Quote Originally Posted by longhuntr74 View Post
Wow...and thanks to those links, RSV, I've finally found the exact black lace boots that I've been searching for to wear with my Army dress uniforms...the patent leather "George" boots made by Sanders! Now, for $231 plus shipping plus duties, I can own a pair...but alas, I don't envision being able to make that investment any time soon!
I'm glad you've finally found these, Jeff. I remember you posting about looking for boots like those previously. I have always been curious, though, about the military using patent leather for dress shoes. I know the shine is always a high gloss and relatively easy to maintain, but it has always looked plastic to me. They also have always made me think of children's or women's shoes.

I have owned regular leather shoes that I, or a shoe shine stand, can get a near mirror finish on and I like the look better because it actually looks like leather. I haven't owned a pair of "plastic" shoes since I had a pair of perfectly hideous (in retrospect ) pair of maroon and black platform saddle shoes when I was 16 and I don't expect I'll ever own a pair again unless I have to in the unlikely event I have to buy some for some sort of uniform.

I'm genuinely happy for you because I know you would really like them and they fit the dress regs, but can you enlighten me as to why the military switched from more normal leather to that with a patent finish?

Regards,

Brian