army boots in ww2

[goldenboy]

why is it that the german and russian armies in ww2 wore boots without laces. was it sole-y based on the fashion within the countries at the time or was it as a result of a more practical purpose. i suppose it gave the wehrmacht somewhere to store their grenades.

[gary baldy]

I'm interested to know where you are getting your boot information from. I'm sure you are refering to the boots that generals and the like wore and not the regular soldiers. I'm sure the lace-less boots come from days when armies were cavalry based and riding boots are traditionally laceless.
I'm certain most infantry men in WW2 wore lace up boots not matter what country.

[Upforit]

I do not know the definitive answer, but laceless boots were, although not exclusively issued to all ranks. For example, the Russian fell boot was laceless. The reasons may have been partly fashion, but I can imagine laced boots being a bit difficult to cope with in the middle of a Russian winter!