Winter boots

[major bill]

I understand that the Army did not issue the same type of winter boots it does today, but what kind of winter boots did Civil War soldiers wear?

It would seem to me that immersion foot (trench foot) would have became a major issue without proper winter boots. The way to prevent immersion foot is; dry boots, changing socks often, and avoiding foot exposure to unsanitary conditions. I do not see this the common practice during the Civil War. Immersion foot can occur at any temperature under 60 degrees.

Was there any effective way to treat leather boots to keep the feet dry?

 

[major bill]

Warm weather immersion foot and tropical immersion foot (paddy foot) were both possible during the Civil War in some areas.

 

[UCVRelics]

Which Army? The CS Army was lucky to have shoes much less winter boots.
It's always been said that the battle of Gettysburg started due to the CS Army looking for shoes. I know that in the winter of 1863 30% of Gen Longstreet's troops were shoe less. The number 1 think that was recovered from the Union dead after a CS victory was SHOES then food and then guns & ammo.

 

[major bill]

Both armies wore out shoes/boots on campaign and at times both armies had soldiers going without shoes. My assumption is that once in winter camp both sides would have tried to provide proper foot wear. The Union with its manufacturing base could do this with better results. This in no way means that shoes or boots that would stay dry were provided. All one needs for immersion foot is wet dirty feet and temperatures under 60 degrees. Warm weather immersion foot only needs wet feet for over 48 hours.

 

[Pvt.Shattuck]

If you closely examine period photographs, many, many, Union infantry soldiers are wearing 12" "artillery" boots rather than issue brogans.

 

[zburkett]

During the winter (at least 63/64) being shoeless did not get you out of duty, even in the snow. It was feared that men would destroy their shoes to avoid picket duty.