More about these boots from from Vietnam Veteran's site Items Left At The Wall: "[N]on-military issue, Corcoran brand paratrooper boots, also referred to as "jump boots". Initially designed by William P. Yarborough in 1941 for use by the U.S. Army 501st Parachute Test Battalion, the paratrooper boot is a type of combat boot developed simultaneously in many countries with the adoption of airborne infantry tactics during World War II. Also referred to as "Corcorans" (after the Corcoran brand, a division of the Cove Shoe Company), these boots were typical footgear for American paratroopers and airborne forces from World War II through the Vietnam era. The calf-length lacing and rigid toe caps were intended to give greater support to the wearer’s ankles and toes during the rough landings routinely experienced by paratroopers. The boots were not standard military issue, but were typically purchased by individual members of airborne units from their own resources. The boots are comprised of a hard leather stitched and nailed sole with a non-trip beveled heel, spit-shinable black leather outer, webbing reinforcement and paratrooper shank, a rounded toe with heavy-duty toe cap, twelve (12) grommet lacing leading to a calf-length leather upper, and black woven fabric boot laces. a manufacturer/supplier's tag affixed (sewn) inside the right boot reads, "Corcoran Brand of Quality Stoughton, Mass." ..."