About
The Tank Boot (Strap) is a custom-fitted engineer boot designed in 1937 by The Dehner Company, Inc. in collaboration with General George S. Patton Jr. for the United States Army Tank Corps. Developed specifically for tank crews who required footwear that could be quickly donned while providing firm ankle support, the boot features a strap closure system adapted from traditional cavalry boot designs. The Tank Boot remains in production as a made-to-measure motorcycle and military boot, maintaining its original construction methods and custom fitting process.
About
The Tank Boot (Strap) is a custom-fitted engineer boot designed in 1937 by The Dehner Company, Inc. in collaboration with General George S. Patton Jr. for the United States Army Tank Corps. Developed specifically for tank crews who required footwear that could be quickly donned while providing firm ankle support, the boot features a strap closure system adapted from traditional cavalry boot designs. The Tank Boot remains in production as a made-to-measure motorcycle and military boot, maintaining its original construction methods and custom fitting process.
The boot combines military heritage with practical design elements suited to both historical military applications and contemporary motorcycle use, offering extensive customization options for leather selection, height specifications, and hardware configurations.
Design History and Military Origins
The Tank Boot (Strap) was designed by Harold E. Ketzler, Dehner's master bootmaker, in collaboration with General Patton during the pre-World War II period. General Patton requested a boot that addressed the specific operational requirements of tank crews, who needed footwear that could be put on quickly in confined spaces while maintaining the ankle support and durability expected of military boots.
The design adapted Dehner's traditional cavalry boot patterns by replacing laces with adjustable straps, allowing for faster donning while retaining the tall shaft height characteristic of military boots. The strap closure system wraps around the boot shaft to prevent heel slip and create a slimmer profile compared to laced boots.
Construction and Specifications
The Tank Boot (Strap) maintains traditional bootmaking construction methods with specifications tailored to military and motorcycle applications.
Standard Features
The standard boot height measures 10 inches from the base of the heel. Construction includes double Nitrene soles and storm welting as standard features. Additional height can be specified at $20.00 per inch increment up to a maximum height of 14 inches.
Sole and Heel Design
Double Nitrene soles provide durability for field use and motorcycle applications. The block heel design reflects military boot aesthetics while offering stable footing. The Middle East Edition variant features small lug Vibram soles and heels for enhanced grip and extended wear.
Strap System
The strap closure system allows for quick donning without the time required for lacing. Straps wrap around the boot shaft to secure the fit and prevent heel slip during wear. The Middle East Edition offers optional 1-inch strap width at no additional charge.
Leather Options and Customization
Dehner offers multiple leather selections for the Tank Boot, each suited to different applications and preferences.
Primary Leather Choices
Oiled Dragoon leather provides durability for heavy-duty field wear and extended outdoor use. Fine imported calfskin offers a dress-appropriate finish for ceremonial military applications or formal motorcycle riding contexts.
Middle East Edition Leather
The Middle East Edition features flesh-out leather construction, which positions the leather's rough side outward for enhanced toughness and durability in demanding field conditions. This variant targets military and law enforcement applications requiring maximum leather durability.
Custom Hardware Options
The Middle East Edition allows for military insignia placement including Cavalry, Armor, or Infantry designations beneath the wearer's name. Heavy lug soles are available as an additional option for $50.00, providing enhanced traction for specific operational requirements.
Custom Fitting Process
The Tank Boot (Strap) follows Dehner's traditional made-to-measure approach, requiring detailed measurements for each pair produced.
Measurement Requirements
Customers provide approximately eight measurements including ball circumference, instep measurement, foot length, ankle circumference, calf circumference, and heel width. A foot tracing must be submitted to capture the exact contours of the customer's foot. Brannock device measurements are requested as an additional data point to verify sizing accuracy.
Last Modification
Dehner modifies the boot last for each customer based on submitted measurements, adjusting the form to match individual foot and leg dimensions. This modification process allows for accommodations beyond standard sizing, including unstructured toe construction upon customer request.
Lead Time
The custom manufacturing process requires approximately two months from order placement to delivery. This timeframe accounts for measurement processing, last modification, and individual boot construction.
Pricing and Ordering
The base price for the Tank Boot (Strap) is $399.00, which includes the standard 10-inch height, double Nitrene soles, and storm welting. Custom configurations with additional height, specialized leather selections, and hardware options increase the total cost, with reported final prices reaching approximately $550.00 for fully customized specifications.
Dehner maintains a traditional ordering process using physical order forms rather than e-commerce systems. Customers complete detailed measurement forms and submit payment by personal check mailed to the company's Omaha facility.
References
"Dehner Tank Boot (Strap)". The Dehner Boot Company. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
"Dehner Tank Boots (Strap)". Police Equipment Worldwide. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
"Read About Our History". The Dehner Company, Inc. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
