Women’s Chippewa? leather boots c. 1940

[Nnatalie]

Found these at a local vintage-y consignment store this weekend, for only $25!

I found a remarkably similar pair of Chippewa brand boots in a 1939 Sears catalog—stitching looks the same, height is about the same, numbers of eyelets and hooks match up. No labels, aside from replacement Goodyear rubber heels. So for the time being, Chippewa (whether from Sears or not) is my best guess as to maker. I’m going to have to do more research into what women’s styles Chippewa made, and when, but Sears sold the boots in their catalog from 1939-42 (had to stop because of the war), so I’m estimating that they’re circa 1940. Laces are modern, but will probably get more authentic looking ones at some point.

My leather jacket is mid/late 30s, so I’m excited that my boots seem to be from the same period! I seem to be unintentionally collecting an entire outfit

First three pics are the boots, and the final one is the Sears catalog page. Actual color is a very dark, almost-black brown.

The Sears catalog page featuring (probably) my boots on the left:

 

[colekwok]

Nice find, I never thought of searching for vintage boots from that era. Very interesting indeed!

 

[Officer Dibley]

Nice. Although they’d look nicer cut as ankle boots.

 

[MikeyB-17]

Cool! If they’re not the same as the ones in the ad, they’re very similar. Note the contrasting laces, which look good. Must take all day to lace up!

 

[jeremiah]

Chippewa boots are great and STAND the test of time. pun intended.

 

[Nnatalie]

Cool! If they’re not the same as the ones in the ad, they’re very similar. Note the contrasting laces, which look good. Must take all day to lace up!

Indeed they do! Even with the hooks, they certainly take a lot longer than something like athletic shoes or oxfords!

 

[Nnatalie]

Nice find, I never thought of searching for vintage boots from that era. Very interesting indeed!

To

Nice. Although they’d look nicer cut as ankle boots.

Thanks! If they weren’t so old, I’d definitely consider. Ankle boots would be more versatile than tall ones, but these ones have become my precious babies.

 

[Officer Dibley]

You are right, it would be sacrilige

 

[jeremiah]

Plus you can now be a smoke jumper with them.

 

[Nnatalie]

Plus you can now be a smoke jumper with them.

Such respect to the people who actually do that—all the physical and mental skill it takes, plus risking their lives.

 

[jeremiah]

Yep. I’ve lived in Washington during wildfires. Been to the museum in Missoula too.