I am looking for suggestions on what kind of footwear to get before or during the upcoming fest season (MNRF - 8/22 thru 10/5)
If you don't know me, I am a beer wench at our faire, and have to be on my feet serving beer for about 6 hours a day..
Right now I have a pair of gladiator style sandals, which I really like and are very comfortable, but by about 3:00 pm my heels are just killing me from standing behind the pub.. I have considered getting heel pads/inserts but I'm not all together sure this will solve the problem..
I prefer to wear sandals as my feet get so hot out there, but am open to any other suggestions..
I don't want to break the bank on shoes so I really would like to not spend any more than $100 - $150 on new shoes..
Thanks for any suggestions you all might have!!
:-*
How about some of these:
http://www.flyflot.co.uk/Index.html
http://www.hottershoes.com/HotterSite/pages/home/default.asp?sNoLoadFlash=true
http://www.footwear4you.co.uk/brand/rohde-shoes/9/1
If you can get away with gladiator style sandals, all these makes will have something you can use, though they may not have a gladiator style as such.
I wear these, but with some embroidery:
http://www.pillagedvillage.com/~pillaged/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/CC_700L.html
They're super cheap and sometimes I wear them out in my mundanes. I wear them to every faire I attend and they haven't hurt me yet! They're probably not HA but you can't usually see them under my dress, anyway.
Nice clogs, like from Dansko (http://www.zappos.com/dansko-clogs), would be perfect for a beer wench. They're period, they're in your price range, and they're absolutely designed to be worn for long hours on your feet. My SIL is a teacher, and she lives in her Dansko clogs. I have a pair of clogs from LL Bean (about half the price), which I would have recommended... but they've recently redesigned them to be more "stylish," rendering them completely un-fair-like. Sigh.
Another period option is maryjanes. I have this pair from Travelsmith (http://www.travelsmith.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=518&fromNewSearch=true&mercadoResultId=8), but they have not yet been Fair-tested. I expected them to be really soft when I got them, and they weren't, which surprised me... but overall, test wearings (all day at home) have proven them comfy enough. I should be wearing them at Fair this fall.
If you want to stick with sandals, I think most people find Birkenstocks pretty fair-friendly.
I wear maryjanes that I got from www.renstore.com
they are super comfy and I put the inserts in them and I can stand for 13 hours with out a ouchie
Quote from: chelamarie on May 17, 2009, 02:29:28 PM
I wear these, but with some embroidery:
http://www.pillagedvillage.com/~pillaged/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/CC_700L.html
They're super cheap and sometimes I wear them out in my mundanes. I wear them to every faire I attend and they haven't hurt me yet! They're probably not HA but you can't usually see them under my dress, anyway.
You haven't found the soles too thin? I bought them, but then the size I got was too small, and because the soles seemed so thin, I just returned them instead of exchanging. I feel like if I had worn them to Scarborough, I would have had rocks going into my feet, but maybe the soles are heartier than I thought?
When I went to my first two faires this year, I wore these suede granny boots I've had since forever, but they tore up my feet at Scarborough, and I was unable to wear them to Muskogee the next weekend, so I just wore sneakers. I felt so embarrassed for my feet. I'd really love to find a pair of cheap shoes, preferably boots, so I don't have to worry about mud. (If I hadn't worn the boots at Scarborough, I may have lost a shoe!)r
I have some 10 year old dream shoes that I keep getting re-soled at our local shoe repair.
The same shoes are available at TRF from a shoe vendor that goes by a different name.
They are slightly tudorized leather maryjanes.
I wish I could remember the name.....????
They are very comfortable with about a 1-1/4" thick neoprene sole.
I also have some Spanish Court shoes with pointier toes that Lady Oren made for me.
clogs would be the way to go for long periods on your feet. Chefs wear them because they are sturdy and comfortable. I'm not sure about period but gem says they are so I would go that route. ;)
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on May 19, 2009, 12:26:37 PM
You haven't found the soles too thin? I bought them, but then the size I got was too small, and because the soles seemed so thin, I just returned them instead of exchanging. I feel like if I had worn them to Scarborough, I would have had rocks going into my feet, but maybe the soles are heartier than I thought?
Not at all! They're rather sturdy soles-- but one of the downsides is that they smell strongly of rubber for a few wearings. Another downside, not involving the soles, is that they only go up to the ankles, so when I was running through the mud at TNRF this year, I was soaked from shoes to mid-calf. But over all, I love the shoes.
I've worn Birkenstock London's for years No stone bruises and great support!!
My wife and sister also wear them.
These:
http://revival.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=233
I have a pair of maryjanes from Eastland that I got from JCPenny. They are super comfy. And I have a pair of ghilles from Native Soles. And I have been very happy with them as well. Although I don't wear them as often.
Happy shoe hunting!!!
Quote from: I. Stewart on May 19, 2009, 09:19:34 PM
These:
http://revival.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=233
Ooooh, I really like the look of those. How do they hold up?
I finally had to give up my favorite pair of mary jane... that I bought at wallyworld. They were not 100% HA, but with some of the things I do... I must keep my feet and ankles supported. What I want....
http://www.solesthrutime.com/CatalogSlippers.html
http://www.wulflund.com/costumes-shoes/footwear/renaissance-boots/
Quote from: GirlChris on May 21, 2009, 09:20:23 PM
Quote from: I. Stewart on May 19, 2009, 09:19:34 PM
These:
http://revival.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=233
Ooooh, I really like the look of those. How do they hold up?
Very well. If you plan on wearing them a lot or on pavement, you'll probably want pattens to go with them, but the shoes by themselves aren't bad. The soles are very thin, so you feel every pebble you step on, but they are authentic.
I just wear some gladiator sandals I bought at wallyworld years ago.
I saw these at Target the other day and am dying to buy some, they just haven't had my size:
http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Philomena-Lace-Up-Flat-Sandals/dp/B001OOJF8Y/qid=1243080755/ref=br_1_2/175-3774264-5538800?ie=UTF8&node=3429501&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=3429501&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=3
I wear that brand of dress shoes to work so I'm hoping their sandals are just as comfy!
Quote from: Trillium on May 23, 2009, 07:16:33 AM
I just wear some gladiator sandals I bought at wallyworld years ago.
I saw these at Target the other day and am dying to buy some, they just haven't had my size:
http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Philomena-Lace-Up-Flat-Sandals/dp/B001OOJF8Y/qid=1243080755/ref=br_1_2/175-3774264-5538800?ie=UTF8&node=3429501&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=3429501&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=3
I wear that brand of dress shoes to work so I'm hoping their sandals are just as comfy!
i really like the look of those. They actually look very similar to the sandals I purchased from a vendor several years back!
