Comfortable shoes

[tanka]

Well, I am on the search for shoes, ladies shoes. The only ones I have tried on so far are from the local sutlery. My issue is that I have some issues with my feet and ankles. I need to wear shoes that are roomy in the toe, and I don't do any kind of heels. Mostly in my regular life, I wear merrels and earth shoes. After spending years in heels working at a bank, I changed jobs, and my orthopaedic surgeon threatened me with a surgery to remove part of the bone in my toe if I did not wear roomier toed shoes. I am a meticulous stickler about that.

Is there any chance at all that I am going to find actual civil war shoes that aren't going to cause me problems? My thought was to find a pair of regular shoe/boots that were very similar in looks. They are, after all, mostly hidden under the long skirts.

My husband is not interested in joining a group that is hardcore, so I am hoping that the "rules" will be just a little more lax. On one hand, I do not want to thumb my nose at trying to be authentic, on the other hand, I won't find any enjoyment in doing a hobby that causes me pain every time I spend the day in the shoes, and I will end up not doing it at all.

Is there an option in shoes that are truly comfortable, or do you think a similar shoe/boot will pass the muster? I have never been to a reenactment with the idea that I would be doing this one day, so I haven't had the opportunity as of yet to look and ask enough?'s. There is one coming up in a few weeks that we are going to, so I am on the search right now. Thanks for any help! Julie

 

[Hannah]

What about non-shiny slip on shoes or Mary Jane types?

 

[M E Wolf]

Tanka,

I recommend "Robert Land" shoes -- Get the Wide Width for women. The design of them run a bit tight, even for Wide Width. There are shoes (as in lace up shoes--not boots) that might suit you well, in addition to putting orthotics inside. I'd recommend getting them one size larger then normal, as to remain widest for the toes before it narrows into a square toe.

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M. E. Wolf

 

[tanka]

Thank you both for your replies.

Luckily, I will be in Gettysburg, PA in a couple months, so that will allow me to visit quite a few places listed as retail otlets for his shoes. Abraham's Lady sounds like they have a nice selection of women's things. I have been there a few times in the past, but not looking for shoes.

I am also going to a reenactment today, not dressed in period clothes, but there will be lots of people to talk to, peek at their shoes, and maybe also more sutleries to see what they have.

Thanks, Julie

 

[Hannah]

I like Abraham's Lady. I've ordered from the site a few times.

Hopefully you'll be able to try on a sample pair of shoes before buying them so that way you know how they fit and feel.

 

[Davidkmendel]

May I suggest for comfort and authenticity- bare feet.

 

[ole]

It may be possible to get over-sized shoes and stuff areas with cotton to keep them from flopping around.

My issue is that I have some issues with my feet and ankles.

My wife does, as well. Took me 20 years to convince her to get out of those heels and start wearing comfortable shoes.

 

[bizzilizzit]

Thank you both for your replies.

Luckily, I will be in Gettysburg, PA in a couple months, so that will allow me to visit quite a few places listed as retail otlets for his shoes. Abraham's Lady sounds like they have a nice selection of women's things. I have been there a few times in the past, but not looking for shoes.


Thanks, Julie

The VICTORIA from FUGAWEE

http://www.fugawee.com/cw women's.htm

is awesome and comes in wide and extra wide widths - Talk to the people there and tell them your issues - they will HAND PICK a pair for you (did for me on my last 2 pairs) and you can return tehm as many times as you like until you find a pair that fits right - they don't give you a hassle about fitting your "unique" feet.

Oh, and Abraham's Lady carries these in the shop - Say "hi" to Donna for me!

 

[tanka]

Ok, tried to post a couple days ago,not sure why it didn't, but...

I would think barefeet would be great when possible.

I am looking forward to being able to get somewhere to try on a few different styles. I think Gettysburg is going to be a great way to do that. In the meantime, I will try to make-do.

For a upcoming Halloween party, black tennis shoes will do. But for the next reenactment that we are dressing for, I am not so sure. I don't think I may want to be barefoot in Nov as tempting as that may be. Well, we'll just have to see. Judging from all the different things the ladies were wearing all over, not just shoes, at this weekends reenactment, I am thinking I am worrying too much about having it all "just right" from day one. I think I need to do the best I can. and enjoy it, and try to get it all together.

Thanks for the input here everyone! Julie