footgear question

[pony express]

I need some information on allowable footgear for GAF. I will probably be depicting infantry, or other non-cavalry, because I have to wear orthotic insoles in my shoes, and they just don't work with boots. So all my boots are retired now, and I usually wear plain black ankle high work shoes, but of course they have the dreaded"grip enhancing" vibram soles. Would they be acceptable, since they would be mostly covered by leggins anyway?

[Drydock]

We do not "require" uniforms.  We encourage them, but you do not have to have one. We do like you to make an effort if possible. Partial, field expediancy, irregular and "Hollywood" are all recognized.  My shoes are former USN rubber soled "Boondockers".  They look right.  Thats about it.  We are not stitch counters.  It may be an issue in the uniform judgeing someday, but not in the shooting. 

[pony express]

Tha's good then. I want to start working on the uniform, not just my usual CAS clothes. So for  now, I'll start with the larger items, and leave my feet alone for now!

[Pitspitr]

As Col. Drydock said we don't require uniforms and members who choose to wear one are given quite a bit of latitude.
I might make one suggestion though, should you someday decide to get a period correct uniform.
One day I was visiting with a guest at Fort Hartsuff and he asked me about my M-1872 army shoes and where I got them. I told him that they came from Missouri Boot and Shoe(which is also where I got my M-1876 boots shown in my avatar). He then asked, "Missouri Boot and Shoe, from Neosho Missouri?" and I said Yes and asked him if he'd heard of them. At that point he related how he'd had one foot terribly mangled in a farm accident and has to wear custom made boots because of it. Missouri Boot and Shoe is who makes his boots. So maybe they'd make a pair of period army boots with you orthotic devices built in.  They wouldn't be cheap but they'd be comfortable.

[River City John]

Considering the terrain that some of the stages had us moving through, your safety and confidence as far as footing is of primary importance.
Not that we were running up and down hills, but here and there we walked up cowpaths to get to a firing position.

Your participation is far more important than the details of your clothing.

I guarantee you, once you are within the setting of Ft. Hartsuff and you see some of the men and women in uniform, it will inspire you.


RCJ   

[Drydock]

Just a note, by the late 1880s with the adoption of Leggings, the cavalry and infantry arms wore the same shoes, basicly an ankle height shoe or "Bootee".  The high boots were no longer issued, though officers could and did private purchase their own.  Most preferred the lighter, cooler shoe and legging combination.

[Texas Lawdog]

I can only wear boots part of the time. I bought 2 pair of Fugawees to wear with my uniforms, a black pair for the Union and a brown pair for the CSA. They run about a Hundred bucks a pair.

[Frenchie]

Missouri Boot and Shoe

Robert Land Historic Shoes

Pony, both of these vendors will be glad to work with you to get you comfortable, correct footwear.