I am thinking about getting a pair like that. They look faire enough for me.
I personally swear by Medieval Moccasins.
http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/ (http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/)
Medieval Moccasins has a shop at Scarborough, which is how I originally discovered them. I have several pair and they have always been super comfy, plus the fit is completely customizable due to how they lace. I would suggest against metallics because they tend to be stiffer, the softer the leather the more comfy!
I HIGHLY suggest using the size chart before ordering! Ordering a shoe that is too big can result in wearing through the shoe faster. However if you wear through the sole but not the leather they will resole you shoes for you! Plus they are machine washable!
These are pretty much the shoe favorites at Scarby.
I have 2 pair of sandal styles I wear during the summer. These from MM: http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MM&Category_Code=HTOTS
And these from Nomadic State of Mind: http://nomadicstate.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4&zenid=g5dfrrkdc0n0mlnbivi6viho60
Both are insanely comfortable. However, I love the rope sandals so much I wear them for mundane use.
I've worn all sorts of things, from ballet flats to actual ballet slippers. The flats sucked- they just plain old didn't stay on my feet. I lost one in a storm on the last day of faire. I stepped in a puddle and my foot came out, but the shoe didn't. It took some searching to recover it.
The ballet shoes have been my favourite so far. No need to worry about blisters as they conform to the shape of my foot, because of the strap they actually stay on, and because we don't have any paved sites up here it doesn't matter that there's no padding or that the soles are really thin- it's just like walking around barefoot.
I lucked out on my shoes. I got them from Payless eons ago. They are a brown fake leather look uppers with a nice thick sole. They are so very comfy, I wear them with everything at faire.
I have a pair of Clark's mary jane style shoes that I've been wearing for a couple seasons now. They are very well made and have held up really well. I highly recommend them for some sturdy leather shoes for under $50-60.
I had a pair of higher boots for rainy days too that I had found at a Goodwill store, but they died last year - they were still comfortable but the eliastic on the buckles broke.
I usually wear a pair of Mary Janes I got at Payless. i think I paid $16 for them. Very comfortable. I just bought a pair of all leather Mary Janes from Masseys in black. They should be very good as they have a thicker sole and sturdier tread on the soles. I paid $60 for them and can wear them outside of faire
Yesterday at the St Louis Ren Faire, I picked up a pair of those green velvet Chinese-type mary janes. I was worried about the sole thickness, but the lady at the booth let me try them on the rocks, and I couldn't feel them! They only accepted cash, and since I only had $7 on me, she let me have them for that (they were marked $8). She said her sister (I think?) who was also there, has had her pair for 10 yrs and they're still good - and you can toss them in the washing machine to clean them. So I'm really hopeful about these!
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 19, 2009, 02:17:40 PM
I have some 10 year old dream shoes that I keep getting re-soled at our local shoe repair.
The same shoes are available at TRF from a shoe vendor that goes by a different name.
They are slightly tudorized leather maryjanes.
I wish I could remember the name.....????
They are very comfortable with about a 1-1/4" thick neoprene sole.
I also have some Spanish Court shoes with pointier toes that Lady Oren made for me.
It is Marcie's Shoes by Renboots. I have a pair of the old Dreamshoes and some that have been made by Marcie's...the new ones have a lot thicker soles and are just as awesome. I paid about $60 dollars for my maryjanes and have owned them for 10 years and wear them all the time, not just at faire.
http://www.renboots.com/Shoes.html
I wear a pair of Brazilian leather boots with a 2 1/2" heel that are not only comfortable, easy to clean the mud off, but keep my skirts from dragging on the ground. The last thing I want for my garb to be doing is drag on the ground and collect mud, sticks, and other stuff that can damage the fabrics.
The reason I wear boots with a higher heel is that I have narrow feet with a high instep. Totally flat shoes, even with some height in the heel puts too much strain and my instep lets me know it. As does my back. Which is why I wear corsets at Faire all day and feel like a million bucks afterwards.
I wear a pair of CAB chocolate brown pirate boots. and they KILL my FEET!! ANyone have any good suggestions?? I wore them the other day at Scarby and my feet were hurting horribly.....I thought I just needed to break them in but I don't think thats the case.
I need a good pair of pirate boots but really good for my feet. Anyone?? My feet will LOVE you!!!
Keeping in mind that my homme fair is in a desert as well as the fact that I run a Birds of Prey stage and frequently have to run some distances-I am wearing
http://www.windwalkerfootwear.com/boots.html
I actually have 2 pair of boots and one pair of sandals-but all are incredibly comfortable-as a matter of fact all of the people who help on stage crew with me as well as all of the performers on my stage wear their products
Crazy
Quote from: crazyrennie on June 01, 2009, 01:24:15 PM
Keeping in mind that my homme fair is in a desert as well as the fact that I run a Birds of Prey stage and frequently have to run some distances-I am wearing
http://www.windwalkerfootwear.com/boots.html
I actually have 2 pair of boots and one pair of sandals-but all are incredibly comfortable-as a matter of fact all of the people who help on stage crew with me as well as all of the performers on my stage wear their products
Crazy
OH! :o I LOVE those! I'm going to have to add them to my wishlist.
These come in black, gold, red, and soft gray:
(http://www.hottershoes.com/public/pictures/products/zoom/PRI.jpg)
These come in black, brown, duck-egg blue, and 'mauve' which looks pink!
(http://www.hottershoes.com/public/pictures/products/zoom/STS.jpg)
This style comes in black, red, duck-egg and khaki:
(http://www.hottershoes.com/public/pictures/products/zoom/BAB.jpg)
For extra wide feet:
(http://www.hottershoes.com/public/pictures/products/zoom/MLD_E.jpg)
They come in a good range of sensible colours, unfortunately not the pink, ducke-egg, or bright red. Or gold... ??? ooooh! But they do come in brown metallic and loganberry. Can we say Purple? ;D
Not cheap, but made here in the UK, and very comfy. Also tough enough to wear to work every day as well as to fair. I'm not one to skimp on shoes. If you want good ones that are OK for this and mundane use, will stand lots of wear, and have feet that NEED cossetting (mine do when the fibro flares up!), or you are on your feet working at a fair, then you could go a long way and do worse.
All these shoes look great....but does anyone know of any pirate style swashbucklers that are good for walking in all day?
Quote from: Margaret on May 26, 2009, 06:06:10 AM
I lucked out on my shoes. I got them from Payless eons ago. They are a brown fake leather look uppers with a nice thick sole. They are so very comfy, I wear them with everything at faire.
I bought a pair of distressed (frayed looking uppers) black canvas maryjane flats from Payless for 12$. They look very much like any number of shoes being sold on Ren clothing sites but MUCH cheaper. They are sooo comfortable and the rubber soles are thick enough to withstand the largest gravel in the parking lot.
