SPAD XVI of Billy Mitchell Low Top Canvas Shoes

Sale price$59.00 USD
Gender: Men
Color: Black
Size: US5/EU38
Canvas Shoes Size Chart
What Size Am I?
Shoe sizes can vary considerably between brands. A US13 with one brand could be a US12 with another brand.  We always recommend doing a quick foot length measurement to find the correct size. Once you have this, you can ascertain your insole measurement (please see the image below) and then simply look that up on our size chart to locate the most appropriate size.
A detailed sizing guide, aliong with UK sizing can be founded here.
We also have a Shoe Size Guarantee to give you peace of mind with your size selection. More details can be found here.
Please note all our sizes are standard width. No wide sizes are available. 
US  (M) US (W) EU INSOLE  (in/cm) 
- 5 35 8.9 22.7
- 5.5 36 9.2 23.3
- 6 37 9.3 23.5
5 7 38 9.6 24.5
6 8 39 9.8 25.0
7 9 40 10.2 25.9
7.5 10 41 10.4 26.3
8.5 11 42 10.6 27.0
9.5 11.5 43 11.0 28.0
10 12 44 11.2 28.5
11 - 45 11.4 29.0
12 - 46 11.7 29.8
13 - 47 12.0 30.5
14 - 48 12.3 31.2
Current as at: Oct 1, 2024

This design is based upon the SPAD XVI flown by William “Billy” Mitchell during World War 1. Billy Mitchell (December 29, 1879 -  February 19, 1936) was a significant figure in the United States military, often revered as the father of the United States Air Force. During World War I, Mitchell served in France and eventually assumed command over all American air combat units in the country by the war's conclusion. Post-war, as deputy director of the Air Service, he passionately advocated for increased investment in air power, foreseeing its pivotal role in future conflicts. Mitchell strongly emphasized the potential of bombers to sink battleships, substantiating his claims through a series of bombing runs on stationary ships.
 
However, Mitchell's fervent convictions and criticism clashed with many Army administrative leaders, leading to tension and eventually his demotion from temporary brigadier general to his permanent rank of colonel due to insubordination. Further exacerbating this rift, he was court-martialled in 1925 for accusing Army and Navy leaders of negligent defense administration. He resigned from the service shortly thereafter.
 
In spite of the adversities he faced, Mitchell's contributions were recognized posthumously through various honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal. Notably, he is the namesake of the North American B-25 Mitchell, marking the first person for whom an American military aircraft design was dedicated. Additionally, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Wisconsin is named in his honor. 
 
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the World War I Victory Medal with eight campaign clasps, and several foreign decorations.

Many thanks for my wonderful sneakers!  I shall wear them with pride to remember my 25th mission with Bill DeSanders.

John "Lucky" Luckadoo (B-17 Pilot)

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.

Bradley D

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.

Kelly S

Great quality nice comfortable and look so cool.

Justin McS

Brilliant shoes, comfortable and good soles. Customer service was excellent as well as my delivery went somewhere else but they helped me locate it.

Yvette P

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.

Royce C