Robert Land boots and shoes

[FloridaConscript]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

I purchased a pair of his Fredericksburg shoes used from a guy about 8 or 9 years ago. I have to get one sole re-pegged but other than that they have given me excellent service.

Bryant Roberts

[jurgitemvaletem]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

I recently recieved a pair of Mr. Land's Federal bootees and couldn't be happier with them. They appear durable and well made, and more than comfortable. Wore them at a 1 day living history and got some great comments on them.

[JimConley]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

after reading this thread, I knwo were I am going to get my next pair of shoes from. They seem to have a large selction of shoes, and I look forward to purchasing a pair.

Andrew,
I am not quoting your comments above to pick on you, rather I think that you unintentionally brought up a train of thought that needs to be addressed by the hobby.

All,
There is no doubt that Robert Land offers some well made products, but after two pages of posts, Ian McWherter is the only one that mentioned anything about how his shoes compare to originals. This discussion is an example of some of the troubles with progression of authenticity. Sure, anyone can buy shoes or a coat based on the hype, and it may be the best thing going, but how is that item authentic or how is it not? Those are the questions that need to be asked.

Don't buy your kit because the maker is an "approved vendor" or because that's what the cool cats are sporting, pick it up because you know what makes it authentic versus all the rest. None of us are experts on this stuff, but by doing a little research and asking educated questions I would hope that we could see more constructive discussions that might motivate... progression.

Thank you, Ian for offering important comments on the subject.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Hi,

What I ment by my post, was that it looks like you can trust this vendor, and that he seems to have "authentic" products. I have looked at his site many times, and had never heard anything about this vendor. Basically, this thread just seems to confirm what information I could find on this maker. I can assure you, that I would not have wrote the earlier post if I had not already done research on this vendor. However, you do make a great point, and in the future I will make sure to better explain myself. Thanks

Andrew

[DougCooper]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Some might note that I started this thread nearly 5 years ago and in the last couple of days, it has been continued. As Jim states, what I was looking for was feedback on authenticity especially. Thanks Ian for providing some good feedback. Once Corner Clothiers began carrying his shoes, that was a good vote of confidence as well.

[Ian McWherter]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Well I tried to keep my post short and sweet, I've been accused on other forums for leaving "big posts", whatever the heck that means. Maybe I should elaborate further.

I turned to Robert Land's footwear after studying many examples of original civilian footwear, basically I wanted the type of shoes that a humble businessman, a poor office clerk or a man on his way to church might wear. Not to knock any other maker, but say you're a civilian employed as a clerk in a government office, you're not going to show up to work every day in clunky brogans (they had standards then too). His is the only footwear that's manufactured with high quality calf skin and kid skin uppers, as many original civilian shoes are. He also has a period last making machine that allows him to copy original lasts exactly, which gives his shoes that great narrow look with a small square toe that was all the rage in the mid-19th C. He's also one the only makers I know of that shapes his heels nicely, rather than leaving them bulky or straight on the sides (you should see just how shaped some period heels are, think modern cowboy boots).

Having said all that I still feel that most, if not all, current reproduction civilian footwear still misses the quality mark to some extent, even Lands. To his and others defense, its just a matter of time and cost of materials, who wants to pay $500+ for a pair of shoes? So, I've started teaching myself how make footwear to better approximate the details I've seen on original civilian boots and shoes. I want a pair of boots with cork filler in the soles, talk about comfort!

[Marylander in Grey]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

I have owned boots, shoes, bootees , and even my Colonial shoes made from Mr. Land. I have met him on several occassions and find him to be very reasonable especially for those who need a proper fitting shoe made to your actual measurements.
Here is his link: www.robertlandhistoricshoes.com
I hope this is of some assistance.
YOS,

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

To all-

I have a pair of Robert Land Federal-issue brogans. They are 11-years old and are extremely comfortable. They have lasted with no maintenance this whole 11 years of hard use. This weekend past, they finally have a small hole in the left sole from all of the Missourah rocks...

Mine are accurate to examples that I have seen. My only complaint about them is that there is a "Robert Land Canada" stamp in them that I had to put dye over to cover.

My 2 cents... Johnny :wink_smil

[English Doc]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Well I tried to keep my post short and sweet. Maybe I should elaborate further.

I turned to Robert Land's after studying many examples of original civilian footwear.... He's also one the only makers I know of that shapes his heels nicely, rather than leaving them bulky or straight on the sides (you should see just how shaped some period heels are, think modern cowboy boots).
!

Sorry to resurrect such an aged post!, but I am curious to see some period images of the heels that Mr. McWherter has mentioned above. I have been doing some searching, but am fairly anxious to get a 'quick fix' (modern mindset I suppose!)

Any help (with verifiable provenance) would be greatly appreciated!

[English Doc]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

After an authentically long mail order wait, I finally picked up my Robert Land enlisted mans boots today.

Sorry to say, but there won't be another! No heel plate (as advertised and shown) made from the fuzziest suede I've ever seen! (Looks like a 70's afro!).

Disappointment is the order of today!:cry_smile

[musketbal]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

I too, like Johnny have had great sucsess with my brogans. They are about 20 years old, however, they was a period of about 6 years that they weren't used because I was employed by Uncle Sam and other responsibilities. Very heavy duty construction. Sorry to hear of your troubles English Doc. Some of the best out there making equipment and such will at times turn out a dud.

Thanks,
Brent Conner
Eastern Shore of Maryland

[Kanawha Riflemen]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Good evening gents,

I too have bought his shoes and I have no complaints. Reasonable and the first pair I have, I worn them for about five years before I needed another pair.
____________________
John A. Miller
Monterey Pass Battlefield

[English Doc]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Even though the boots are NOT what I asked for, as of today I cannot fault Mr Land's integrity, passion for his craft or his customer service.

Just a damned shame about the boots.......!

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Ken,
Have you contacted Land about your issue? Give him a chance to make it right. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Robert Land boots and shoes

Yes, recommend contacting Mr. Land to resolve the issue...last year I had a BRAND-SPANKING NEW pair of his 'Georgia Shoes', first event I wore these to, I had catastrophic failure (all pegs pulled right on out and as a result the stitching began to come undone in other places).

I shot Mr. Land an email, and then mailed the shoes...4 weeks later they arrived back at my door and have held up well ever since.

Paul B.