentioned moved from small workshops to becoming national icons of the "Industria Argentina."
Pioneers of the Era
Marasco & Speziale: While the exact founding year of the partnership is earlier, the brand became legendary for its boots (borceguíes). By the 1960s, Atilio Marasco was already a recognized figure in outdoor circles, even participating in civil-military expeditions to Antarctica. Their footwear became the gold standard for "first-line" construction and material quality in Argentina.
The founders brought with them the centuries-old expertise of the Alpini (the Italian mountain troops). During WWI and WWII, Italy’s mountain footwear was among the best in the world because it had to withstand the "White War" in the Alps—fighting in ice, rock, and snow.
Cacique (Founded 1952): A quintessential family story. After moving from Misiones to Buenos Aires, the founders noticed a camping boom in Europe and decided to bring it to Argentina. In 1952, they began sewing their first tents by hand using waterproofed bedsheets in their family home. By 1955, they were officially established as a manufacturer of high-quality tents and sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions.
Montagne (Founded 1972): Though widely associated with Argentine camping, Montagne is actually a later addition to the landscape, founded in 1972. It emerged during the trekking boom of the early 70s, eventually becoming one of the largest national manufacturers of technical apparel.
Why the 1950s?
This period was characterized by a push for national self-sufficiency under the Peronist government, which heavily favored local production over imported gear.
Pioneers of the Era
Marasco & Speziale: While the exact founding year of the partnership is earlier, the brand became legendary for its boots (borceguíes). By the 1960s, Atilio Marasco was already a recognized figure in outdoor circles, even participating in civil-military expeditions to Antarctica. Their footwear became the gold standard for "first-line" construction and material quality in Argentina.
The founders brought with them the centuries-old expertise of the Alpini (the Italian mountain troops). During WWI and WWII, Italy’s mountain footwear was among the best in the world because it had to withstand the "White War" in the Alps—fighting in ice, rock, and snow.
Cacique (Founded 1952): A quintessential family story. After moving from Misiones to Buenos Aires, the founders noticed a camping boom in Europe and decided to bring it to Argentina. In 1952, they began sewing their first tents by hand using waterproofed bedsheets in their family home. By 1955, they were officially established as a manufacturer of high-quality tents and sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions.
Montagne (Founded 1972): Though widely associated with Argentine camping, Montagne is actually a later addition to the landscape, founded in 1972. It emerged during the trekking boom of the early 70s, eventually becoming one of the largest national manufacturers of technical apparel.
Why the 1950s?
This period was characterized by a push for national self-sufficiency under the Peronist government, which heavily favored local production over imported gear.
Marasco & Speziale in the Malvinas.
(Also Cacique was there)
Escuadrón Alacrán (Gendarmerie): As a frontier force, their gear was far superior to the standard army issue. Their M&S boots with the alpine speed-hooks and heavy leather were built for the Andes, making them much more resilient in the Malvinas' rocky terrain.
601/602 Commando Companies: Since many of these men were mountain-trained (Cazadores de Montaña), they brought their personal or specialized unit-issued M&S boots.
The Marines (IMARA): Their gear was generally more modernized and rugged than the Army's, and they often sourced from these high-end local manufacturers.
(Also Cacique was there)
Escuadrón Alacrán (Gendarmerie): As a frontier force, their gear was far superior to the standard army issue. Their M&S boots with the alpine speed-hooks and heavy leather were built for the Andes, making them much more resilient in the Malvinas' rocky terrain.
601/602 Commando Companies: Since many of these men were mountain-trained (Cazadores de Montaña), they brought their personal or specialized unit-issued M&S boots.
The Marines (IMARA): Their gear was generally more modernized and rugged than the Army's, and they often sourced from these high-end local manufacturers.
Some original boots from the collection
"There are no boots today that can be compared to the almost artisanal products of the master shoemakers of the past. Much less replicas".
Today the Gebirgsjäger Bergschuhe remains one of the most distinctive and technically complex pieces of WWII German footwear for collectors and reenactors. Unlike the standard infantry jackboot, these were specialized mountain climbing tools.
WW2 Italian Alpini boots (Scarponi) were renowned for their exceptional quality, utilizing traditional mountain boot construction with heavy leather and specialized metal traction systems for alpine warfare
These alpini mountain boots (Scarponi) are from WW2 late war (RSI), but also used in the post-war period.
Postwar Italian Alpini boots (Scarponi).
Early post-war Italian alpini ski boots (Scarponi), much like WW2's and earlier.
Postwar Italian Alpini ski boots (Scarponi), with vibram soles.
Swiss mountain boots (known as Bergschuhe in German-speaking Switzerland).
Swedish Mountain Ski Boots.The WW2 "Norsk" type mountain boots are a specialized variant of the Swedish M39 system that closely mirrors the high-end aesthetic and technical complexity of German Gebirgsjäger Officer boots. In the world of high-end footwear, "Norsk" (or Norvegese) refers to Norwegian Welt construction.
The Norwegian welt was not the standard for all boots, but it was the pinnacle for elite mountain gear, it was far too expensive and time-consuming for mass-produced infantry footwear.
The Norwegian welt was not the standard for all boots, but it was the pinnacle for elite mountain gear, it was far too expensive and time-consuming for mass-produced infantry footwear.
Swedish military ankle boots from the 1942 era (often associated with the M39 uniform system) are known for their exceptional durability and unique technical features, largely because Sweden maintained neutrality and could continue high-quality artisanal production while other nations used "ersatz" materials.
These are alpine mountain boots from the 80s/90s with a modern vibram sole, although it maintains the design of the vintage ones. These boots belonged to the "Guardia di Finanza" Alpini, which are something like border guards or gendarmerie in the Alps.
