F-82 "Betty Jo" Low Top Canvas Shoes
The F-82 Twin Mustang "Betty Jo" holds a special place in aviation history as the piston-engine fighter that flew the longest nonstop, unrefuelled distance. On 27–28 February 1947, Lt. Col. Robert E. Thacker and Lt. John M. Ard took off from Hickam Field, Hawaii, in their twin-fuselage F-82B and flew an incredible 4,978 miles (8,012 km) to LaGuardia Airport, New York—a record that still stands today. Today, Betty Jo is preserved at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, a lasting tribute to this unique and historic aircraft.
The F-82 was designed as a long-range escort fighter for B-29 bombers, but it arrived too late to see combat in WWII. Instead, the F-82 found its place in the early days of the Cold War and the Korean War, where it became the first U.S. aircraft to score an air-to-air kill in the conflict.
On the morning of 26 June 1950, one day after the start of the Korean War, the U.S. Air Force's 68th Fighter (All-Weather) Squadron sent four F-82G aircraft from Itazuke Air Base in Japan to protect two Norwegian ships evacuating civilians from Seoul. While covering a motor convoy of civilians on the Seoul-Inchon road, two of the F-82s were attacked by two Soviet-made La-7 fighters, presumably flown by North Korean pilots. Rather than endanger the civilians below, the two F-82s pulled up into the clouds instead of engaging the La-7s.
The next day, on 27 June 1950, North Korean aircraft attacked the early morning USAF flight. This time, however, the F-82 crews accepted the challenge and shot down three enemy aircraft. An F-82 piloted by Lt. William G. Hudson and carrying Lt. Carl Fraser as radar operator, claimed a Yak-11 over Kimpo airfield in full view of those on the ground. As Hudson fired at the Yak, Fraser attempted to photograph the action with a malfunctioning 35mm camera. Meanwhile, after a North Korean La-7 fighter damaged the tail of his F-82, Lt. Charles Moran shot it down. Maj. James Little, flying high cover nearby, also shot down an La-7. These early kills helped secure air superiority and ensured the safe evacuation of non-combatants. Though the F-82 was soon replaced by jet fighters like the F-80 Shooting Star and F-86 Sabre, it played a crucial role in the war’s opening days.
Step into history with our warbird themed canvas shoes! Each pair of shoes are made to order, featuring designs inspired by history’s most remarkable military aircraft and aviators. So, whether you are a warbird buff, air show fanatic or simply a lover of aviation, you can be certain our designs will bring a touch of style and history to your everyday wardrobe.
✈ Made to order.
✈ Classic lace-up closure to achieve the perfect fit.
✈ Brushed metal eyelets for that timeless style.
✈ Soft inner lining and insole for absolute comfort.
✈ Iconic rounded rubber toe cap.
We understand that shoe sizing can be tricky, even when measuring carefully. If your shoes don’t fit as expected, we want to make sure you’re not left with something you can’t wear.
That’s why all footwear orders are covered by our Shoe Size Guarantee.
What we offer:
- One free size replacement per order, subject to the customer-level limits outlined above
- No need to return the shoes you have received
- The replacement is produced and shipped at no cost to you
Important conditions:
- Size replacements are limited to two sizes up or down from the original size ordered
- This applies to size changes only, not product, style, colour or design changes
- If an order includes multiple pairs of shoes, only one pair is eligible
- Refunds will not be issued for sizing disputes; only exchanges are available. If the correct size cannot be achieved because the largest or smallest size we offer is not suitable, we may, at our discretion, review the order for a possible refund. Any such review does not convert a sizing issue into a manufacturing fault.
If you’re unsure of your size, we recommend ordering one pair first to ensure the right fit before placing a larger order.
To keep this policy fair for everyone, we reserve the right to decline additional size replacement requests where multiple orders are placed in close succession or as part of a pattern that reasonably appears designed to bypass the above limits.
To request a size replacement, please contact our Customer Support Team with:
- Your 5-digit order number
- The size received and whether it is too big or too small
- The new size requested (please refer to our size guides for available sizes and shoe dimensions)
What happens next:
- We’ll arrange the correct size for you and have it sent as soon as possible
- There is no need to return the original item; if you’re able to, we kindly ask that it is donated to someone in need or to a suitable local charity. If it isn’t suitable to donate, please dispose of it responsibly
Please note that requests must be received within 30 days of the original item being delivered. This entitlement does not override the customer-level limits set out in Section 3 of our Refund Policy
Production & Shipping times can be found here.
This product is made to order, with production beginning once your order has been received. We are, therefore, not able to cancel or amend an order once it has been placed. This includes changes to the shipping address, size, design, or any other specifications. Please review your order details carefully before finalising your purchase. By producing items on demand rather than in large quantities, we actively contribute to minimising overproduction and waste. We genuinely appreciate your mindful purchasing choices, which support this more sustainable approach. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Please note there can be subtle variations in colour and minor movement of the product during production that may cause a design element not to be the exact same colour or in the exact position as it appears onscreen. More details can be found on our FAQ page.
This product is manufactured in, and shipped from China.
Our Refund policy including details on Replacements and Size Guanratees can be found here.
Many thanks for my wonderful sneakers! I shall wear them with pride to remember my 25th mission with Bill DeSanders.
I was a bit dubious in ordering these, but I was very pleasantly surprised. They are excellent and well thought out. You just need to be patient regarding delivery. Well worth the wait. I'll be getting more.
Wonderful customer service. My error in 1st order they were good to their word and replaced at no charge. New order fits perfectly. Love the shoes.
Great quality nice comfortable and look so cool.
Brilliant shoes, comfortable and good soles. Customer service was excellent as well as my delivery went somewhere else but they helped me locate it.
I ordered a pair of the Avro Arrow shoes, and was totally impressed. What great quality, and super comfortable. I will be getting more for sure, thanks for a great shoe and supporting all of these great institutions, great job folks.