Question

Why do the German soldiers wear chains around their ankles

Answer 1

To protect & support the calves & ankles & prevent rocks, debris, etc., from entering the boot.They also provided a measure of warmth in cold weather. Initially, German soldiers in both World Wars initially wore high leather boots, “Marschstiefel” or “Jackboots”. Due to the British naval blockade in WWI, & the resulting leather shortage, the German Army switched to a lower cut boot (Schnurshue) & wool wrap style leggings known as “Gamaschen”, or better known as “Puttees” in English . Most were made from wool, but some later models were made from cotton or cotton blend. Most of the armies of WWI utalized puttees, including the British, French, Austro-Hungarian, & US. They would continue to see service into WWII.

Answer 2

An older version of a dog tag probably. At some point dog tags looked more like a chain than a necklace and soldiers wore them in their shoes around their necks or on their ankles.