need help on PC kids shoes

[Coyote Hunter]

Is there any shoe (besides a special made one) out there that would be close to period correct for a young fella aged 10 in the 1870-1890 era. My nephew has all the correct clothes for a town kid of the era, except we can't find what would be PC for shoe wear. I know a lot of kids would go barefoot, but we can't let him because we do a lot of shows on city streets with asphalt or other problems.

Any help is needed and would be greatly appreciated.

[Tascosa Joe]

I would suggest Justin Lace up Ropers without the flag laced on to the toe.  They should be an economical choice until you could get better or he outgrows them.  Which if he is like most 10 year olds that will happen.  The are not PC but they will look close to the people you are putting on shows to entertain.

[mestiza letty]

Add a little "scuff" or tell the youngin' to do it   
Good choice Joe any "round toed" boot would do IMO

[Professor Marvel]

My Good Monsieur Hunter -

You are correct regarding the historically correct "children going barefoot" ... and also regarding the hazards therof.

Prior to about 1880, utilitarian shoes were made "rough side out" and to fit either foot.

you can find some good examples of children's boots and shoes here:

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/collections/online/results.cfm?ParentID=378583

you can see that nearly any sort of plain lace up boot or pull on boot will suffice -  if you get
a cheap pair of either type, somewhat "largish",  from  Walmart (or even a "ladies" size from Goodwill),
and scuff them up well, it will be hard to distinguish them from an authentic boot.

Whilst it is important that they are comfortable for him, Since it is not likely he will wear them much, and he will probably go through a pair every year for some time,  I might suggest "cheap is good" .

yhs
prof marvel

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

I agree with Tascosa and Letty ... as far as I am concerned, anyone who will get thieir child to wear near reenactor's clothes has a pretty good relationship with his kid ... and as long as both of them are trying, it;s gotta be good ... and the Ropers are a good reenactor's  boot  ... actually, alot of people out here wear them when their ankles will not go unsupported (as in Cowboy Boots) all day ...

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi again,

Restructuring since my original post froze some how...

My thought was that many shoe/boot places have an in-house repair shop or are aligned with an outside one .... and rather than paying extra money to have that flag removed, You are the customer (and the customer is always right, right?) .... so I would make removal of the 'flag' by their shop a condition of sale ... and put the onus of guarantee on their shoulders  ....

TTFN,

[Coyote Hunter]

Thanks Folks, this ios a great help. Most pics I find seem to be parlor pics with their Sunday best on, so we will get on the ball today and see what we can find.

He is really big on playing with us, so this year we are puitting him to "work".

CH

[River City John]

www.stacyadams.com/shop/styles/mensShoes/brocktonOriginals/page0.html;jsessionid=53f6e26396949560ac34099726f3

Stacy Adams "Madison" shoe has been around since 1875. The "Dayton" is good for 1890's.

RCJ

[Major 2]

http://www.fugawee.com/kids.htm

scroll down for our era

[Tascosa Joe]

To remove the flag, all you have to do is unlace the boot.  The flag is threaded on the lace.

[Tascosa Joe]

The fugawee shoes are just as cheap as Ropers or cheaper, unless you live 10 miles from the Justin Outlet like I do.

[Delmonico]

Just so everyone knows that fringed piece of leather on the lace of some boots is called a kiltie. 

[Coyote Hunter]

We just got back from buying him some Justin roper boots and I see the link to the brogans that are PC. DARN!
They are cheaper than the ropers we just bought....BUT>>>>>now I have a reference to get him something as he wears these out!

Thanks!

[Stu Kettle]

Just so everyone knows that fringed piece of leather on the lace of some boots is called a kiltie. 

And is it supposed to serve some purpose, or just look stupid?

[Delmonico]

And is it supposed to serve some purpose, or just look stupid?

Depends on if you like they way they look, don't care for them myself but there are some that seem to like them.  Toss a few bolt, nuts and washers into the saddle bag and you have some leather to fix a hole in a stock tank if you need to.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

www.stacyadams.com/shop/styles/mensShoes/brocktonOriginals/page0.html;jsessionid=53f6e26396949560ac34099726f3

Stacy Adams "Madison" shoe has been around since 1875. The "Dayton" is good for 1890's.

RCJ

Pretty flash stuff!  Maybe his Daddy is one of the Town Fathers and can afford big person shoe prices

[Major 2]

We just got back from buying him some Justin roper boots and I see the link to the brogans that are PC. DARN!
They are cheaper than the ropers we just bought....BUT>>>>>now I have a reference to get him something as he wears these out!

Thanks!

sorry I wasn't faster on the draw

[River City John]

Pretty flash stuff!  Maybe his Daddy is one of the Town Fathers and can afford big person shoe prices

As with most things, E-bay is a great source for finding bargains.

RCJ