Reenactors Shoes

**Dixiecat** · 3rd September 09, 10:47 AM

http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/pr...D&No=48&page=3

Not sure if this board is the proper place, but I saw these shoes and thought some reenactors might be interested.

**sirdaniel1975** · 3rd September 09, 11:05 AM

Thank you for posting that link!

**Woodsheal** · 3rd September 09, 02:16 PM

Those look like modern dancing "ghillies" with thick soles! For affordable period shoes, here's a good source:

http://www.fugawee.com/

If your heart is set on the highland moccasins known as "cuarans" these are just about perfect (with a thin sole added for comfort):

http://www.arrowmoc.com/pt.html

**Dixiecat** · 4th September 09, 01:17 PM

Those look like modern dancing "ghillies" with thick soles! For affordable period shoes

Nothing wrong with that as I've been given to understand that this 'modern' style goes back some hundred years.

And these have a very comfortable sole for those that need it.

**Woodsheal** · 4th September 09, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

Nothing wrong with that as I've been given to understand that this 'modern' style goes back some hundred years.

And these have a very comfortable sole for those that need it.

At least a hundred years! Probably well over 150, but I would still consider that "modern." Most highland reenactors are doing portrayals from the 17th and 18th centuries. In that timeframe, the moccasin-type footwear ("cuarans") looked like this, often with the hair left on the hide, as shown:

Highland army soldiers of course wore hard-soled shoes, usually with buckles but sometimes lace-up....

**JRB** · 4th September 09, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

...the moccasin-type footwear ("cuarans") looked like this, often with the hair left on the hide, as shown:

....

To get historically accurate shoes like that you pretty much have to make them yourself. I haven't seen anything like that from any historic shoe source. They remind me of some Viking age shoes.

**zenney19** · 5th September 09, 05:30 AM

does the top of the toe have a nother peice of mateiral or is it the sides laced together?

**JRB** · 5th September 09, 05:48 AM

That is leather lacing.

**The Laird of Glen Lean** · 5th September 09, 12:46 PM

Right folks hear goes, This guy is good, bit no web site as yet, but can be contacted by E mail at,
geo.lawrence@blueyonder.co.uk
Give him a try. He's based in Perth Scotland.
Slainte.

**Dixiecat** · 7th September 09, 09:20 PM

I was posting the information for people who needed the 'look' as well as the modern support.

I've been involved with people who do reenactments and not all can wear the period shoe without discomfort. Take the posting in that light, I have no need of the history lesson, but thanks.