What are tarpaulin boots made of?

Tarpaulin boots are considered a traditional part of the military uniform. These are unique shoes, without which it is impossible to imagine a Russian warrior. It is durable, so it is also used in other areas. What is it made of?

What kind of material is tarpaulin?

Kirza is a durable fabric based on cotton and rubber. Mass production of the material began during the Second Patriotic War at the Kirovsky plant. They say that the name came from the factory. But the tarpaulin was famous before the war. Initially the name sounded like “kerza”. Gradually, the letter “e” in the word was replaced by “i”.

Kirza is used in the military sphere for the manufacture of various elements of uniforms. Most often, multilayer fabric is used for boots. The material is a cheap analogue of leather. To achieve the required external texture, the surface is embossed. Usually the products are black. Sometimes there are light options.

Stages of tarpaulin production:

• unwinding a roll of cotton using special mechanisms;
• surface treatment with rubber;
• heat treatment ensures the formation of a film;
• thorough compaction, giving a smooth and even surface;
• surface embossing to achieve the appearance of leather;
• rolling up a roll.

Important! To determine the quality of the material, you need to pay attention to the coloring of the edges and the uniformity of the embossing. The fabric should not have differences in shade, scratches, or drips.

Where did it come from?

Kirza is not a type of leather. The name was formed in pre-revolutionary times. The material has become a substitute for leather. It has a multi-layer structure made of durable cotton, and rubber is applied on top to form a film. To make boots look like leather, embossing is used.

Initially, the task was to find material for sewing boots for soldiers. Genuine leather is quite expensive, so the state could not provide such shoes to all military personnel. It was necessary to find an inexpensive but durable analogue that is suitable for use in extreme conditions.

First, Mikhail Pomortsev worked on the tarpaulin. At that time the material did not yet have a modern name. It appeared thanks to mass production. The scientist's first experiments were not successful. The bricks of that type had low strength, broke easily under load, and required modifications.

During the Great Patriotic War, Pomortsev’s experiments were resumed by Ivan Plotnikov. The results of the research were positive. There was little time for work, deadlines were pressing, and already in 1942 mass production of tarpaulin shoes began.

Russia is considered the main importer of kirzaks. Wherein for the sole they use yuft or durable rubber, and the remaining elements are made of tarpaulin. This makes the products quite cheap without losing quality. Most of the boots are used for military personnel. But 20% is also exploited by the civilian population. Production totals 150 million pairs of boots.

Modern analogues

Modern analogues are based on polyvinyl chloride. The material is called "shargolin". The name "Universal" is also found. The fabric is quite durable, although softer.

Important! Vinyl tarpaulin is based on non-woven materials, which increases the permissible load without the risk of delamination and damage.

Advantages of modern analogues:

• moisture resistance;
• allows air to pass through;
• increased strength, eliminating tearing and abrasion;
• small weight;
• elasticity;
• the ability of the inner layer to absorb steam;
• high protective properties;
• ability to maintain functions at sub-zero temperatures;
• affordable price.

Why are boots made from tarpaulin?

Kirsa is ideal for boots. To understand this, you need to evaluate the pros and cons of the material. Some argue that the fabric flaws are minor. You need to be able to wear products made from tarpaulin and then no problems will arise.

Tarpaulin boots are durable. There will be no abrasions or holes during operation. The products do not allow water to pass through, so the shoes can be worn even when crossing swampy terrain. Boots can withstand frost, so they are used in the cold season. The main thing is to pick up the footcloths.

The inner layer tends to absorb moisture, so feet don't sweat. The tarpaulin is elastic and breathable. The material has low electrical conductivity. You will be pleased with the lightness of the products and low cost.

What models of tarpaulin boots are there today?

Tarpaulin boots are actively used in the military sphere in our time. Although they are trying to replace them with lace-up boots. It is believed that this option is more suitable for the modern army, but tarpaulin boots have undeniable advantages.

Advantages of tarpaulin boots:

• provide external protection from any adverse conditions;
• protect from bad weather;
• ensuring foot stability with a rigid toe cap;
• suitable for extreme conditions;
• Can withstand long off-road trips.

Durable rubber is used for the sole. The remaining elements of the shoe are made of tarpaulin. Durable boots are also actively used outside the military sphere. They are put on foot wraps. It is important to understand that the socks will simply tear, and it will be uncomfortable to move around in them.. Tarpaulin boots are freely available. They are inexpensive and will last quite a long time. You can find modern models in specialized stores or online resources.