Payless inventory differs from store to store. Shopping for usable renaissance shoes is more luck than anything. Go back each week until you see what you like, then buy two pair.
Windwalkers Rock!!! I have two pair of 3 button, picking up my 6 botton mid-calf during Bristol as well as two pair of knee high's reclaimed from someone else and re-habbed by Tom and Mary.
Plus several pairs of sandals...
I don't even own any other shoes anymore, just Windwalkers
Dayna
i have typically worn a pair of black leather mary jane style Borns, but this year I will probably wear my waterproof Merrel boots to TRF... two years ago closing weekend was SO wet and nasty, that even though we'll be going two weekends before, i dont want to take a chance!
I'm going hardcore and going barefoot for the warm part of the season.
Not completely barefoot.
http://store.sandysdancexpress.com/foot-thong.html
For the cooler part of the season
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XuhF74QlL._AA280_.jpg
oh ouch! My feet hurt just thinking about going barefoot.... of course my festival has mainly large gravel pieces as the lanes.
The current site (and the one before it) are along lakes. During the off season, the area is open for fishing. Although we try to make sure all of the fish hooks are removed, it's not 100%.
A number of years ago, while I was still able to be in parades, I was carrying a banner and felt something sharp come through ye olde Birkies along the right side of my right foot. Walked the balance by putting my weight on the inside of the foot and after I'd cleared stage, I wa able the check my foot. Found an open safety pin.
RPFN while at Blackpoint was largely a runoff during the rainy season. Thick soled shoes helped avoid stone bruises.
In my experience, barefoot isn't a good idea and ye olde Costume Dept has it as a no-no for performers.
I know that the OP said that they don't want to bust the bank on shoes, but I have to say that if you're doing faire regularly, shoes / boots are the ONE thing that I recommend spending the money on. You'd be amazed at how much better your day is when your feet are happy and comfortable. So don't buy cheap shoes or cheap boots and hope that insoles will help. You'll probably spend as much on shoes, boots, and insoles over a ten year period as you will if you just buy a GOOD pair of boots that will last you ten years, and your feet will be happier if you spend the money up front.
My Friend bought these from FootSmart (bright red)
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Propet-Womens-Ghillie-Walkers-70927.aspx
(she swears by them)
I usually wear either:
http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/
or
http://www.regalboots.com/regal-leather-boots.php
(the valiant)
And I can never buy another pair of shoes from Bald Mountain as they've retired :(
Wait- Bald Mountain is closed? I know Dreamshoes did, but i DIDNT know about Bald Mountain!!! Hubby will be so sad!!
If you don't want/need boots, my Birkenstock London's are at least ten to fifteen year old and have been resoled several times. Bought a reserve pair several years ago because of a good price and they're still virtually unused. For reference, I remember wearing them at RPFN while it was still at Black Pointe. Last time I checked, which was a while back, I think they were around $130. Think I've gotten my money's worth. As I've said earlier, a lot of us wear them. As an aside, my wife wore Birkenstock Mary Janes as work shoes before she retired.
For my first Ren Faire, and only for one day, would a simple pair of black ballet slippers be appropriate? I do plan on getting a good pair of Mary Jane style shoes soon, but on short notice I have to work within my limited budget for now.
Quote from: misselaineous on June 29, 2009, 07:59:13 PM
For my first Ren Faire, and only for one day, would a simple pair of black ballet slippers be appropriate? I do plan on getting a good pair of Mary Jane style shoes soon, but on short notice I have to work within my limited budget for now.
That's what I wore at two events this season- two FOUR DAY events. I didn't have to much trouble, but we were on grass. Grass is a bit more forgiving on your feet than, say, pavement or gravel. Ouchy! Also, watch the weather, as ballet slippers really aren't designed to keep your toes toasty.
Before I got my ghillies from Medieval Moccasins I wore my tennis shoes. I figured they were hidden beneath my skirts so who would care let alone notice. Besides they were very comfortable and provided support which was/is important to me.
I'd reccomend at least getting gel inserts for the ballet slippers- if this is your first faire, you will probably do MORE walking than we old timers do! There si SO much to see, and you dont want to tire out halfway through because your feet ache...
The first two times I went, not in garb, I wore these ancient (more than 10 yrs old) sketcher leather sandels. That is probably what I will wear with my garb next time I go.
Hey folks, take a look at these (http://www.grannd.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GS&Product_Code=mus-100410&Category_Code=CLEARANCE) boots for me and let me know what you think about them and/or the vendor.
They have my size and the description sounds good. The price is awesome, but the "All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges" makes me want to get a second (or third or fourth) opinion before I leap in. What dost thou thinkest?
I have a pair of Medieval Moccassians which I picked up at Scarby, which as long as I put insoles in them are very comfy. I had a pair of mary janes from payless which I completely destroyed, but it was a good thing as I found them terribly comfortable. I also have a pair of Pleaser Pirate boots which, even though I love how they look on me, I may have to retire because they just aren't as comfortable as they were when I first got them.
My favorite are probably a pair of (maybe?)leather sandals I picked up at Walmart ages ago. I'm going to be a sad panda when they finally die on me.
Quote from: Aaroncois on July 07, 2009, 07:48:43 AM
Hey folks, take a look at these (http://www.grannd.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GS&Product_Code=mus-100410&Category_Code=CLEARANCE) boots for me and let me know what you think about them and/or the vendor.
They have my size and the description sounds good. The price is awesome, but the "All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges" makes me want to get a second (or third or fourth) opinion before I leap in. What dost thou thinkest?
Never heard of the site before. I would recommend not doing it considering their "fine print".
However, I DO recommend this site: http://www.scaboots.com/ (http://www.scaboots.com/).
I personally have the Sir Henry boots for my noble gear. They look good and for the price are great. Keep in mind "authentic" boots of this style will run in the ballpark of a starting price of $500 from most boot makers. They are not period perfect though. For the price you are going to get some modernization such as the lining and the small bit of elastic at the back of the knee (barely noticeable) not to mention the modern sole. Otherwise, fantastic boot. Love 'em.
Quote from: Khaalis on July 07, 2009, 09:05:13 AM
Never heard of the site before. I would recommend not doing it considering their "fine print".
However, I DO recommend this site: http://www.scaboots.com/ (http://www.scaboots.com/).
Hey, thanks! Better terms and still in my price-range. Cool!
