Shoes-A question

[tough_going]

I'm looking to purchase a pair of shoes for my Confederate impression, and want to know if the US brogans supplied by the fall creek sutlery are acceptbale? Let me know what you think, I'll post a link.. Sorry, a little new to this hobby.
http://www.fcsutler.com/fcshoes.asp
Brent A. Hamilton

[paulcalloway]

Brent -
Welcome to the Authentic Campaigner - a web site for the authentic Civil War Living Historian. Emphasis on the word authentic.

The quick answer to your question is no, Fall Creek is not a good source for your shoes.

The longer answer has a lot to do with the authenticity of the materials used, the patterns employed and the techniques or craftsmanship required to make a pair of authentic shoes. And that answer doesn't just apply to shoes - it also applies to shirts, coats, trousers, etc.

And as far as shoes go, that whole battlefield pickup mentality is way overdone. Research plainly indicates that the overwhelming majority of southern soldiers wore shoes manufactured in the South or in England.

We maintain a detailed list of Approved Vendors (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/links)here and we strongly encourage you to utilize these vendors and buy the right gear now, rather than buying the cheap stuff that only bears a passing resemblance to the gear and clothing an actual soldier of the 1860s might have worn.

Read: For the Beginning Reenactor, Before You Buy a Thing (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1080).

[tough_going]

What should I be willing to pay for a pair? Or in other words, what is a good price range of what to expect?

[paulcalloway]

I'd plan at around $150. Been awhile since I priced shoes but I'm pretty sure thats in the ballpark.

[tough_going]

alright, doesn't sound too bad, my only concern is I'm 16, and as such am still growing, so I want to buy something that will last me more than a year....
Brent Hamilton

[paulcalloway]

Brent -
Are you in a unit already?

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Brent, lad...

You may also want to consider shopping for unworn new shoes or "used by degree" used shoes at reduced prices. (or any item of clothing or gear, for that matter)
At times, the price you would pay for brand new "unauthentic" items can equal or be close to the price for (unwanted) new, or gently used, or used "authentic" kit.

Curt

[tough_going]

no, I'm just a freelancer who really enjoys the Civil War and would like to get into reenacting. I've been to a couple of events, and even have some gear, but I'm starting to want to get more serious. I don't have a unit affiliation.

[JWKellum]

Brent,

You might check Carter & Jasper in the approved vendor section. I think they have some shoes in stock and Chris is a super good guy to deal with. Good Luck and Best Regards,

[Secesh]

Greetings,
There's nothing worse, or more painful, than being stuck with a poorly made pair of brogans on your feet for an entire event! Haunt this site, specifically the Buy & Sell forum...You will find authentic gear at fair prices. Best regards.

[Danimal29]

no, I'm just a freelancer who really enjoys the Civil War and would like to get into reenacting. I've been to a couple of events, and even have some gear, but I'm starting to want to get more serious. I don't have a unit affiliation.

Brent,

This advise has been offered time and again on this forum, but it never hurts to offer it up again. Take one step at a time. First, find a unit to join and then have some one within that unit assist you in picking out your kit. I was once a teen and new to the hobby just like yourself, but if you follow this advise it will save you a good bit of $$$$. Some units have specific guidelines so even if you purchased authentic gear it may not be the "correct" authentic gear for the unit you decide to join.

[unclefrank]

Not on the "Approved Vendors list"

http://www.civilwarboots.com/

But few here would not approve.

[WestTN_reb]

Robert Land has some really good prices on what I'm told are some excellent shoes. You might check around, sometimes "word of mouth" craftsmen working out of their garage,etc. have some really good stuff. For instance, I'm trying to track down a gent in Alabama who hand sews jackets, and does good work, too.

BTW: Be wary on the Buy, Sell, & Trade forum, because so-and-so's size 10 may not be the same as your size 10. This is especially true if you're like me and your foot is almost as wide as it is long.:wink_smil

[milo1047]

Like the rest of these fine gentlemen have said: Do some research and find a unti before you buy anything! I was in your position three years ago and ended up buying some not so gear before I knew the difference.

Good Luck!

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

" First, find a unit to join and then have some one within that unit assist you in picking out your kit."

Excellent advice to kit out to unit standards.

But IMHO, first be sure that your personal Mental Picture at least "matches" the unit you choose to join. (Too far below, too far above, creates.... problems.)
Meaning, different units on the F/M/C/P/H/A Paradigm have different levels of standards.

And, in passing...

IMHO, be sure that the "one within the unit" is competent to quote the standards, give advice, and direct and assist in purchases.
Meaning, in some units or groups, many a lad has been taken to Sutlers' Row only to later regret it.

Curt
Putting on the broken record Mantra of striving to be an educated customer and informed consumer Mess

[DJCasey]

I bought a pair of used Missouri Boat and Shoe brogans off of this site. I've used them two years and they still have a ton of life in them. They were basically brand new (maybe broken in a little for me). I think I paid $70.00. For less then the FC sutler junk I got an authentic shoe that will probably last me longer as they are quality made, despite being used. Watch for people selling and be patient, something will come up. And keep asking questions and doing research.

