Barefoot ladies?

[Brendan]

I don't blame them. I have shoes, yet typically choose to go barefoot. Was it just something common in rural America during the 19th century, to save shoes for the colder months by going barefoot?

Good question! I'm not sure I know the answer. It did make me think of the narrative Leander Stillwell (61st Illinois), who recounts on several occasions that the boys in his unit would take their shoes off on the march whenever the roads got muddy. It was mainly a matter of practicality--easier to march through mud that way and saved their shoes, but--as Stillwell also seems to hint at--there was a bit of joy in it.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

I've always wondered how comfortable some of those things could be anyway? I'm not sure there was always a ' right ' and ' left ' shoe, either- could you imagine? We may have R/L in 2019 but suffering for cute shoes continues to be a theme.

I've always winced at hearing of barefoot marches. The whole thing about shoes and Gettysburg seems to be considered myth BUT I found an account naming which store was the target. Sorry to be off thread- conversation just reminded me. McIlhenny's!

 

[Seduzal]

Thanks for sharing this awesome article. Enjoyed reading it.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

I've always wondered how comfortable some of those things could be anyway? I'm not sure there was always a ' right ' and ' left ' shoe, either- could you imagine? We may have R/L in 2019 but suffering for cute shoes continues to be a theme.

I've always winced at hearing of barefoot marches. The whole thing about shoes and Gettysburg seems to be considered myth BUT I found an account naming which store was the target. Sorry to be off thread- conversation just reminded me. McIlhenny's!
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Yeah... I highly doubt a small town Pennsylvania shoe store had enough stock to even put a dent in any supply problems they may or may not have had.

Also most roads were not paved back then, at least. Dirty, grass, and other natural, soft surfaces are quite easy to walk on, although I suppose not 20 miles per day. Gravel can be rougher than pavement too. I can go a good few miles, even on mostly concrete/asphalt, although I doubt I could do a forced march for the entire day. Heck I couldn't do that even with shoes.

Although knowing me, I'd have probably not even bought shoes, if I wasn't rich enough to be invited to a fancy occasion. I'd definitely have had the same pair for a long time, wearing them as little as I chose to, even now...