Strathcona police boot

During the South African ('Boer') War, the British modified the traditional heavy knee-high calvary boot with a sole intended for walking, a laced instep, and a large gusset on the upper calf that could be loosened or clinched by means of an adjustable strap or laces to improve the fit.

These modifications made the boots more flexible and easier to wear.

Members of Canada's North-West Mounted Police - precursors to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - served in South Africa and brought their Strathconas home with them.

The boots became and remain a feature of the RCMP dress uniform.

Other police forces across North America also wear Strathconas, which are today manufactured in either brown or black leather by the Alberta Boot Company in Calgary (Canada).