Ammunition boot

Ammunition boots (now known as Boots, Ankle, General Service) remain in use today by British and Commonwealth armies for ceremonial public duties, most notably by the British Army's Household Division, who provide the King's Guard.

The hobnail-studded soles made a loud crunching sound when the wearer was marching, earning them the nickname "crunchies".

Prior to the First World War, British soldiers were issued two pairs of boots, both made with a brown finish that had to be polished black.

During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), civilian manufacturers made a series of variants on the Pattern 1037 due to differing manufacturing techniques (like machine-sewn uppers or glued-on outer soles).An improved 1037i pattern was adopted from 1907 to 1911.

The experimental "A" and "HN" series were also made during this time but were obsolete by the dawn of World War I.

It was a pattern of ammunition boot with woven cotton laces, a plain-leather counter, and lacked the leather toe cap.

Vehicle drivers wore boots without hobnails because they would damage the pedals and create sparks.

Experienced soldiers would "burn-down" the dimpled surface of the boots with beeswax and a heated spoon to make them smooth and easier to shine.