The problem with any mail order footwear is getting the proper fit. I had to order twice from Minnetonka Moccasins to get the correct size. Though I finally got a good fit, they let water in like a funnel (including dew from tall grass, via the lacing holes), and I couldn't bear the incredibly thin sole - I could stand on a quarter and tell you the year printed on it. If you'd like to try the boots on first, Renboots are quite similar to SCABoots, and they have booths at faires. I found they were good for about a year, after which they needed to be resoled, and then they were good for another two years before the leather stretched out around the soles and they were useless. If you spend a lot of time in your garb (I attend a 9 week festival and a 5 week festival each year without missing a day, plus the odd weekend here and there at other faires and at least two PR events), you'll end up finding it cost effective to shell out the big bucks and buy a quality pair of boots once. I got mine from Son of Sandlar boots, though Catskill Moccasin boots look similar. They set me back about the same amount as a car payment, but I don't plan on buying another pair of boots for at least ten years.
Quote from: will paisley on July 07, 2009, 11:55:35 AM
If you spend a lot of time in your garb (I attend a 9 week festival and a 5 week festival each year without missing a day, plus the odd weekend here and there at other faires and at least two PR events), you'll end up finding it cost effective to shell out the big bucks
This is a big challenge for me when it comes to garb. I want to look nice when I go, but it's been many years since I've gone more than once in a season and in 18 years I don't think I've ever gone more than twice. As such, big cash outlays are hard to justify. I have been wearing a set of minnetonka boots for over 10 years and while they're still in fine shape, I've never really liked the look of them for my French musketeer-type character. But every time I look at the really nice boots for sale at the faire, I get sticker shock. I need a compromise - something that's not necessarily perfectly H/A and may not survive rugged use, but are cheap and will give me 10-20 hours of wear a year for multiple years.
QuoteThis is a big challenge for me when it comes to garb. I want to look nice when I go, but it's been many years since I've gone more than once in a season and in 18 years I don't think I've ever gone more than twice. As such, big cash outlays are hard to justify. I have been wearing a set of minnetonka boots for over 10 years and while they're still in fine shape, I've never really liked the look of them for my French musketeer-type character. But every time I look at the really nice boots for sale at the faire, I get sticker shock. I need a compromise - something that's not necessarily perfectly H/A and may not survive rugged use, but are cheap and will give me 10-20 hours of wear a year for multiple years.
This is exactly why I went with the SCA Boots. I looked at a lot of sites offering this style of boot, and for the price, they seemed the best deal. They also have good customer service. If you have ANY questions before ordering, just email them. They were incredibly helpful when I ordered mine. One thing to keep in mind is that the boots run a little tight for the size listed, so I'd definitely email them and give them your shoe size and get their recommendation.
I wanted a pair of cavalier style boots without spending a fortune. I already have a pair of Catskill Moccasin custom boots (see my profile pic) which are great and will last forever, but they are a celtic design, so aren't really fitting for the cavalier look. Considering that I'll probably only wear the cavalier boots 3 times a year, I thought they were a great deal for the price, even if they only last me a few years. JMHO.
However, Will is correct in that if you are going to really give them a lot of wear, then spending the money for good boots is well worth it. I wear my Catskills much more during the year than just Ren (also to Scottish events, Celtic concerts, etc.).
Good luck in your search.
I wear whatever i have handy, but if this was a alternate universe one that I had money I would be wearing catskill moccasins.
Seriously amazing long lasting ooh so compfy custom made shoes.... with a price tag and you can't just buy them on the spot.
But I've seen a pair that were 20 years old and only looked about a year old, the guy wore them too not just keep in the closet.
Quote from: Duckie84 on July 08, 2009, 07:57:08 AM
But I've seen a pair that were 20 years old and only looked about a year old, the guy wore them too not just keep in the closet.
Aye. The secret to long lasting boots is in the care you give them. Proper leather cleaner, not leaving them wet and muddy, etc. If you treat the boot well, the boot will treat you well. :)
I went ahead and bought a pair of the SCA Sir Henrys last night.
(http://scaboots.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/shlargeaboveknee.jpg)
The description says these run true to size so that's what I ordered. Hopefully it's right, but everything points to a pretty cooperative exchange policy if not.
Thanks again for the tip Khaalis! These look like just the thing.
I bought my boots from SCA last year
I totally love them.
I even wear them out in the mundane world weather permitting (in south florida that means 2 months a year).
I just got my Catskill Mountain Moccasins 3 button boots on 7/7/09 and I just love them. I have had several surgeries on both my ankles and they are sooo comfy and my ankles didn't feel wobbly while I was wearing them for the day.I still have 2 weeks of the KyHRF and the whole season of ORF and I can't wait to wear them every wear. I normally wear a brace all the time but now I won't have to with these great boots.
Was just wondering what evreybody thought about http://www.houseofandar.com/ I've had a pair for about a year and really like them except the button/rivet covers keep popping off.
I would recommend http://sodhoppers.com/ they are to say the least very expensive, but they are good quality and in my opinion worth the money. Another added bonus is how far you can customize your order down to color and material of almost every part of the boot.
someone already linked it, but i wear these low top mocs in black http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MM&Category_Code=LTM][url]http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MM&Category_Code=LTM (http://[url)[/url]
they go with everything
they are *so* comfy and i have trouble finding shoes that don't 'rub' or 'pinch' or whatever. I don't tie them up around my ankle because I don't like the way it feels - I just tie them like regular shoes.
They are amazingly adjustable, and I've had my pair for a couple of years with no issues.
Purchased at MDRF and am already talking about getting another pair this year.
You can't usually see them beneath my dress, anyway - I have a friend who wears tennis shoes sometimes.
(http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/images/red-n-black-LT.jpg)
My husband bought these custom shoes from Armlann - had to draw each foot on a piece of paper and send it to the guy to make. They took a while to get here, but he says they are comfortable and a decent price for handmade shoes:
http://www.armlann.com/latchet.htm (http://www.armlann.com/latchet.htm)
(http://armlann.com/pictures/latchet.jpg)
Those sandals Tixi posted are available in a kit from Tandy leather. I researched this style of sandal several years ago, and found that they were indeed HA for midevel through Renaissance.
Butch, do you have a link to the kit? I couldn't find anything just looking on their website. Thanks so much!
I just looked too, and couldn't find it, so I just called the Tandy store out here in KC where I saw them. It is a pattern they produced locally. I will pick up a pattern sheet and scan it for you, if you like.
that would be awesome Butch,
I would appreciate if you could add me to the list for that pattern
That would be great - thanks!
I went by Tandy after work. I got there at 6:20, and they had already closed! They close at 6. I will not be able to pick up the pattern until Friday at the earliest. Are you guys' e-mail addys on your profiles correct? I can scan the pattern and send it to each of you. So, sorry, but a few more days' wait.
Yep, my email is correct in my profile. No worries about a few more days - I just appreciate you doing it! Thanks again =)
Lady Anna and Auryn,
Check your e-mail.
