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.
Product Details
Product Details | Canvas Shoes
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.
Production & Shipping
Manufacturing | Canvas Shoes
Production & Shipping times can be found here.
Made to Order
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.
Colour and Design Variations
Minor variations in colour and design placement may occur during production. As a result, some design elements may differ slightly in colour or position from it appears onscreen. For more details please see our FAQ page.
Fulfilment and Product Origin
This product is manufactured in and shipped from China.
Lead times: 95% of all shoe orders arrive within 14 business days of the order date.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions | Canvas Shoes
Before You Begin
Insert shoe trees or stuff the shoes with newspaper to help them maintain their shape while cleaning.
Hand wash only.
Do not clean your shoes in a washing machine.
What You’ll Need
* Liquid laundry detergent
* Warm water
* Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
* Sponge or soft cloth
* Clean, damp cloth
* Shoe trees or newspaper
1. Remove Laces and Brush Away Dirt
Remove the laces and brush away any loose dirt using a dry toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. You can also remove the insoles if you are concerned about them getting wet.
2. Pre-Treat Stains
Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to any stains and leave it for at least 15 minutes before cleaning.
3. Wash the Shoes
Mix a small amount of liquid laundry detergent with warm water. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution and gently clean the shoes by hand.
NB: Avoid scrubbing the foxing tape, which is the decorative white or black trim around the sole, as excessive rubbing may damage or remove the finish. If the foxing is dirty, gently wipe the area with a damp cloth.
4. Rinse and Dry
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any detergent and soapy residue. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them.
5. Clean the Laces
Soak the laces in the detergent solution, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before re-lacing the shoes.
Refunds & Returns
Our Returns & Refund Policy and Apparel Size Guarantees and can be found here.