Cocroran Jump Boots

[Golf1echo]

A recent conversation came up regarding Corcoran Jump Boots. Even though it was a long time ago I remember going to the PX at Fort Benning and buying a pair before leaving for Fort Bragg. I remember at the time someone explained the symbolism in the design of the boots but now am a little sketchy on the details. Something about what the circles on the toe piece meant, number of States perhaps? I thought. There were some other elements that had significance too?

In searching the web I didn’t pull up much on that, more about the original design of the jump boots, function and where the term leg came from.

Perhaps it was just barracks talk, it seemed interesting at the time?

[cbtengr]

I do not recall any particular stories about Corcorans but will never forget this cadence that someone once called on a PT run,

Coonskin coonskin alligator hide make a pair of jump boots just my size
shine em up lace em up put em on my feet
spit shined Corcorans can't be beat

ESSAYONS

[sg1987]

As an old “black boot Army soldier” I heard stories of old about the “brown boot Army." Today’s young troops are probably asking “what’s a Corcoran?” ....getting old.

[PSM]

As an old “black boot Army soldier” I heard stories of old about the “brown boot Army." Today’s young troops are probably asking “what’s a Corcoran?” ....getting old.

They're asking, "What's shoe polish?" My son has roughout boots and patent leather low quarters. :eek:

[Ret10Echo]

This might provide some information:

I still have mine from... Good grief... 1987??

Here (https://qmfashion.wordpress.com/2011/04/12/paratrooper-jump-boots-americas-first-symbol-of-eliteness-and-fashions-most-experienced-boot/)

[Pete]

Most of the "lore" behind the Corcorans developed post Korea and during the STRAC period (Stratigic Reserve Corps). Which lead to the "he's a STRAC troop" phrase.

That lead to all the things like "How many eyelets on a pair of jump boots?" "24, one for every hour an Airborne Trooper works in a day."

One boot is missing from the link above. The 48 pattern boot. They were the replacement for the 43 double buckles. The 48 pattern boot looked real close to jump boots except how the heel was cut and stitched and no holes on the toe cap. A lot of the pictures from the Korean War may look like they are wearing jump boots but if it is a non airborne unit they are most probably pattern 48's.

Link to more info on the 48 boot - also covers the change to black and the term "Brown Boot Army".

https://olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_clothing_m1948_russet_boots.php

[doctom54]

Brown Corcoran Jump Boots are available from AAFES
https://www.shopmyexchange.com/corcoran-men-s-brown-jump-boots/2354035

[Golf1echo]

Pete that is what I was trying to remember! Really good information, appreciate that!
You also covered the STRAC subject. I haven’t heard that term in a long time and trying to spell it correctly and looking up the meaning a while back, I realized there was more to the reference.
“Standing Tall and Looking Good You Ought to be in Hollywood “!

[mojaveman]

Worked on an Honor Guard detail in Europe and hated polishing those things.

I can remember a few troopers putting pins in the holes in the toe cap and then buffing them after polishing. You could usually get away with more things like that overseas than stateside. Seem to remember that Corcoran's were also produced with zippers on the inside shaft of the boot? Been a long time.

[PRB]

Brown Corcoran Jump Boots are available from AAFES
https://www.shopmyexchange.com/corcoran-men-s-brown-jump-boots/2354035

With the new uniform those will look the part....sweet.

[doctom54]

With the new uniform those will look the part....sweet.

My thoughts also