S/F
*Butch*
Thanks Butch! =)
I have a pair of Maiden boots http://www.realmcollections.com/p6862/maiden-boots.html (in brown) that fit my foot, but are just about impossible to get on and off.. and I'm really worried about them getting stuck if my feet swell or anything after walking about all day... The foot part fits great, but it's getting my foot down and into the foot part that causes stuck-ness. Is there any way to stretch them a little bit in just that part really?
Quote from: gypsylakat on September 03, 2009, 10:03:51 PM
I have a pair of Maiden boots http://www.realmcollections.com/p6862/maiden-boots.html (in brown) that fit my foot, but are just about impossible to get on and off.. and I'm really worried about them getting stuck if my feet swell or anything after walking about all day... The foot part fits great, but it's getting my foot down and into the foot part that causes stuck-ness. Is there any way to stretch them a little bit in just that part really?
I had a similar problem with a pair of boots. Take them to a good boot or shoe repair shop and ask them to stretch the vamp. This will make the space taller inside the boot and make it easier to slip on and off. At my local boot shp it costs me about $7.00 to have this done.
Quote from: gypsylakat on September 03, 2009, 10:03:51 PM
I have a pair of Maiden boots http://www.realmcollections.com/p6862/maiden-boots.html (in brown) that fit my foot, but are just about impossible to get on and off.. and I'm really worried about them getting stuck if my feet swell or anything after walking about all day... The foot part fits great, but it's getting my foot down and into the foot part that causes stuck-ness. Is there any way to stretch them a little bit in just that part really?
someone else recently asked a similar question and this is what I told them and what I find works fabulously with all my ren shoes and mundane shoes... Take a zip lock baggie (size depending upon the space you are stretching... so if it is a small enough area a sandwich size will be fine, size it up as the area of the shoe you are trying to stretch increases)... fill it about 1/4-1/2 the way with water, close it up, place inside the boot/shoe area that needs to be stretched. (if it is the part going down into the boot, you may need to put tissue paper/paper towels..something to prop up the baggie. Put whole thing into the freezer. Once solid, bring the boot out and allow the ice to partially melt, just enough to be able to slip it back out of the boot. VOILA! stretched. I do that to my high heels all the time, and ballet flats, etc. Works best with leather. If it is faux, you may need to repeat.
ETA: this will stretch it 1/2-1 shoe size for the area
While not accurate as such, I wear a pair of plain minnetonka moccasins, with superfeet insoles shoved into them. I am in search of something more period that i can also shove same pair of insoles into thanks to my high arches. I recommend the insoles into most footwear, I use the same pair in my hiking boots.
Ok- so I wore my maiden's today... all in all, not too bad, towards the end of the day a little bit of aching, but that would be expected with any shoe, let alone a hard soled heeled shoe. they actually came off with very little problem, so I think it was just getting the leather to soften up a little bit after wearing... although I'm still in doubt that it is leather... supposedly it's Pig leather...
just figured i would add an option. i wear these as a pirate style boot but it looks great and close enough to wear with any garb. you could cut the bootstrap off if you wanted to. they are a cheap and comfortable old style boot with all the modern aspects. i use them riding my harley and wearing my kilt at faire.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/harness-boots-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=290980
uhmm so update on my maiden shoes that I just discovered, while they weren't too uncomfortable I remember at some point feeling something "rattle" in my heel.. it was probably a rock... the heel covering on one of the shoes is just gone completely. and the heel was apparently hollow.
Gypsylakat, I assume you're talking about the Maiden Boots you linked a few posts back. The heel covering being gone, you mean the rubber sole that covers the bottom of the heel where it touches the ground? If so, I would recommend you take that same covering off the other boot, and then contact cement a piece of thick leather to each of them. Then, drive some tacks through the leather up into the heel of the boot. I use galvanized cut tacks (you can get them in a blister pack from your local Ace hardware). If you can find Behr contact cement (Hobby Lobby or Michaels) use that.
After you glue and tack the leather onto the sole of your heel, you can use an exacto knife (or even a razor edged box cutter) to trim the edges true. Use either leather dye, or a black magic marker to color the leather edge.
The tacks will help prolong the life of the sole; but DO NOT wear those boots on a marble floor! They will slide like you're on a sheet of ice! Also, a good idea not to wear them indoors at a modern house; the nails will eat up wooden floors.
Good luck!
Yup the maidens, thanks for the patching info, I've got some other ideas floating around in my head for patching them as well... I'm pretty accident prone... I learned the HARD way not to wear my slick cowgirl boots to school when it rained...
Quote from: gypsylakat on September 13, 2009, 10:39:46 PM
Yup the maidens, thanks for the patching info, I've got some other ideas floating around in my head for patching them as well... I'm pretty accident prone... I learned the HARD way not to wear my slick cowgirl boots to school when it rained...
I had those exact boots, only I had them in plastic or pleather or whatever it was called. It might have been after one day of walking at Scarby, but the heels were trashed. I brought them into the Houston Shoe Hospital and they fixed them up very nicely! It was pricey ($25-$30) but they did a wonderful job. If you have a good shoe repair store nearby I would go with that. (at the time it was worth is as the boots looked sexy and were surprisingly comfortable)
Unfortunately, they bit the dust this year (or more accurately, the mud) at scarby when it rained all saturday during pirate weekend. I need to come up with a plan B.
They really are a sexy shoe, a few of my friends are feuding over borrowing them for various halloween parties... They worked out really great for me, because I had anticipated returning to my house from college before going to faire this year.. which didn't happen, so I happened to have a mundane bodice a flowy shirt and a pair of leggings, and my maiden boots, and a pair of horns... lucky it was fantasy weekend :)
I wear the Caboots suede jack sparrow boots and while I love the look of them, the darn things kill my feet when ever I wear them, and not just in the soles...ankles too. I thought it was a support issue, so I bought some ankle supports and added my 40 dollar insoles and still no luck. Any suggestions?
Quote from: knightofistari on December 05, 2009, 01:24:00 AM
I wear the Caboots suede jack sparrow boots and while I love the look of them, the darn things kill my feet when ever I wear them, and not just in the soles...ankles too. I thought it was a support issue, so I bought some ankle supports and added my 40 dollar insoles and still no luck. Any suggestions?
Hmm... do you do any leatherworking/know any leather workers? You might try adding either laces or buckles to the boots; they should add a bit more ankle support, while also adding character to the boots.
Quote from: TheMightyMcClaw on December 09, 2009, 05:29:15 PM
Hmm... do you do any leatherworking/know any leather workers? You might try adding either laces or buckles to the boots; they should add a bit more ankle support, while also adding character to the boots.
That's not too bad of an idea...I just might look into that, thanks!
