Shoes-A question

[tough_going]

I'm looking to purchase a pair of shoes for my Confederate impression, and want to know if the US brogans supplied by the fall creek sutlery are acceptbale? Let me know what you think, I'll post a link.. Sorry, a little new to this hobby.

http://www.fcsutler.com/fcshoes.asp

Brent A. Hamilton

[paulcalloway]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent -
Welcome to the Authentic Campaigner - a web site for the authentic Civil War Living Historian. Emphasis on the word authentic.

The quick answer to your question is no, Fall Creek is not a good source for your shoes.

The longer answer has a lot to do with the authenticity of the materials used, the patterns employed and the techniques or craftsmanship required to make a pair of authentic shoes. And that answer doesn't just apply to shoes - it also applies to shirts, coats, trousers, etc.

And as far as shoes go, that whole battlefield pickup mentality is way overdone. Research plainly indicates that the overwhelming majority of southern soldiers wore shoes manufactured in the South or in England.

We maintain a detailed list of Approved Vendors here and we strongly encourage you to utilize these vendors and buy the right gear now, rather than buying the cheap stuff that only bears a passing resemblance to the gear and clothing an actual soldier of the 1860s might have worn.

Read: For the Beginning Reenactor, Before You Buy a Thing.

[tough_going]

Re: Shoes-A question

What should I be willing to pay for a pair? Or in other words, what is a good price range of what to expect?

[paulcalloway]

Re: Shoes-A question

I'd plan at around $150. Been awhile since I priced shoes but I'm pretty sure thats in the ballpark.

[tough_going]

Re: Shoes-A question

alright, doesn't sound too bad, my only concern is I'm 16, and as such am still growing, so I want to buy something that will last me more than a year....
Brent Hamilton

[paulcalloway]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent -
Are you in a unit already?

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Shoes-A question

Hallo!

Brent, lad...

You may also want to consider shopping for unworn new shoes or "used by degree" used shoes at reduced prices. (or any item of clothing or gear, for that matter)
At times, the price you would pay for brand new "unauthentic" items can equal or be close to the price for (unwanted) new, or gently used, or used "authentic" kit.

Curt

[tough_going]

Re: Shoes-A question

no, I'm just a freelancer who really enjoys the Civil War and would like to get into reenacting. I've been to a couple of events, and even have some gear, but I'm starting to want to get more serious. I don't have a unit affiliation.

[JWKellum]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent,

You might check Carter & Jasper in the approved vendor section. I think they have some shoes in stock and Chris is a super good guy to deal with. Good Luck and Best Regards,

[Secesh]

Re: Shoes-A question

Greetings,
There's nothing worse, or more painful, than being stuck with a poorly made pair of brogans on your feet for an entire event! Haunt this site, specifically the Buy & Sell forum...You will find authentic gear at fair prices. Best regards.

[Danimal29]

Re: Shoes-A question

no, I'm just a freelancer who really enjoys the Civil War and would like to get into reenacting. I've been to a couple of events, and even have some gear, but I'm starting to want to get more serious. I don't have a unit affiliation.

Brent,

This advise has been offered time and again on this forum, but it never hurts to offer it up again. Take one step at a time. First, find a unit to join and then have some one within that unit assist you in picking out your kit. I was once a teen and new to the hobby just like yourself, but if you follow this advise it will save you a good bit of $$$$. Some units have specific guidelines so even if you purchased authentic gear it may not be the "correct" authentic gear for the unit you decide to join.

[unclefrank]

Re: Shoes-A question

Not on the "Approved Vendors list"

http://www.civilwarboots.com/

But few here would not approve.

[WestTN_reb]

Re: Shoes-A question

Robert Land has some really good prices on what I'm told are some excellent shoes. You might check around, sometimes "word of mouth" craftsmen working out of their garage,etc. have some really good stuff. For instance, I'm trying to track down a gent in Alabama who hand sews jackets, and does good work, too.

BTW: Be wary on the Buy, Sell, & Trade forum, because so-and-so's size 10 may not be the same as your size 10. This is especially true if you're like me and your foot is almost as wide as it is long.:wink_smil

[milo1047]

Re: Shoes-A question

Like the rest of these fine gentlemen have said: Do some research and find a unti before you buy anything! I was in your position three years ago and ended up buying some not so gear before I knew the difference.

Good Luck!

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Shoes-A question

Hallo!

" First, find a unit to join and then have some one within that unit assist you in picking out your kit."

Excellent advice to kit out to unit standards.

But IMHO, first be sure that your personal Mental Picture at least "matches" the unit you choose to join. (Too far below, too far above, creates.... problems.)
Meaning, different units on the F/M/C/P/H/A Paradigm have different levels of standards.

And, in passing...

IMHO, be sure that the "one within the unit" is competent to quote the standards, give advice, and direct and assist in purchases.
Meaning, in some units or groups, many a lad has been taken to Sutlers' Row only to later regret it.

Curt
Putting on the broken record Mantra of striving to be an educated customer and informed consumer Mess