"Painting dilema - US Airborne" Topic

So I decided to get into WWII Skirmish and now I got a problem. I got a box of Warlord US Paratroops (still in the mail). The problem is the models are for "Late War" and I want to build a Normandy force.
I don't really care about the minor differences between the uniforms, but the jump boots are a different matter. I intend to stick with Normandy for gaming scenarios for lots of reasons – which brings up the dilema. Do I:
1) Paint them as modeled in the later uniform colors, which aren't right for Normandy
2) Paint them in Normandy colors and have those wrong boots bug me for the rest of eternity

It is a problem. The Normandy Airborne are distinctive uniforms before more regular infantry items began to come in for Market Garden etc. Guessing at your ethos, I am afraid that the best solution would be to either sell on or return the late war figures and start again. Warlord do have Normandy paratroopers to buy.

Converting them with knife, file and paint is a possibility, but, as you allude to, the details will always niggle.

No quick and easy solutions if you are keen on detail I am afraid.

The only mid war Warlord I have seen is a small pack

Yes, unfortunately Warlord only does D-Day-style paratrooper uniforms in metal, so it can get a bit pricey. I'm supplementing mine with Artizan figures, which is probably no cheaper, but adds much-needed variety.

Now that has got me interested. I tried today to read up on any change in US Para boots late WWII, but everything still points me to Corcoran design. Did they change over to the infantry flap over the top of the boot then? I understood that was a hazard in a jump, as it might foul the rigging lines.

So I assumed that those I did see in photos were on Gliderborne troops not Paras. Love to learn more from the experts

This told me about uniform changes esp for Glider troops, but no mention of boots;

link

According to the caption accompanying a picture of the boots in "Geronimo!: U.S. Airborne Uniforms, Insignia & Equipment in World War II" by Bill Rentz:
"Combat Service boot M-1943 was issued to Glider, as well as Paratroops, and was in general use by late 1944. Inside the two buckle ankle support is a heavy canvas olive drab panel and the rubber soles and heels were made by 'Goodrich,' 'Goodyear,' and many others."

According to the caption showing a reenactor wearing the new boot in "The World War II GI: US Army uniforms 1941-45 in color photographs" by Richard Windrow & Tim Hawkins:
"…Note that he wears the M1943 combat boots, with reverse uppers, rather than the 'Corcoran' jump boots; as with the M1943 field uniform, these general issue boots became common among Airborne troops late in the war (to the consternation of veterans, both for reasons of pride and because it was feared that the buckle straps might foul shroud lines during a jump.)"

Hope that clears it up at least a small bit.

Pictures of the new boots:
link

Thanks for clearing that up. I can bet the paras were less than happy with that change.

Well the veterans kept their beloved Corcorans so it was primarily the newbies who had the problem :) Am sure a small but thriving business in resoling and repairing the Corcorans as I imagine no one really wanted to have to trade in for the new boot.