Childrens Shoes

[amazingkenneth]

Hello All,
My question tonight is of childrens's shoes. I have a 8 year old daughter that loves to reenact. LOL she is hardcore all the way lol. Now on the shoes issue. Being that she is still growing and that I really don't want to pay $100 for shoes that she will out grow within a year. Any ideas? I picked up a used pair from Maryland Sutler that were hightops style size 3 (childrens). She is starting to out grow them.. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She loves reenacting so much she is in the 8th Batt. ANV sewing group "The Seven Sisters". She is helping to sew a quilt.

A Crying Father and Your Servant,
K.J. Reihl

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Childrens Shoes

No one, to my knowledge, is even making an accurate children's shoe or boot... for the primary reason you mentioned in your post: the cost. The time and effort and materials costs are virtually identical to an adult footwear item, but most parents won't shell out $150 for a shoe the child may outgrow in a month.

For children, look for "best possible." That means you'll look for something:

* Leather. Don't waste time or money on naugahyde, as it doesn't look right, wear well, or breathe at all. Look for leather footwear for children.

* Durable colors. Black or brown are very typical for working class children's shoes/boots, and are (happily) still fashionable colors today, so they're out there.

* Minimal heel/sole. This is possibly the hardest part to find just now: everything has a big chunky rubber waffle sole. But, keep looking! You want to find something that definitely has a sole (ballet slippers are out), but that isn't more than, say 3/8" thick. Heels are generally short and quite flat.

* Sorta squared toe box; avoid the pointy witch shoes; not only are they later in the century, they're bad for developing feet.

* No Speed Lace Hooks. Good news: get the other elements, and the speed lace hooks can be removed by any competant boot repair person, normal eyelets put in.

* Ideally, a leather sole. These are less problematic once they're scuffed a tad, but can be re-soled as the shoe wears, prolonging the investment.

* Ankle boots are probably the easiest to find, with girl's "Mary Jane" style shoes (or ankle strap shoes) following that.

Now, where to find these? Haunt thrift stores. We've found older pairs of all-leather Buster Brown boots that work for girls or boys (just needed some saddle soap to clean them up), for $2/pair (this was in June, so it's not like it's a 10yo price!). We've also used "paddock boots" from a western supply house, with the fringes and speed hooks removed. Occasionally, we'll come across a pair of all-leather, classic Mary Janes, and we snap those up, too. (Mary Janes work well for middle classes and "best", as well as for toddlers, unisex.) Those "classic" children's shoes can still be had from specialty boutiques (most of them English imports), but they do carry a price tag of $60-$100 per pair... which is why used shoes are a bonus.

Buy shoes 1-2 sizes large--wad lambswool in the toe at first, if you must. And encourage your children to keep the shoes in good shape, so they can be resold or passed down to others.

[amazingkenneth]

Re: Childrens Shoes

Dear Elizabeth,
I wanted to thank you for your reply to my question. I have copied the information that you have given me and armed with that I will look for shoes for my daughter. The funny thing about it is that she said to me, Daddy I don't want Farby shoes." HEHE, my little girl.........Hardcore....
But thank you so much again for all your help.

Your Servant,
K.J. Reihl

[58th C]

Re: Childrens Shoes

In case you may not have realized this, a girls size three shoe is the equivalent of a ladies size five shoe. You may have better luck finding her leather boots in a ladies size.

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Childrens Shoes

Ken -

Attached some pictures.

See you this weekend at Monroe!

[amazingkenneth]

Re: Childrens Shoes

Thanks for the ino and a spl. thanks for the photos. I have started to look so I can fine a supplier when I buy them befor e the new season.

Your Most Humble Servant,
K.J. Reihl