Please Educate me on Brogans

[Dutch Mudsill]

I am returning to CW living history after a 30+ year hiatus. My feet are not what they once were. I suffer heel spurs and some arthritic pain. I still walk 2+ miles on rough ground, but only because I am very careful about my shoes. I will be marching in the local memorial day parade and doing some moderate hiking on battlefields.
Can anyone recommend a brogan that has some spring to it?
Can I dispense with heel plates?
I am tempted to look at some of the modern style brogans from another thread and dye or scuff them them, but maybe the world has enough old farbs?

Sincere thanks for any thoughts.

 

[johan_steele]

Missouri boot and shoe. Call them explain and they will work with your needs.

 

[Dutch Mudsill]

Thanks Sir! Cheap shoes are nothing but trouble in any century.

 

[Craig L Barry]

Pricey, but you only have one set of feet...

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I would have a heel plate to protect the heel.
I have gout, so I can relate to your foot troubles!! I did not want to do this for fear of not being authentic, but I put some Dr. Scholl's pads in my Brogans. After 12 years, I am glad that I put them in!
Hope this helps and good luck to you!

 

[Bryan_C]

I also use gel insoles in my brogans (and earplugs on the battlefield, for that matter). I have heel plates and hobnails on my Robert Lands. My feet do get sore from standing and walking after a while but when I take off my shoes, my feet recover very quickly.

 

[Chattahooch33]

As Johan said there is no one better that Missouri Boot and Shoe.

I will say without shame that I have inserts in my brogans. I started reenacting at age 23 and had them in by the next year. They are entirely out of sight and I work in a warehouse with a concrete floor and additionally have a reconstructed ACL so I need all the help I can get. With that being said I also sleep in my brogans due to the fact that my feet get cold easily and the majority of my events are total immersion and we typically sleep under arms.

 

[Dutch Mudsill]

Thanks everyone, I am wearing Gel soles as we speak. In addition to Missouri Boot; A pair of NJ Sekela brogans was also strongly commended to me. Apparently Regimental QM in Gettysburg stocks them. I might test a pair as my every day casual shoes.