Quote from: knightofistari on December 05, 2009, 01:24:00 AM
I wear the Caboots suede jack sparrow boots and while I love the look of them, the darn things kill my feet when ever I wear them, and not just in the soles...ankles too. I thought it was a support issue, so I bought some ankle supports and added my 40 dollar insoles and still no luck. Any suggestions?
Ah. I had those. Had the very same problem. The most uncomfortable things I've ever had on my feet in my life. What a waste of money.
What was my solution? Buy Son of Sandler boots and be happy, and I have been.
(Note, I would have just thrown the Caboots away, but I spent (or rather, wasted) so much on them. I can't in good conscious sell them to anyone. Maybe if one day I meet someone I can't stand and will never see or hear from again...) So, there they sit in the closet taking up space...just...sitting there being sucky.
Quote from: Eric the Ugly on December 22, 2009, 05:31:45 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on December 05, 2009, 01:24:00 AM
I wear the Caboots suede jack sparrow boots and while I love the look of them, the darn things kill my feet when ever I wear them, and not just in the soles...ankles too. I thought it was a support issue, so I bought some ankle supports and added my 40 dollar insoles and still no luck. Any suggestions?
Ah. I had those. Had the very same problem. The most uncomfortable things I've ever had on my feet in my life. What a waste of money.
What was my solution? Buy Son of Sandler boots and be happy, and I have been.
(Note, I would have just thrown the Caboots away, but I spent (or rather, wasted) so much on them. I can't in good conscious sell them to anyone. Maybe if one day I meet someone I can't stand and will never see or hear from again...) So, there they sit in the closet taking up space...just...sitting there being sucky.
True, I have the same problem. I paid so much money for them....I can't just toss them. And since I recently wore a hole in the achilles heel area...I can't sale them either.
As of right now, I still wear them and just deal with it. Son of Sandler boots? I'll look into it...
Quote from: knightofistari on December 25, 2009, 02:25:52 PM
Quote from: Eric the Ugly on December 22, 2009, 05:31:45 PM
Quote from: knightofistari on December 05, 2009, 01:24:00 AM
I wear the Caboots suede jack sparrow boots and while I love the look of them, the darn things kill my feet when ever I wear them, and not just in the soles...ankles too. I thought it was a support issue, so I bought some ankle supports and added my 40 dollar insoles and still no luck. Any suggestions?
Ah. I had those. Had the very same problem. The most uncomfortable things I've ever had on my feet in my life. What a waste of money.
What was my solution? Buy Son of Sandler boots and be happy, and I have been.
(Note, I would have just thrown the Caboots away, but I spent (or rather, wasted) so much on them. I can't in good conscious sell them to anyone. Maybe if one day I meet someone I can't stand and will never see or hear from again...) So, there they sit in the closet taking up space...just...sitting there being sucky.
True, I have the same problem. I paid so much money for them....I can't just toss them. And since I recently wore a hole in the achilles heel area...I can't sale them either.
As of right now, I still wear them and just deal with it. Son of Sandler boots? I'll look into it...
Amazing the difference the material makes.
I have the Will Turner and the Barbosa boots from CABoots. They are SOOO comfortable. I wear them for 10-12 hours straight on my feet and never have a problem. Both are very sturdy leather. The Turners have a leather sole but the Barbos's have rubber. I got each pair for around $100 off their closeout page...
Turners
(http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/15/l_603e4c20207f4556a22be32d5465e1d1.jpg)
Barbosa's
(http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/23/l_de6bb21d38304bba8707afd9eba21363.jpg)
"Difference in material"?!?
Oh. I just noticed that knightofistari was talking about the suede boots.
No, mine were the "sturdy leather" you speak of. They looked, seemed, felt and were cheap crap. I can see on the inside of the cuff of the ones you're wearing in the pic. Yep. Same as the leather Sparrows. The ol' guy at Son of Sandler was confused as to how they could get away with calling it leather. He said it's essentially what they'd use to cover bus seats with, if not vinyl.
Horrible boots. Biggest garb regret in all my 17 years of buying garb...
But, you've clearly had a different experience with them at least, so thankfully you didn't/don't feel as though you wasted your money.
Me, on the other hand... I'd find it humorous to drop CABoots from a great height.....on fire.......into a car crusher....with explosives......with great fanfare.
Your boots, your prerogative. ::)
Mickey, I can't agree enough! I've had my "Sparrow"-style CA Boots for about five years now, and they are without a doubt THE BEST boots I've ever owned. And believe me, having shown horses for 15 years, I've been through many a pair. The quality and workmanship are top notch, and the comfort is amazing. Wore them 10 hours the first day, no break in needed. I've worn them on concrete, asphalt, dirt, grass, mud, rock, sand, and aboard ship, with never a moment's trouble or discomfort. I will continue to recommend CA Boots without hesitation.
See? It was recommendations like that that caused me to buy them in the fist place. I wonder why the huge disparity in experiences? It makes me wonder if perhaps different 'generations' of the boots were made that varied greatly in materials and quality, etc. *shrugs* I dunno... ???
It doesn't even sound like we are talking about the same thing.
The materials on my boots are very high quality pigskin leather. As a leatherworker myself, I know how expensive the materials involbed are.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I would HIGHLY recommend calling the folks at CABoots and let them know your issue. They may very well be able to help.
Quote from: Squire Mickey on December 28, 2009, 07:36:52 PM
It doesn't even sound like we are talking about the same thing.
The materials on my boots are very high quality pigskin leather. As a leatherworker myself, I know how expensive the materials involbed are.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I would HIGHLY recommend calling the folks at CABoots and let them know your issue. They may very well be able to help.
It is strange.
The leather is so thin and...junky looking and feeling to me.
Again, I wonder if there were wildly varying makes or something...
if you want an inexpensive, reliable BOOT that you can trust to be good in all weather, check out son of sandlar. they are economically priced and the best quality you can find. check them out on facebook or at a show near you.
Quote from: renniemommy on December 28, 2009, 09:08:24 PM
if you want an inexpensive, reliable BOOT that you can trust to be good in all weather, check out son of sandlar. they are economically priced and the best quality you can find. check them out on facebook or at a show near you.
Indeed. On the flipside of the CABoots, the Son of Sandlers I bought were, without a doubt, the best garb purchase I've ever made.
I'd give anything to go back in time and buy them from the get-go. Not exactly cheap, but I'd have saved hundred and hundreds and hundreds of dollars over just the past handful of years had I bought them to begin with.
Oh, and Son of Sandlar actually have a (completed) website now.
http://sonofsandlar.com/
EDIT: Errk. Nevermind. Looks like it still isn't completed. *sigh*
Quote from: Squire Mickey on December 28, 2009, 07:36:52 PM
It doesn't even sound like we are talking about the same thing.
