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P-51 "Tommy's Dad" Low Top Canvas Shoes
John C. "Pappy" Herbst (September 25th , 1909 – July 4th, 1946) was an American flying ace of World War II who was officially the second highest-scoring fighter pilot in the China Burma India Theater with 18 confirmed victories scored during 7 months with the 23d Fighter Group. The group commander, David Lee "Tex" Hill, called Herbst "one of the greatest fighter pilots I ever saw”
Often described as "colorful", Herbst was one of the more successful aces of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Herbst first fought with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Europe against German aircraft, possibly downing one. He joined the USAAF as an instructor training fighter pilots stateside. After two years of teaching and intelligence duties, Herbst was sent to China to fight the Japanese. For seven months he led the 74th Fighter Squadron on far-ranging independent missions, operating from advance airfields under crude conditions and in the face of Operation Ichi-Go; a successful Japanese pincer movement. Herbst scored the majority of his kills during so-called "administrative" flights after he had already completed the requirement of 100 combat missions. After the war,
Herbst toured in an aerobatic demonstration team flying jets. On July 4, 1946 Herbst was fatally injured in front of 30,000 people at the San Diego County Fair when his P-80, 44-85083, part of the 445th Fighter Squadron, 412th Fighter Group, based in March Field, crashed just west of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Flying in formation with Robin Olds, Herbst crashed in a dry riverbed near the Del Mar Racetrack after his aircraft stalled during an encore of their routine finale in which the pair of P-80s did a loop while configured to land. Olds narrowly avoided the same fate.
His military decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross x 4, Purple Heart and 6 x Air Medals.
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.