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Escape boot

The escape boot was designed by Ron Kitchin and Archie Haynes of Haynes and Cann, Northampton in 1943.

This boot's unique feature is that the leg section could be cut away from the shoe using a small pen knife located in a concealed pocket inside one leg.

If the pilot or crew had to abandon their plane over enemy territory, their clothing could easily be adapted to look civilan and so blend in. But the distinctive boot would clearly give them away, so by turning the boot into an Oxford shoe, they would have a better chance of remaining undetected until they could get to safety.

This boot can be seen in the functionality case in the shoe gallery