Kirz boots are known to all of us as true 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 rude, but, as practice shows, durable boots. I liked the inexpensive wearing shoes and ordinary people: rural residents, lovers of fishing and hunting.
It does not leak water or dirt, is surprisingly durable. And for many years, tarpaulin boots are in demand, although they have long been considered a relic of the past.
A bit of history
The word “kirsa” is not a kind of leather, as some people think, but the abbreviated name of the enterprise Kirovsky Zavod, where these boots are produced. Kirsa is a leather substitute and is a multilayer durable cotton fabric treated with a film-forming substance. To give the material a look of rough natural leather, it is embossed.
It all started with the search for material for tailoring soldiers' boots. Leather was too expensive, the state was not able to provide fighters with shoes made of natural material. A low-cost, durable substitute was needed, suitable for use in harsh army conditions.
The first to begin experiments with the development of tarpaulin was the Russian scientist Mikhail Pomortsev. Only then was it still not called that. The boots began to be called "kirzachs" when they were launched into mass production during the Great Patriotic War. The first experiments of M. Pomortsev carried out 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 soldier’s boots was continued by engineer Ivan Plotnikov, and this time they were crowned with success. The work was done in a short time, and in 1942 the production of soldier's shoes was already established.
Thus, Russia became the main producer of tarpaulin boots. The lower part and the toe are made of yufti, and the top is made of kirsa, which makes the production process cheaper. More than 80% of the plant’s products are intended for the army.
Kersey boots. Our days
Soldiers still wear tarpaulin boots today, although attempts are being made to transfer the military to lace-up boots.
Kirz boots reliably protect the feet of soldiers from any external influences, as well as from heat and frost. They are suitable for long hikes through forests and swamps. The sole is made of durable rubber and fastened with nails. The toe and back are made of yufti, the top is made of kersey. A rigid back and a granitol toe cap provide stability to the foot. Tarpaulin boots have proven themselves when used in extreme conditions.
As already mentioned, they are in demand and in the civilian world. When buying, you need to know that the boots are sewn in view of 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 trading floors.