Kirza Jack Boots (Kersey Boots) - History, Designs and Use

History of Soviet Kirza Boots

In the beginning of World War II, USSR faced a problem of footwear for millions of soldiers, as there was catastrophic lack of leather boots. A chemist Ivan V. Plotnikov was entrusted in the shortest possible time to improve the technology of artificial leather - kirza. Kirza is a pig leather imitation based on the multi-layer cotton fabric, modified by film-forming substances. The name kirza is an acronym from KIRovsky Zavod (Kirov Plant), the first place of kirza mass production.

The first time kirza was used during Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-1940, but the experiment was not successful. The material split and broke, did not keep warmth. Plotnikov made necessary improvements, and already in November 1941 modernized kirza boots were brought into mass production.

Kirza jack boots were worn together with traditional Russian foot wraps - portyanki. Foot wraps were more practical than socks, dried faster and allowed soldiers to wear larger boot sizes without injuries.

Kirza Boots Designs and Sole Types

The toe and the counter of Kirza boots are made of yuft leather, while the boot-top is produced from kirza material. The sole is rubber with nails, and its design changed several times over the decades.

The earliest and rarest version is the so-called dot sole (pimples sole), used before and during World War II. Later, tractor-style soles appeared in the 1970s. Other variants include smooth soles and Stalin sole designs.

Use of Kirza Boots

Kirza boots were designed for extreme conditions - marshes, forests, snow and heat. They remain popular among reenactors, hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts due to durability and historical value.

Looking for original Soviet boots and accessories? Visit Soviet Boots Store

If you want more Soviet uniform research: SovietUniform.com