Authentic Ladies Shoes

[Cymry Flood]

Fellow female reenactors! I am looking to invest in an authentic pair of ladies shoes. I have narrowed it down to these two selections http://www.fugawee.com/cw%20women's.htm and http://www.ccsutlery.com/store/civil...ots-shoes.html.

Could anyone inform me as to how authentic each pair of shoes are? The shoes from C & C seem like they are more versatile for different impressions and the Fugawee's seem to fit better with an upper class impression. Opinions and thoughts?

Thanks in advance!
Cymry Flood

[lmlindseymarie]

Re: Authentic Ladies Shoes

Good evening!
I was checking around CC's site- the rest of the ladies' things on offer are pretty inaccurate, so I would stay away. If they don't have high standards/documentation for all of their things, they probably are okay with cutting corners. I have a pair of 18th century shoes from Fugawee and am really happy with them. If you scroll down below the picture of their shoes, you'll see they've included a photo of the original on which the shoe is based, and then a description. That kind of documentation should push you toward Fugawee, in my opinion. If you're going to spend the money on it, you might as well get the good stuff! :)

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Authentic Ladies Shoes

The C&C are too high up the ankle and the heel is the wrong shape. They are not the worst I've ever seen and no one would snark about you in them, but they aren't "accurate" for the 1860s.
Fugawee will look less "upper class" as you wear them. muddy them up, and make them your own. The documentation is provided by the merchant up-front and we can't ask for a better re-enactor-focused technique than that.

You might also look at Missouri Boot and Shoe, Nick Sekala, American Duchess, and in second-hand markets for Robert Land.

[Bill Tyrell]

Re: Authentic Ladies Shoes

Robert Land shoes are still available from sutlers in Gettysburg if you can go there for Remembrance weekend.