WWI Imperial German Cavalry Boots

Our cavalry boot is a defining element of the Imperial German mounted soldier’s uniform. Built for durability, authority, and long hours in the saddle, these boots combine practical functionality with the traditional martial appearance associated with Germany’s cavalry regiments.

Design & Construction

Our German cavalry boots of the Great War are  tall riding boots, cut from heavy black / brown leather (your choice – price remains the same). The shafts are straight and plain, designed to protect the rider’s legs against chafing from the saddle and stirrup leathers. Early-war examples were of particularly fine leather and workmanship, reflecting pre-war standards, while later-war boots showed simplified construction due to shortages.

The soles are hobnailed for grip and durability, with a reinforced heel and steel horseshoe heel plate common for mounted use. The vamp and instep were plain and robust, built to withstand the wear of field conditions and campaigning.

Use in Service

These boots were issued to Uhlans, Hussars, Dragoons, Cuirassiers, and other mounted branches of the Imperial Army. They were worn both on campaign and parade, and their high, polished shafts gave cavalrymen a proud and imposing appearance. In the field, they offered real protection not only from saddle wear but also from mud, weather, and rough terrain.

Variants

While officer’s boots were often privately purchased with finer leather and a slightly more tailored cut, enlisted men’s boots were standard issue and sturdier. Some versions included pull straps or loops to assist in donning, while others were entirely plain for speed of manufacture.

Overall Impression

The WWI German cavalry boot was more than footwear—it was a symbol of tradition, discipline, and the prestige of the mounted arm. Both functional and iconic, it represented the enduring martial spirit of Germany’s horsemen, even as mechanized warfare began to overshadow cavalry on the battlefields of 1914–1918.