New Reproduction Service Shoes - Type I Pattern with All-Leather Sole

For the first time, a replica of the Army Service Shoe with a leather rather than composition sole is now available. The new shoe has been brought to market by SM Wholesale, a noted vendor of replica uniforms for film and TV productions.

Up to now, no one has made an "off the rack" Type I Service Shoe--all prior replicas match the US Army Type II pattern with rubber heels and taps.

As the Handbook discusses, there is ample evidence to justify wearing service shoes with composition soles for CCC impressions. That said, a purist CCC living historian might prefer SM Wholesale's new leather sole service shoe as a still-closer approximation to the true early 1930s shoe which would have had both a leather sole and a stacked leather heel.  

In making a choice, quality may enter into the calculation. Among WWII reenactors SM Wholesale has a reputation for goods which are affordable, but more "prop grade" that "heritage grade" in materials and workmanship. I cannot speak to the quality of these new 1930s service shoes, but I do have a pair of SM's black US Navy oxfords as a stand-in for the CCC low-quarter "sturdy black shoes," and the workmanship and materials of my SM oxfords are indeed a cut below heritage grade, though not out of line with the price point.

I would be eager to hear from anyone who gives these new SM Wholesale Type 1 service shoes a try.