Shoes-A question

[DJCasey]

Re: Shoes-A question

I bought a pair of used Missouri Boat and Shoe brogans off of this site. I've used them two years and they still have a ton of life in them. They were basically brand new (maybe broken in a little for me). I think I paid $70.00. For less then the FC sutler junk I got an authentic shoe that will probably last me longer as they are quality made, despite being used. Watch for people selling and be patient, something will come up. And keep asking questions and doing research.

[Fenianboy]

Re: Shoes-A question

Our unit depends heavily on the Robert Land shoes both in early War and the late War brass grommeted model.Comfortable,durable and historically correct,you can't go wrong.Sprios usually has a fair sized selection at G-burg. Bud

[Johan Steele]

Re: Shoes-A question

You have already been given some outstanding advice. I would above all else look for a unit on the C/P/H side and see if someone is willing to mentor you. Many a time I will wager you can find used gear and discounted new gear because it's been bought in some quantity.

The one thing that is most important is being willing to listen... and willing to let preconceptions go by the wayside. Falling prey to a re-enactorism or Lost Causerism is humiliating... trust me.

Look for men the caliber of Terry Sorchy, Dan May and others who are willing to help.

Lurk, listen and learn... and read alot. Too many are unwilling to offer that outstretched hand to the new blood and searching, lurking and listening before asking can eliminate many a hard question. Understanding how little you really do know can be a milestone and a humbling experiance. The more I learn the more I know how little I really know.

I'm a sucker for Missouri Boot & shoe...

[bhutton]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent,

When I bought my 1st pair of Brogans , I didn't know what I was doing either and subsequently wasted money on bad imitations , I have since bought a pair of Federal Jefferson Bootees from Missouri Boot and Shoe Company and they are excellent , fit well and look like the real deal.
I've had excellent results and service with all the Approved Vendors on the AC website and have replaced my 'Sutler Row' mistakes with more authentic items.
Research before you buy , you will save in the long run .

Good Luck
Bob Hutton 67th NYVI 1st Long Island

[VaTrooper]

Re: Shoes-A question

Our unit depends heavily on the Robert Land shoes both in early War and the late War brass grommeted model.Comfortable,durable and historically correct,you can't go wrong.Sprios usually has a fair sized selection at G-burg. Bud

I had the pleasure of setting up beside Robert last weekend at September Storm. Not only does he make a fine product but he's a good guy to hang around and talk to.

[toptimlrd]

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,

Before dropping a dime on anything, you need to find a unit. Each unit will have specific requirements about the uniform and equipment so you buying what you think is right may not work with the impression you eventually end up doing. Freelancers are seldom welcome unless they have contacted the unit they fall in with ahead of time or are well known to that unit. If you notice, many of the events posted here are "by invitation only" which basically means that if you do not get clearance before you get to the site either through knowing some folks involved in the event or belong to a gorup known to meet the criteria you don't go. that I do occasionally fall in with different units at some events but these are usually "sister" units to my home units and are folks I reenact with often.

Also if I may give some friendly advice before you get run over by the bus. Questions such as "who makes the best widget, or how much does said widget cost?" are not generally tolerated by some here on this site. What the Authentic Campaigner is designed for is experienced living historians to discuss their research and findings. All are welcome to browse the work here and you will find an AMAZING wealth of knowledge. As a newcomer to the hobby think of it like you being a Freshman in college and you somhow ended up in a class of graduate students. You are expected to already have a strong background in the hobby and the history from earlier experience and already have the basics down. This is not to be rude or condescending but it is simply based on what the forum is about.

Mods, I hope I can post this here, if not feel free to delete this portion of my post. Understand I am not trying to scare you away, but just the opposite, I am trying to make your experience here as enjoyable as possible. I will reccomend another site for you if you wish to ask these entry level questions and get good answers. Try: http://commonground.aceboard.com/ That board was set up as a more "undergraduate" type site.

[tough_going]

Re: Shoes-A question

thanks for the info guys, you've been most helpful

[robwall1861]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent,

I was 16 when I bought my shoes from Jarnagin, (US Brogans, as I was doing a Union impression at the time; now I do both sides and wear my brogans for both sides). I was size 13 then so I had to pay extra for the larger foot size, but my feet have been constant since then and at age 25, I am still a size 13.

That being said, first find a unit...then buy your shoes, uniform, etc, (same line of thought as these fine folks). Robert Land is a great guy for those. I have a friend who recently bought a pair from him and he loves them.

Good luck and welcome to the hobby.

Sincerely,

[Slouch]

Re: Shoes-A question

Many manufacturers of reproduction shoes talk the talk, but few walk the walk. Best thing to do is find pictures of originals and compare those pics with the repreductions being offered. Many reproduction shoes hailed by authentic units suffer from modern day heel sizes and wide, thick soles.

Shoes are the worst problem for authentic reenactors, as few makers come close, and even fewer hit the (hob)nail on the head. Some of my pards have actually had to rebuild "authentic" reproductions to solve the oversized heel/sole problem.

[cwilson]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent,

Off the topic of shoes, if you are looking for some quality units in your area please contact me off forum. I live in Cordele, not 40 miles away from you, and would be happy to recommend a few units that are near you. you can e-mail me at cmw199@yahoo.com

Best wishes,

Chadd

[rick atwood]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent,

I will ditto the above post. By the way you are in the heart of Armory Guards country. How Coatsy missed you as a potential recruit I'll never know.

Anyway, find a unit as everything hinges on that. They may also have loaner gear available.

Best of luck,

Rick Atwood

[Coatsy]

Re: Shoes-A question

Brent sent a PM to you.