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Engineering Division 49 Memorandum Report No. ENG-695-32-N 4 March 1944 APPENDIX VI Results on Tests on WASP Flying Boots. Types of boots tested: #1--side zipper, strap, ridged grip sole. #2--side zipper, strap, "w'd" sole. #3--side zipper, front lacing, "w'd" sole. #4--"arctic" type front fastening. Results of tests: Warmth: In tests for over two hours at temperatures from -4°C to +4°C boots are excellent protection against cold. Comfort: 1. If correct size, good for walking--front lacing gives best support and rubber siding should be stiff to prevent squashing, twisting, etc. 2. O.K. for flying--rudders, brakes, etc. 3. With felt insole, good without shoe for better "feel" on rudders etc. 4. Removable felt sole good, also addable felt sole to adjust boot to size. Slip-Grip Test: Test: Test for slipping on wet airplane wing, with and without mud in boot sole. Results: 1. Ridged sole best gripper on wet wing, with mud in sole especially. "w'd" sole tends to cake with mud and slide; ridged sole more able to "clean itself out" and can grip even with mud. 2. Heel with ridged sole inadequate--fills with mud and stones, would not last, slides on wing. Recommendations: Recommend #3 boot--front lacing, side zipper--with heavier side zipper with quick release, felt inner sole, ridged outer sole with different type heel, stiffer rubber sidings. -12-