Another foorwear question

[Hambone Dave]

It is difficult to find authentic boots locally and I don't want to go back and forth via shipping. Boots are always hard to fit and I can't think how hard if you can't try them on.

If your character portrayal allows....how about moccasins. They certainly would be legal if portraying an Indian but what about a Army scout of a rancher?

Anybody doing this out there?

[Grenadier]

I think it would be an odd situation for a white person to be sporting moccasins in the late 19th century. Have you considered traveling to a larger Civil War re-enactment? Occasionally there are "sutlers" who sell better quality footwear at these events. I would suggest staying far away from anything imported from Asia.

[St. George]

You might want to give up some personal inconvenience and 'talk' to a supplier, first.

They'll have you do a tracing of your feet, so an accurate size can be measured - some will even ship you a little kit, so you can make a mold.

The 'Shooter's Boots' supplied by 'The Fort' - in Lincoln, Nebraska - seem to have an excellent track record for fitting most folks well - they - and many, many suppliers have been discussed here, before - so look for the threads.

As to an Army Scout persona - the kind you're thinking of - the 'colorful old man'  - if he existed at all, existed in the early days and was a hanger-on from the fur trapper era.

Army Scouts were Contract employees for the Army - they dressed like their white contemporaries, and there are threads on them, as well.

Look through the 'back pages' on this Forum and in the 'NCOWS' Forum - you'll get all sorts of ideas.

Scouts Out!

[boilerplatejackson]

I bought a pair of COWS boots from a dealer that had them priced to sell. She said she was tired of selling them and then
having folks send them back because they did not fit the foot size they were made for. So I tried them on (size 11) and
found them to be very roomy, but the foot length was correct. Then a light bulb came on in my head, and I thought why not fill up that extra room with another pair of socks on. I bought them at $100.00 like new and they are extremely comfortable to wear
with two pairs of socks. You might keep that in mind when shopping for 2 piece boots.

[Major 2]

In another thread Boiler Plate Jackson posted a link to the treasure trove of the Arabia, this photo seems appropriate

[James Hunt]

Ixney  on the white guy in moccasins route, for the reasons stated by St. George.

Have you had a bad experience with a custom boot maker? If not, I think you are worrying a bit much, custom makers are interested in your happiness, that is how they make their living. Commercial suppliers like the Fort likewise. Attending a CW event and walking sutler's row is a sound idea, plenty of brogans, and Cav boots - caution on the later from some suppliers. Be sure of your time period and what you want your boots to look like.

Missouri Boot and Shoe has a great reputation for satisfying customers. I have had good luck with Robert Land. Follow the instructions and you should not have a problem with a custom maker, and you will have a pair of boots that are accurate down to the last stitch, wear them in pride. patience for delivery required, but you would have them for the start of the summer season.

Take your time, research, be sure of what you want, and buy quality once. Quality bought once is always the cheapest route. Unlike the rest of us who have a closet full of boots, beginning with inexpensive and then working our way up to what we really wanted in the first place.

[buckskin billy]

I have a very narrow foot and it is hard for me to buy boots as well.
I got me a pair of cavalry boots from http://snowcreekboots.com/. and they fit me like a glove. very well made and authenic .
he tells you how to measure your foot, ankles and calves. im sure other custom boot makers do just as good. but like what has already been said you'll have a bit of a wait, but its worth it in the long run.
as far as mocs go, I also do fur trade re-enacting and the mocs that are period correct you just can't go and buy. they will have to be custom made for you as well. and as one of the original old timers said " wearing mocs is just a fancy way of going barefooted"