The materials on my boots are very high quality pigskin leather. As a leatherworker myself, I know how expensive the materials involbed are.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I would HIGHLY recommend calling the folks at CABoots and let them know your issue. They may very well be able to help.
See, I just figured I bought the wrong size even though I wear a size in everything I've ever worn. And since they're made of suede, I just figured there wasn't as much support as in regular boots....as far as the quality, I love the quality, the boots seem to be well made (even though i've worn a hole in the Achilles heel in less than a year, but I was told that's because I ordered the wrong size...) And now that thats happened I figured there's nothing I can do about the size...so oh well...
When I first started working at faire and staying on my feet 10-14 hours a day, I wore my Dansko clogs under my skirts. No one could see them and they are sooo comfy. As a teacher, I only wear my Danskos when I'm in front of a class.
That being said, I purchased a pair of knee high Son of Sandlar boots last year with the triskele buttons and, holy crap, are they fantastic!!! I can wear those babies all day and all night, plus, we had a particularly rainy season for '09 and there were many days that I was quite thankful to be wearing those boots through the mud.
In my opinion, they were well worth the cost.
Quote from: TheAlchemistsStar on January 02, 2010, 08:23:38 PM
When I first started working at faire and staying on my feet 10-14 hours a day, I wore my Dansko clogs under my skirts. No one could see them and they are sooo comfy. As a teacher, I only wear my Danskos when I'm in front of a class.
That being said, I purchased a pair of knee high Son of Sandlar boots last year with the triskele buttons and, holy crap, are they fantastic!!! I can wear those babies all day and all night, plus, we had a particularly rainy season for '09 and there were many days that I was quite thankful to be wearing those boots through the mud.
In my opinion, they were well worth the cost.
I'm liking the sound of the Son of Sandler boots. I will have to look into them. Sadly, their website is not quite up to specs yet....
Being that money was extremely tight, I bought the maiden boots from SCAboots last year. I wore them for six weekends at faire with only a little soreness at the end of the day. The first weekend rained so hard that we were quite literally wading through water in the parking lot. My feet stayed nice and dry. By the end of faire though I did notice a small crack where the sole meets the boot (my foot got a little damp in that spot). A bit of epoxy and no problems since then. My only difficulty came from breaking a toe and my foot swelling up and being cramped in my boot, but that was my fault for being a klutz! As much as I love these boots, I will most definitely be going to Son of Sandlar if we ever have the money. I would really like some finely made custom boots.
I bought a pair of SCAboots in 07 and love them. I've worn them in the rain for 12+ hours with no complaints.
My boyfriend bought a pair last year and he loves his too.
Son of Sandlar will be at our faire this year though so maybe I will have to splurge- if the bank permits it.
Ive been eying Sandlar boots since 2008.
how much do the Sandlar boots usually run??
I checked their site but theres not much up
*edited for spelling- my brain is on perma frost setting*
Quote from: Auryn on January 11, 2010, 12:06:10 PM
I bought a pair of SCAboots in 07 and love them. I've worn them in the rain for 12+ hours with no complaints.
My boyfriend bought a pair last year and he loves his too.
Son of Sandlar will be at our faire this year though so maybe I will have to splurge- if the bank permits it.
Ive been eying Sandlar boots since 2008.
how much do the Sandlar boots usually run??
I checked their site but theres not much up
I recall paying $485 for my knee high boots in black leather with silver buttons in 2008. The ankle high ones are quite cheaper; I think closer to $195 the last I checked (I work my day job with a guy who wears his every day). I actually hadn't planned on spending that much money on anything at MDRF and if we hadn't had an awesome lucrative show the weekend before at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival, I wouldn't have been able to do it. Fortunately, I was able to write off the cost at the end of the year as part of my garb expenses for my business ;)
Son of Sandlar prices range from slightly over $150 for the smaller boots to as much as $850 for the custom-order Captain Morgans.
I bought the Captain Teach and those cost me $395. Worth every penny four times over (which is, of course, roughly how much money I've wasted on junk boots, when I could have just spent the four hundred on the Son of Sandlars at the beginning and been done).
Standard nine-buttons are about $460 or something like that. Four-buttons are $240. The knee-high lace-ups are around $250, the over-the-knee "High Boot" lace-ups are a little over $300...315 or something like that. The High Buckle Boots are $400 or $415.
Hate to interupt the Son of Sandler infomercial/lovefest again, but I have now logged ove 200 hours in my CABoots Will Turners. I got them for $75 and they are as high quality a pair of boots as I have owned (and I have 2 pairs of $500 asolo hiking boots and custom cowboy boots).
While I know that SoS makes a great boot as well, there are LOTs of great opions out there!
And since I have multiple different garb personas, one pair of $700 boots won't work (and in all honesty, i can't ever imagine paying that for a pairof shoes). I have found great specific look shoes from Strongblade and Museum Replicas, you can find some good deals for boots or period shoes for thatoutfit that you are planning to wear once or twice a season. Just another option to consider.
Off the subject:
Squire Mickey,
Are you a moderator here?
If not, why the red? More importantly, why the larger font? Seriously.
Some people just use larger fonts LOL... just sayin, is all...
I personally have a pair of 4 button Sandlars. Best boots I could find at my faire that didn't cost an arm and three legs. I don't begrudge anyone their boot and shoe choices, but I love mine!
Ya guess I will be happily sticking to my SCAboots. I've never spent that kind of money on mundane shoes- definitely can't afford it.
The most I have ever spent on shoes was $250, and they were high quality hiking boots with safety features for my profession. The Ren boots still stand at a $7 Goodwill purchase!! ;D
Quote from: Eric the Ugly on January 13, 2010, 06:42:58 PM
Off the subject:
Squire Mickey,
Are you a moderator here?
If not, why the red? More importantly, why the larger font? Seriously.
Eric, there are no color or size restrictions on this forum. We just ask that members be considerate with their choices (like not using a size 50 font ;))
Now back to your regularly scheduled program already in progress...
Awww c'mon Trill.... PLEASE CAN I USE 50 PT TYPE?!?!?!
How about 60? come on it would be fun lol
Quote from: blue66669 on January 16, 2010, 01:30:27 AM
Awww c'mon Trill.... PLEASE CAN I USE 50 PT TYPE?!?!?!
Trill said NOI'm sorry. I just couldn't resist. ::)
Breakin' out tha BIG 60 BAYBEE!!!
heeheehee - right-o ya arrrr Adriana! Dat wuz funz! :D
I never shoulda said nuffin'.
Clearly, it was an open invitation to the dance. :D
All right guys....back to the subject please...
