Noble Shoes

[Higgins]

Help! I am in search of comfortable, yet fashionable shoes to wear with my noble garb. I have a larger size and have found it difficult reviewing bridal websites that are not offered in the size that I need. I have seen some pointed toe shoes, 18th century Victorian buckle shoes (which I like the appearance) but wondered on the comfort. I wondered if anyone had any recommendations of stores or web sites for me to review.

[gem]

My first recommendation would be Lady Oren; alas, she has closed her business!

That said, I would really recommend a nice pair of maryjanes.  You can't see the woman's shoes in this picture (Lady Oren had a wonderful set of pictures on her website, and men's and women's shoes were very similar), but the man is wearing a pair of maryjane-style shoes.  I recently ordered a pair of maryjanes from Travelsmith for my own noble ensembles.

Heels on shoes had not yet become that fashionable; the Victorian/bridal shoes you're talking about will be out of period.  Maryjanes or nice slipper-style shoes will have the benefit of being period-friendly AND comfortable!

[gypsylakat]

How H/A are pointy shoes? I was wondering this the other night when i was trying to shut my brain off to go to sleep..

[Dayna]

I have had good luck with Nativearth, can't think of their website right now, but you should be able to find them using Google.

Dayna

[isabelladangelo]

For a lot of information on shoes in period, you might want to check out the old thread:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=1891.0

I posted a few links in regards to period shoes as did Cilean.  Mary Janes are very period as are flat mules.

[Miranda]

What is your budget?

What you can get is proportionate to what you spend. 

John Schrader Bootmaker is great.  He custom builds his stuff and his prices are pretty middle of the road, compared to what I've seen.

[DonaCatalina]

The Tudor Shoppe has introduced a line of shoes and boots for men.
http://tudorshoppe.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=MFW
I know most of their clothing is well made, but I can't personally vouch for the shoes.
Dru Shoemaker also did make period shoes, http://www.medievalshoes.com/
I'm not sure if they're still in business.
Armlann, who has a thread on this forum also makes shoes. Other people have had good things to say about them.
http://www.armlann.com/shoesandpattens.htm
Medieval Collectibles http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/period-shoes-medieval-and-renaissance-footwear-883.html
And lastly, By The Sword http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/Footwear.html

[Cilean]

Pointy shoes were 14th Century for the most part, not really something a Noble Gentleman or lady would have in the 16th Century, rounded shoes were more the norm.

If you want really good REALLY good shoes try this site
http://www.solesthrutime.com/

Mens and womens shoes, I have not had an issue with this vendor.

However here is another  vendor that I met in eBay.  I am having shoes made for me by this vendor and will say if it is a good or bad thing

Ann's Nifty shoe place, there is not much there at the moment but she said she was deep in Halloween stuff and did not have time to make more things until now. Her prices are really awesome.
http://stores.ebay.com/Anns-Nifty-Shop_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm


Cilean

[DonaCatalina]

However here is another  vendor that I met in eBay.  I am having shoes made for me by this vendor and will say if it is a good or bad thing

Ann's Nifty shoe place, there is not much there at the moment but she said she was deep in Halloween stuff and did not have time to make more things until now. Her prices are really awesome.
http://stores.ebay.com/Anns-Nifty-Shop_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm


Cilean

keep us posted on this. I am especially curious how this turns out since I can no longer get shoes from Lady Oren.

[Carl Heinz]

Birkenstock London's.

Since they pass RPFS Costuming Dept, I think they'd be ok.  Event though they're clearly right and left foot, they look like something that might have been worn.

In addition, since a lot of us tend to be on the large side, they're comfortable, provide excellent support, and I've never gotten a stone bruise when wearing them.  I also don't have as much trouble with debri getting in them.

However, they still won't prevent sharp pointy things from penetrating the sole.  Back in the day when I could still carry a banner in a parade, I managed to pick up a safety pin.  Fortunately it was near the edge of the sole so I could continue (although walking on the opposite side of my foot) until the end of the parade.

BTW, you can also get Birkenstock Mary Janes.

[Higgins]

 I know that most people will not see what's under my dress and I could spend money on something else, but I know how important having good footware is. I also want something pretty. (I don't have to worry about being period) Thank you for such great ideas and info.