Smooth, multi-panel, mid-brown leather construction ankle boots. Boots measure 12 inches heal to the toe tip. Hobnails all look complete. Shows the expected age and use, but overall nice condition. During WWII the German army fielded nine Mountain Divisions with an additional six Waffen-SS Mountain Divisions. Generally speaking the Mountain Divisions were specially trained and equipped Infantry Divisions. Due to the nature of the terrain and the commonly colder climate that the Mountain Divisions were expected to serve in, special clothing, equipment and footwear was developed specifically for their use. All Mountain troopers, were issued with the specially designed, distinctive mountain trousers, ankle boots and ankle puttees as part of their regular clothing and equipment issue. The mountain boots were of especially rugged construction and had distinct features including cleats designed for mountainous terrain and ski binding receiving grooves to the heels for securing the ski bindings. The boots were designed for wear with the specific mountain troopers pants and ankle puttees. Originally the mountain boots were outfitted with vertical, fabric, pull-on tabs but these were discontinued in 1940. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms including footwear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the army’s Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their footwear from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase footwear of higher quality. Although enlisted personnel were issued their footwear from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately manufactured footwear although the price may have been restrictive.