ENDED Confed. Brogans

[Albert Sailhorst]

I would like to buy a new pair of Russett colored Confederate Brogans.
I really like the Model CS-1 offered by Missouri Boot & shoe, but, upon my inquiries, they told me that that model does not have a Heel Counter, stating: "It reinforces the sides and back of the heel area on the shoe and helps your heel not push off one way or the other as you wear the footwear. " (I must say that I greatly appreciate them telling me about this! Their e-mail to me was very courteous, educational and informative!)

My question is: How badly might the absence of a heel counter hurt or otherwise affect my foot?

Additionally, does anyone know of a quality shoe-maker (like Missouri Boot & Shoe) who has an authentic reproduction Confederate russet colored brogan? I most likely would need the shoes made, as my shoe size is rather small, depending upon the maker (I have a devil of a time finding cowboy boots that fit! I've worn western boots on a daily basis for over 30 years!)

I appreciate your help!

Albert Sailhorst

 

[johan_steele]

I think you'll have a hard time finding any vendor the quality of MB&S. Heel plates seriously lengthen the life of a brogan, especially if like me you have a tendency to walk on the edge of your foot.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I think you'll have a hard time finding any vendor the quality of MB&S. Heel plates seriously lengthen the life of a brogan, especially if like me you have a tendency to walk on the edge of your foot.

After shopping around the internet, I think I agree about having a hard time beating Missouri Boot & Shoe.
I hav always had heel plates on my brogans, and I agree with you there, too!!.......The "Heel Counter", as described in the Miss Boot & Shoe e-mail they sent, is described as "The heel counter is a piece of leather
that is part of the back of the shoe or boots. It reinforces the sides and back of the heel area on the shoe and helps your heel not push off one way or the other as you wear the footwear."......They go on to say that most of their other styles have the heel counter (which is good for me if I decide to buy another model!)
Thanks!

 

[James B White]

I'm puzzled because I thought the heel counter was the leather piece that strengthens the back of the leather uppers, which sounds like the definition from MB&S in post #3. Or is it used to refer to a heel plate, metal attached to the bottom of the heel? The only shoes I've worn without a counter, by the usual definition, are moccasin style slippers for indoor wear, really soft and floppy, designed that way.

I could see a heel counter being left off of a cheap wartime Confederate makeshift shoe, but it's going to sag and wrinkle in the back, and be hard to put on without it wrinkling down in back. Depends how stiff the main leather is as to how bad it would be.

This illustrates a heel counter, and you can sometimes see that line of stitching to outline where it is:

Expired Image Removed

I'd be sure everyone's clear on whether you're buying without a heel counter or heel plate. Big difference.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I'm puzzled because I thought the heel counter was the leather piece that strengthens the back of the leather uppers, which sounds like the definition from MB&S in post #3. Or is it used to refer to a heel plate, metal attached to the bottom of the heel? The only shoes I've worn without a counter, by the usual definition, are moccasin style slippers for indoor wear, really soft and floppy, designed that way.

I could see a heel counter being left off of a cheap wartime Confederate makeshift shoe, but it's going to sag and wrinkle in the back, and be hard to put on without it wrinkling down in back. Depends how stiff the main leather is as to how bad it would be.

This illustrates a heel counter, and you can sometimes see that line of stitching to outline where it is:

Expired Image Removed

I'd be sure everyone's clear on whether you're buying without a heel counter or heel plate. Big difference.

I think they are referencing the leather, as they sell heel-plates for all shoes at an additional charge......I agree, my thought is also that, without the leather, it would eventually sag.