Leather Leggings Converted from Boots

These were once tall leather boots that were cut away to leave only the legs and tongue. The seller claimed these were cut down to be an American soldier’s WWI leggings/gaiters, and although I can find no substantiating documentation, I can’t think of another reason these boot parts would be cut away and saved like this.

The boots are russet leather, which would have been the prescribed color for WWI U.S. leather. They are 11 ¼” tall, and in the “French style”, lacing all the way up – a style worn by many U.S. Officers. There is a pair of eyelets at the bottom and top to secure the lace, and 14 sets of eye hooks running up the length. The tongue of the boot is separate, but both were also saved, and I suppose were tucked under the hook and eyes when worn.

Photo 4 is from a period photo, and shows the model 1911 issue leather gaiters. No, the man isn’t knock-kneed. These are legs from two different men sitting together.

If anyone has a better theory why someone would cut the tops and tongues off a pair of boots and save them, I’ll be glad to hear it. I don’t consider one seller’s story to be unshakable truth without some sort of evidence.