What are you wearing on your feet?

[bellevivre]

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...

[Jademozingo]

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.

[Aaroncois]

Hey folks, take a look at these 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?

[Aiacha]

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.

[Khaalis]

Hey folks, take a look at these 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/.
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.

[Aaroncois]

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/.

Hey, thanks! Better terms and still in my price-range. Cool!

[will paisley]

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.

[Aaroncois]

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.

[Khaalis]

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.

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.

[Duckie84]

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.

[Khaalis]

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.

[Aaroncois]

I went ahead and bought a pair of the SCA Sir Henrys last night.



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.

[Auryn]

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).

[WindChime]

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.

[tamsentmk]

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.