Hello, I'm new to Renaissance fairs. I attended my first one last year, and I wanted more options for footwear to go with my new costume ideas. It was suggested I try Ghillies, but other than going to a fair, I wasn't sure where to get them. I'm attending the Ohio Renaissance Fair for the Pirate and the Highland Saturdays this year, but I need the shoes before then if possible. Are there any places in Ohio (around the Columbus preferably) that sells them?
Thank you!
Unless you have a store that specializes in dance shoes, and I don't think you want those anyway, your best bet will be online.
Basic sorta-ghillie type shoes with hard soles can be had relatively cheaply on some of the discount garb sites:
http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/p-5364-womens-renaissance-flats.aspx (http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/p-5364-womens-renaissance-flats.aspx)
What kind of ghillies are you looking for? Moccasin style? If so, try Medieval Moccasins: http://www.medievalmoccasins.com (http://www.medievalmoccasins.com).
Prices range according to how far up your calf you want them, but be prepared to pay a bit more. It might be more than a casual fairegoer or newbie wants to pay, but they look nice and feel fabulous.
If your outfit is basic faire, and non specific (Celtic, peasant, merchant, etc.) perhaps a cheap pair of the Chinese canvas shoes (very comfortable) for about $10 on Amazon, or some like this: http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/p-962-lady-jane-shoes.aspx (http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/p-962-lady-jane-shoes.aspx) would be a good place to start. They go with just about anything.
Thanks for the links. I'll take a look =)
Have you checked with the alley off sawmill road and 161. My wife found some ghillies in there for a very good price.
Renboots also sells ghillies. I don't own a pair of their ghillies but have gotten several years of good wear out of their concho shoes so I can vouch for their quality.
http://www.renboots.com/gilly.html (http://www.renboots.com/gilly.html)
I checked out the Alley and they don't have much currently for Ren Fair things. I did get fitted for a corset, so that was an adventure!