[Fenianboy]

Our unit depends heavily on the Robert Land shoes both in early War and the late War brass grommeted model.Comfortable,durable and historically correct,you can't go wrong.Sprios usually has a fair sized selection at G-burg. Bud

[Johan Steele]

You have already been given some outstanding advice. I would above all else look for a unit on the C/P/H side and see if someone is willing to mentor you. Many a time I will wager you can find used gear and discounted new gear because it's been bought in some quantity.

The one thing that is most important is being willing to listen... and willing to let preconceptions go by the wayside. Falling prey to a re-enactorism or Lost Causerism is humiliating... trust me.

Look for men the caliber of Terry Sorchy, Dan May and others who are willing to help.

Lurk, listen and learn... and read alot. Too many are unwilling to offer that outstretched hand to the new blood and searching, lurking and listening before asking can eliminate many a hard question. Understanding how little you really do know can be a milestone and a humbling experiance. The more I learn the more I know how little I really know.

I'm a sucker for Missouri Boot & shoe...

[bhutton]

Brent,

When I bought my 1st pair of Brogans , I didn't know what I was doing either and subsequently wasted money on bad imitations , I have since bought a pair of Federal Jefferson Bootees from Missouri Boot and Shoe Company and they are excellent , fit well and look like the real deal.
I've had excellent results and service with all the Approved Vendors on the AC website and have replaced my 'Sutler Row' mistakes with more authentic items.
Research before you buy , you will save in the long run .

Good Luck
Bob Hutton 67th NYVI 1st Long Island

[VaTrooper]

Our unit depends heavily on the Robert Land shoes both in early War and the late War brass grommeted model.Comfortable,durable and historically correct,you can't go wrong.Sprios usually has a fair sized selection at G-burg. Bud


I had the pleasure of setting up beside Robert last weekend at September Storm. Not only does he make a fine product but he's a good guy to hang around and talk to.

[toptimlrd]

no, I'm just a freelancer who really enjoys the Civil War and would like to get into reenacting. I've been to a couple of events, and even have some gear, but I'm starting to want to get more serious. I don't have a unit affiliation.

Brent,

Before dropping a dime on anything, you need to find a unit. Each unit will have specific requirements about the uniform and equipment so you buying what you think is right may not work with the impression you eventually end up doing. Freelancers are seldom welcome unless they have contacted the unit they fall in with ahead of time or are well known to that unit. If you notice, many of the events posted here are "by invitation only" which basically means that if you do not get clearance before you get to the site either through knowing some folks involved in the event or belong to a gorup known to meet the criteria you don't go. that I do occasionally fall in with different units at some events but these are usually "sister" units to my home units and are folks I reenact with often.

Also if I may give some friendly advice before you get run over by the bus. Questions such as "who makes the best widget, or how much does said widget cost?" are not generally tolerated by some here on this site. What the Authentic Campaigner is designed for is experienced living historians to discuss their research and findings. All are welcome to browse the work here and you will find an AMAZING wealth of knowledge. As a newcomer to the hobby think of it like you being a Freshman in college and you somhow ended up in a class of graduate students. You are expected to already have a strong background in the hobby and the history from earlier experience and already have the basics down. This is not to be rude or condescending but it is simply based on what the forum is about.

Mods, I hope I can post this here, if not feel free to delete this portion of my post. Understand I am not trying to scare you away, but just the opposite, I am trying to make your experience here as enjoyable as possible. I will reccomend another site for you if you wish to ask these entry level questions and get good answers. Try: http://commonground.aceboard.com/ That board was set up as a more "undergraduate" type site.

[tough_going]

thanks for the info guys, you've been most helpful

[robwall1861]

Brent,

I was 16 when I bought my shoes from Jarnagin, (US Brogans, as I was doing a Union impression at the time; now I do both sides and wear my brogans for both sides). I was size 13 then so I had to pay extra for the larger foot size, but my feet have been constant since then and at age 25, I am still a size 13.

That being said, first find a unit...then buy your shoes, uniform, etc, (same line of thought as these fine folks). Robert Land is a great guy for those. I have a friend who recently bought a pair from him and he loves them.

Good luck and welcome to the hobby.

Sincerely,

[Slouch]

Many manufacturers of reproduction shoes talk the talk, but few walk the walk. Best thing to do is find pictures of originals and compare those pics with the repreductions being offered. Many reproduction shoes hailed by authentic units suffer from modern day heel sizes and wide, thick soles.

Shoes are the worst problem for authentic reenactors, as few makers come close, and even fewer hit the (hob)nail on the head. Some of my pards have actually had to rebuild "authentic" reproductions to solve the oversized heel/sole problem.

[cwilson]

Brent,

Off the topic of shoes, if you are looking for some quality units in your area please contact me off forum. I live in Cordele, not 40 miles away from you, and would be happy to recommend a few units that are near you. you can e-mail me at cmw199@yahoo.com

Best wishes,

Chadd

[rick atwood]

Brent,

I will ditto the above post. By the way you are in the heart of Armory Guards country. How Coatsy missed you as a potential recruit I'll never know.

Anyway, find a unit as everything hinges on that. They may also have loaner gear available.

Best of luck,

Rick Atwood

[Coatsy]

Brent sent a PM to you.