Great Lakes Garrison & Base

I was reading the SLD forums, but I can still not reply or post there since my request to be included has gone unanswered. So, would anyone here know about the Vader boots? Many postings I saw talked about the Chippewa brand boot as a very good one, but all that I've seen have a buckle across the ankle. Can this be removed without it interfering with the integrity of the costume? I would think the shin guards might cover them up anyway.

I have the chippewa boots and have had that same problem. I took my boots to a shoe guy that I have known and he took off the buckles since I needed some "surgery" to my boots to add inside height. Also, the chin guards will cover up anything in front in case you also have to do "surgery".