Boots boots boots

[Malachi]

Holy Smokes I can't recommend these guys enough.
http://www.catskillmoccasins.com/
They are custom molded to your foot and calf. Will cost you a little bit, but will least forever. One of the guys at our last kilt night in Dallas was wearing a pair he'd had for 12 years and hasn't needed them to be resoled until this year. The leather is breathable, no wearing of socks, the foot is lined. They are completely machine washable. In fact it is recommended to wash your shoes once a year.

I will be buying a pair next ren faire season. The pair I tried on was the most comfortable thing I've put on my foot.

Sorry sounds like I'm advertising for them, but really they are truly a great shoe and have been used in quite a few movies.

Medieval Moccasins are also good. Not as sturdy of a sole, but easily replaced.

I finally bought myself a pair of Catskill moccs, these are without a doubt the most comfortable footwear that I have ever owned. They can be quite pricey, I paid $ 900 for mine by the time I finished customizing all of the options that I wanted on them. They look absolutely stunning with my great kilt. I have a natural flap at the top of my 10 button moccs (much like what you were asking about regarding the "pirate style boot") and I think that it looks really nice in a kilt.

If I ever get a "round to it" I will take some pics and post them.

[Caradoc]

Just for some perspective, I have owned a pair of Sodhoppers and they are the absolute worst custom made moccs that I have owned. There is a reason they are the cheapest you can find.

Odd. When was this?

I've got a pair of SodHoppers that are a little over twelve years old now, and they're still in perfect condition (they've been resoled once, and they're on their second set of laces, but both of those problems are entirely my fault.)

Paul was incredibly friendly and responsive both times I've communicated with him.

[GlassMan]

I think it will look a bit odd

That's my worry too. I tend towards a more conservative style of dress, so I stick mostly to traditional tartan kilts, hose & flashes, etc. Even when I'm wearing my black UK, I just don't like the way I look with my old lace-up firefighter's uniform boots on. It's more of a cutting edge and tough look. I see myself wearing those (especially my heavy, fire-resistant boots) and I look like I'm spoiling for a fight (at least to my eyes). Problem is that those boots provide the best support for my bad lower leg. I just don't get that kind of support with my ghillies or other low-toped dress shoes that go well with the rest of my clothing style.

I thinking of the dress riding boots just because they are great support (actually going even higher on the leg) and are dressier than my other boots.



I'm just so worried about spending that much money on a pair of boots only to find that I don't like the way I look.

Maybe foxhunting boots instead. They have a neat "cuff" on top.



You wouldn't believe how much those darn things cost!

[JRB]

Just for some perspective, I have owned a pair of Sodhoppers and they are the absolute worst custom made moccs that I have owned. There is a reason they are the cheapest you can find.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with your moccasins. I've had my Sodhoppers for just over 4 years and have worn them hiking on many occasions. Mine are super comfortable and extremely well put together. I tried on similar moccasins from a few other makers, including Catskill Mountain Moccasins, and decided to go with the Sodhoppers because I could find no advantage (in quality or comfort) to any of the more expensive companies' products. Plus, there was a 6 month wait for Catskil Mountain Moccasins and they were going to cost twice as much.

[Malachi]

I bought my sodhoppers over 8 or 9 years ago, they are black buffalo with natural elk trim. The sole is vibram lug. I have worn them hunting, hiking, and for historical reenacting while in costume. Everytime that I wore them, I would end up by the end of the day with very sore feet, especially my toes. The toe of the boot tapers too much over my toes restricting their movement. The only other major issue with the moccs is that while they are about mid calf, they tend to sag after wearing them with much activity.

So like I said this is my personal experience with them. Obviously there are those that own them and are very happy with them. I am just not one of them.

On the other hand I absolutely love my Catskill Mountain Moccasins. They are everything that my sodhoppers are not. They were definitely much more expensive, but to me very much worth the added expense.

[Malachi]

That's my worry too. I tend towards a more conservative style of dress, so I stick mostly to traditional tartan kilts, hose & flashes, etc. Even when I'm wearing my black UK, I just don't like the way I look with my old lace-up firefighter's uniform boots on. It's more of a cutting edge and tough look. I see myself wearing those (especially my heavy, fire-resistant boots) and I look like I'm spoiling for a fight (at least to my eyes). Problem is that those boots provide the best support for my bad lower leg. I just don't get that kind of support with my ghillies or other low-toped dress shoes that go well with the rest of my clothing style.

I thinking of the dress riding boots just because they are great support (actually going even higher on the leg) and are dressier than my other boots.



I'm just so worried about spending that much money on a pair of boots only to find that I don't like the way I look.

Maybe foxhunting boots instead. They have a neat "cuff" on top.



You wouldn't believe how much those darn things cost!

You know, those boots don't look bad at all. Are these all custom made? Have you looked for a place that retails them so that you could try them on while dressed as you want to be while wearing them? If that is possible that is what I would try.

[Raphael]

My favourite boots: Blundstone, Doc Marten and New Rock

[fluter]

You know, those boots don't look bad at all. Are these all custom made? Have you looked for a place that retails them so that you could try them on while dressed as you want to be while wearing them? If that is possible that is what I would try.

That is a good idea! GlassMan is fairly close to horse country, so I'm sure he can find some expert advice.

[MacMoose]

I've been wearing my Medievel Moccasins Knee High Ghillie boots (in a medium brown color) for a few years now. In warmer weather, I wear them sockless, but on the odd day in NC where it is cool, I toss a pair of kilt hose on under the boots...both ways, very comfortable. There have been comments on the soles, and I concur, they are a bit flimsy, but htey are easily upgraded or replaced. I get lots of compliments on them.

[Alan H]

Personally I went down to the local Big-5 sports and got black cordura "Utility" boots...what the UPS drivers wear, kind of like that, for $25.

Works for me and my wallet.