;) :D
I love my medieval mocs I have several pairs! My $11 pirate boots are still comfortable!
( Not entering font wars! Kill the peeps!LOL)
Tried on some SAndler boots at scarby, they felt great and lots more support then my CABoots sparrow boots. I'm guessing a big part of that is the steel shank and thick soles.
My gf made a good suggestion though, it might be cheaper inthe long run to pay for my caboots to get resoled.
Can I get a steel shank put in them or is that possible?
Quote from: knightofistari on April 14, 2010, 03:16:29 PM
Tried on some SAndler boots at scarby, they felt great and lots more support then my CABoots sparrow boots. I'm guessing a big part of that is the steel shank and thick soles.
My gf made a good suggestion though, it might be cheaper inthe long run to pay for my caboots to get resoled.
Can I get a steel shank put in them or is that possible?
Talk to the guys a Messina shoe repair. They do resoles on my cowboy boots and my Elizabethans.
Quote from: dreamfarie on May 27, 2009, 01:51:58 AM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on May 19, 2009, 02:17:40 PM
I have some 10 year old dream shoes that I keep getting re-soled at our local shoe repair.
The same shoes are available at TRF from a shoe vendor that goes by a different name.
They are slightly tudorized leather maryjanes.
I wish I could remember the name.....????
They are very comfortable with about a 1-1/4" thick neoprene sole.
I also have some Spanish Court shoes with pointier toes that Lady Oren made for me.
It is Marcie's Shoes by Renboots. I have a pair of the old Dreamshoes and some that have been made by Marcie's...the new ones have a lot thicker soles and are just as awesome. I paid about $60 dollars for my maryjanes and have owned them for 10 years and wear them all the time, not just at faire.
http://www.renboots.com/Shoes.html
dreamfarie - how do the sizes and fit run for these? I'm seriously thinking of getting a pair, but am a little nervous about ordering them, as I've never ordered shoes online before, and don't know if I'm judging the size right...
I haven't read through 8 pages of responses, so maybe I answered this already, but in March we went to BARF and I bought a pair of ghillies from willin sole, a forum member.
They are the best shoes I have ever had. I have never had anything so comfortable on my feet, whether for faire or in real life. I know he has a booth at MN. As a matter of fact, I have 3 different friends going to MN in September, and just from seeing my shoes (and one gal tried mine on), they plan to buy them.
So, if I answered in the past, here's the latest, and I would recommend these to everybody. I had dreamshoes (the originals) in the past, and Steve has some from RenBoots, but mine are much softer inside than any others I've ever had or tried on.
;D
I purchased belly dance sandals last year since I have incorporated that mode of dress into my garb collection. They are VERY comfortable as the sole has a fair amount of cushion to them for being sandals. There is also some grip to the sole so you won't slip. Plus there is a nice variety of colors to choose from. The prices are great! Remember to criss cross the laces twice each time you come to your shin/front when lacing up and the laces will hold up all day.
http://visionarydance.com/store/accessories/egyptian-eye-of-horus-sandal/ (http://visionarydance.com/store/accessories/egyptian-eye-of-horus-sandal/)
So when getting boots resoled....is it possible to get them resized as well? Is that an option?
I was unaware that boot sizings are different then shoe sizing....so my well worn pirate boots are actually half a size too big (probably the reason my feet kill me after an hour or two). I'd rather pay to have them resoled and sized (if thats possible) then order a whole new pair of boots
Try putting a memory foam insole in them.
Leather can be stretched when it's a bit tight, but not really taken in. Doing that would entail taking the boot to bits, at which point you might as well buy a new pair.
I could DEFINITELY see these as ren shoes by adding a buckle:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/nursemates-wos-melody.aspx?a=672902
And these would need to be cut away so that there is just one eyelet, and possibly enlarge the area btwn the tongue and eyelet to be more teardrop shaped:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/new-belgian-military-leather-shoes-brown.aspx?a=680082
I am excited to try out the new boots at Heart and Soles this year! Black or brown fold over style piratey boots. Huzzah! Maybe Nikki will post a picture of them. ;D
When I get home, I'm at work now and don't have the photos available here... :)
As a proud owner of a pair of those pirate boots, I love them! I can hardly wait for MNRF to wear AND sell them!
Pirate boots...We only made this one pair with the Celtic cross, the ones we'll have at MN are black and brown.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/Snicolette/Heart%20and%20Sole/032.jpg)
Could you also please post a picture of the Mary Janes? I have a friend who wants to buy a pair when she comes to MN this fall. Thanks.
Left to right on top: Ladie's Ghillies, Men's Wanderer Sandal and Men's Ghillie
Middle: All are Ladie's "Quests," similar to a Lady Jane. We also have the slash cuts and the green man face shoes (shown in dark brown over tan) in men's sizes.
Bottom: More Quests, with a black Ladie's "Nazareth" sandal on the end.
We will also have true Mary Janes available again, I just don't have any photos of the new ones yet.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/Snicolette/Display2.jpg)
I recognize those shoes!!! ;D Can't wait to get to work!!
"Get your leather shoes, faire special only... ON A STICK! Yes, right here!" ::) ;D
With ketchup? :D
They look great. I have VERY wide feet (wide at the toe, narrow at the heels: duck's feet!) and always have trouble finding good shoes. I'm having a real job finding some 18th C ladies shoes at an affordable price here in the UK.
Thanks, Nickie. Love. Love. Love my shoes. Now I want the Quests. Have to save up!
My friend will be so excited!
Wait til the TSA guys get a load of these at the airport. (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/aBlueKnight/boots/DSC01082a.jpg)
No way these go in checked baggage.
Angus, the few times we've flown with garb, the boots and hats are in the carryons and in our possession at all times LOL! I'm waiting for one of them to be so confused at what they see but so far they appear to not be concerned.
Yeah I figure if some bagage handler makes off with a $40 knife ok but not the boots, never the boots. LOL
Greetings, for those who want to make their own footwear........and have a little patience......Tandy had a great pattern pack,
I believe it was called the Apache. (we have lost the original pack)
I have made 6 pairs of medium to heavy boots from this pattern.Everything can be modified for Medieval, Renaissance or fantasy........and I have used different suedes (mid to heavy wght.) and Various leathers. I will TRY to get some close-ups soon. The pictured garb Has the boots made of heavy Red leather and the Jerkin is from the same hide, the mantle is of red suede which is lighter, also include is a homemade hat of velour, homemade belt and velour tights by Faere pair. My Lady friend and I have both worn this (as Willamina or Will Scarlett :)..........we had lots of great comments at the NY and(http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz147/adventure-art/adventure%20garb/redleather.jpg) other local fairs.
Anyway, will try to get close-ups of the boots soon.