Boot Taps/Plates

Shotgun Franklin · October 11, 2014, 08:11:01 PM

I have a brand new pair of Civil War era type boots. I do intend on wearing them on occasion. I'd like to add plates at the heel to get more wear out of'm. So, when did plates on shoe heels or soles first appear? I've seen some kinda horse shoe looking Military plates but no info on when they were used. According to Dobie, Ben Lilley nailed donkey shoes to the soles of his shoes to get more wear out of'm. anyone know or have info?

Mogorilla · October 11, 2014, 08:55:14 PM

I do not have a reference, but I have seen the horseshoe types listed for the Civil War.

pony express · October 11, 2014, 10:14:37 PM

My brogans came to me with the horseshoe shaped ones installed.

Shotgun Franklin · October 11, 2014, 10:44:07 PM

Thanks

Delmonico · October 15, 2014, 05:57:41 PM

To be honest, I've seen somewhere some from before Christ, not sure where now, but it sure ain't a real new idea.

St. George · October 15, 2014, 10:23:19 PM

No, it's an old idea - like hobnails.

The 'problem' with both is twofold - walking on an icy surface and walking on an indoor wooden floor.

They 'really' want to slip on the ice, and become skates, and they 'will' dig into the wood of a floor, so be careful.

You might find a set from a Civil War sutler.

Scouts Out!

cavsgt · October 16, 2014, 06:50:31 AM

IMHO Weight the cost of new heels against the cost of a fall. Took mine off after the second fall at one event. As mentioned don't wear them in the house or your wife will point out how she now gets a new floor. Outside besides ice you also have to look for wet grass, black top and rocks.

They as mentioned are authentic but do not fit our world well.

Major 2 · October 16, 2014, 06:57:53 AM

Tile & marble floors are a Wreck gonna happen...with them !
even on smooth concrete you'll be doing a split.

On the other hand, leather heel & soles will kill you on damp grass and don't even try loose fallen leaves .... or you'll join them !

Books OToole · October 16, 2014, 09:29:02 AM

Quote from: Major 2 on October 16, 2014, 06:57:53 AM
Tile & marble floors are a Wreck gonna happen...with them !

Like wearing cleats in the shower.

Don't ask.

Books

St. George · October 16, 2014, 09:38:16 AM

Talk to your cobbler and have him put rubber half-soles and heels on - they're safer, by far, 'especially' in grass.

Scouts Out!

Will Ketchum · October 16, 2014, 10:58:15 AM

Quote from: Major 2 on October 16, 2014, 06:57:53 AM
Tile & marble floors are a Wreck gonna happen...with them !
even on smooth concrete you'll be doing a split.

On the other hand, leather heel & soles will kill you on damp grass and don't even try loose fallen leaves .... or you'll join them !

Exactly why I stopped wearing leather soles at shoots although in the early days I took some grief. Safety over historically corect. Leter it was shown rubber soles had been around for some time.

Will Ketchum

Don Nix · October 16, 2014, 01:49:08 PM

I'll have to tell you a story about some Gypsies wearing horseshoe taps when I was in Jr High. It involves a long waxed hallway with a thirty foot ramp and some surgical tubing shooting paper clips.

Shotgun Franklin · October 16, 2014, 06:56:31 PM

I got a set of the type worn on the heel in the War. I'm not putting anything on the front. I live in South Texas, we get snow every 10 years or so, I think I'll be OK. I may have to learn to walk like John Wayne, toe first.

Delmonico · October 16, 2014, 07:24:23 PM

Quote from: Will Ketchum on October 16, 2014, 10:58:15 AM
Exactly why I stopped wearing leather soles at shoots although in the early days I took some grief. Safety over historically corect. Leter it was shown rubber soles had been around for some time.

Will Ketchum

Naw, it was well known among some, but others didn't want to admit it or had never paid any attention to Charles Goodyear.

Bet some of them were taking historically incorrect meds at the same time.

pony express · October 16, 2014, 09:36:55 PM

My Brogans just have the heel plate, and I have to be REALLY careful if I go inside with them. But since our range is mostly gravel, I don't think the leather heels with no plate would last too long.

Shotgun Franklin · October 17, 2014, 10:10:21 AM

These boots are for work or riding, I'll just need to take'm off at my door. My cabin has the laminated wood floors.

Blair · October 17, 2014, 04:37:31 PM

Shotgun Franklin,

Save yourself some cost!
If you are on horse back, what do you need iron/steel shod footwear for? Save that for the horse.
If you are in the work place, iron/steel shod foot wear makes for a slip hazard! Some work area prohibit iron/steel foot wear.
Just a thought on my part.
My best,
Blair

Shotgun Franklin · October 17, 2014, 10:41:53 PM

My work area ain't like that, if you're on FaceBook look up San Antonio Western Shooting. I continue to live the dream.

Blair · October 18, 2014, 02:31:34 PM

Dear Sir,

I truly hope the choices you make now, "living the dream" saves you from any serious injury.
But, that choice is purely up to you at this point!
My best,
Blair

G.W. Strong · October 22, 2014, 11:05:45 AM

I wear them along with hobnails on my WWI and WWII German boots. they work fine if you know where your center of balance is. However all bets are off on tile floors. and My wife has a few colorful things to say about them in relation to our kitchen floor.