We are "proud" to present the first real lace-up combat boots of the Finnish Defence Forces. It appears they took a basic jackboot, shortened the shaft and added lacing grommets. The result is, shall we say, something that develops the character.

Our staff includes old-timers who had the privilege of using these during their conscript service. The feedback was such that we started to question the domestic footwear design but it appears the writing on the wall was clear enough to make the M/91 combat boots vastly improved over these.

We have heard that the M75 boots were at one point shipped to some African country as war aid. They were returned quite swiftly: perhaps footwear designed with the Nordic environment and feet in mind were not the best choice in Africa. Makes you wonder who thought it's a good idea to procure combat boots from Finland, as tried and tested solutions would have been available from the southern region of the continent...

Anyway, these boots can still serve a purpose. Reviving old boots is a therapeutic hobby in itself and you'll dodge the bullet in the form of modern space-age techno-shoes.

First, we recommend slipping thick felt insoles (maybe below ordinary ones) into the boots and wearing two pairs of socks at least - with the outer being thick. If you think like us, you probably figured out that these could be quite good during the winter.

When worn out, the outsoles can be replaced. Not many modern boots offer this Goodyear-type option!

Size info

The numbers refer to European sizes but these are very, very roomy. Do not pick a larger size than usual: you'll have lots of clearance anyway!

* This size falls in between half and full sizes of the US system and our chart indicates the larger US-size. The rounding is just 2 mm (0.08") so the boot is still going to be large enough.

Materials and construction

The materials and workmanship are high-quality but bear in mind the age. Weight 1750 g / 3.9 lbs (pair, size 42 / US 9.5).

These are single-layer without any lining or membrane. The FDF doctrine is to wear rubber boots in wet conditions and the necessary insulation of the boots is done by layering at least one pair of socks over your ordinary ones - much like the principles of layered clothing.

The stiffness is 2 on a 1-4 scale: by no means are these floppy below the feet but certainly no hiking boots either.

Care advice

Leather boots without a membrane are among the easiest to maintain: leather oil refurbishes old leather and leather polish creates a protective and good-looking surface. Read this article for more information.

Finnish surplus

These are used and it definitely shows but nothing is broken. We recommend to buy new laces, felt insoles and a shoe care set right away, unless you already have these covered. The product pictures are a realistic depiction of the condition of what you may expect when unboxing.