British Lightweight Aircrew Boots

These boots are a cut-down version of the 1965 pattern flying boot, for use in summer and hot climates.

RAF / RN Resources

AP3456E, Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 2 (AL9, January 1982)

Quote:

139. Introduction. The lighweight aircrew boot (Fig 28) was introduced to provide aircrew with a lighter and more comfortable style of boot than the 1965 pattern, which would be more suited for use in summer temperature or hot climates.

140. Description. The lightweight boot consists of unlined brown leather uppers bonded to a composition sole. The uppers have a low ankle height and are fastened by eyelets and laces. The leather used in the construction of the boot is thinner than that in the 1965 pattern boot and is unproofed so that it allows a certain amount of water vapour permability for foot comfort in warmer weather. The underside of the sole is moulded into a similar pattern to that on the 1965 pattern boot. Because of the lightweight construction this boot is totally unsuitable and inadequate for use with 'winter' AEAs.

141. Fitting Criteria the ligthweight aircrew boot is available in 16 sizes (medium and large in 8 basic unit increment sizes from 5 to 12) and should be sized to give a comfortable fit over a thin pair of socks.

AP3456E, Part 1, Section 2, Chapter 2, Figure 28 (AL9, January 1982)

British Aircrew Boots, Lightweight

Exhibit

Used lightweight flying boots

These boots were well used when I acquired them, showing signs of service life. Since then I have used them for a bit of reenacting with classic jets.

British Aircrew Boots, Lightweight British Aircrew Boots, Lightweight British Aircrew Boots, Lightweight British Aircrew Boots, Lightweight

Note how these boots have a very shallow and wide pattern tread, this is to help stop the boots carrying grit / stones into the cockpit, which could result in FOD. A lot of aircraft access ladders are also designed with brushes or fibre mats to wipe boots on before entering the cockpit.

British Aircrew Boots, 1965 Pattern