Shopping for shoes... leads appreciated

[kproche]

The one thing I haven't found for my White Star Lines able seaman's uniform is a good pair of shoes. In period descriptions of the uniforms issued at the time, one finds "1 pair of black half-boots, 1 pair of black leather shoes and 1 pair brown canvas shoes" (the last to be worn only when the captain gave permission.

On the one hand, I can fake it again with a pair of black walking shoes. On the other hand, jaylake recently posted a link to a photo of sailors aboard the USS Oregon in 1897, and, wonder of wonders, you could actually SEE one of the "half boots" (I'm operating on the assumption that the US and British sailors' uniforms would likely have similar shoes, as everyone was copying everyone else).

Period uniform half-boot (1897) This is a detail from a photo of a boxing match on the USS Oregon in 1897. (http://www.shorpy.com/node/8059) While it's 15 years before the Titanic and American rather than British, it's a fair bet that this is the style of shoe I need to find.

A search of various and sundry establishments yielded nothing very close to this, but the suggestion from two different helpful salespeople to try the factory outlets in Gilroy, as similar styles were popular two years ago. (There's nothing old that isn't new again, at least until it goes out of fashion another time...)

If any of you in LJ-land have spotted something like this recently (I wear a men's 7.5 or women's 9, European size 40.5), let me know.

We leave for Milwaukee the night of May 5, so I have to have them in hand by then.

Comments

[vesper2000.livejournal.com]

That style of boot is regularly being made in westernwear - check http://www.sierratradingpost.com or anyplace that sells Ropers or Tony Lama, maybe even Redwing.

[vesper2000.livejournal.com]

Oi, yes, something like this maybe:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/445,2127C_Twisted-X-Lacer-Boots-Leather-For-Men.html

Shopping for shoes... leads appreciated

[iamradar.livejournal.com]

Have you tried the vintage clothing shops in Alameda? With the Naval station there, the shops may have some leftover materials from former servicefolks.

[gamingkitty.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen anything in a store, but a friend of mine found a couple links that might work.

http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/mens_shoes.php

http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/boots/mensshoe.html

There's several modern ankle boot styles that look like they have a single tie to close -- they might be adaptable, but there's probably not enough time to do so.

[yourbob.livejournal.com]

Might also try one of those Gentleman's stores, the kind stuffy businessmen and their grandfathers buy shoes.

[voidampersand.livejournal.com]

These boots (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8160710.stm) are close, but not low enough, and the eyelets stand out too much. Searching for "half boots" was not very productive. Lots of hiking boots, cowboy boots, and zip-up boots. There were some Ben Shermans that looked okay, but they shipped from the UK. Searching for "men's lace-up dress boots" found these: Stacy Adams Madison Dress Boots (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/Stacy-Adams-Madison-Dress-Boots.aspx?a=575182&kwtid=310753), Fratelli 2264 (http://www.zappos.com/fratelli-2264-black-leather). The Madison has a leather sole. The Fratelli has a rubber sole, but it isn't too chunky.

[jadecat9.livejournal.com]

Try Joann Peterson's Sacramento Goods store.

[jadecat9.livejournal.com]

http://www.saccitydrygoods.com/category-s/25.htm

http://www.saccitydrygoods.com/Stacy-Adams-Madison-Men-s-Lace-Up-Boots-p/saw-00044.htm

[spammagnet.livejournal.com]

I've seen a look like this more often in Women's boots. Not seeing much of anything that a) lacks a toe cap b) has pointed toes AND c) has that rounded intersection between the shaft and the upper. That last one I haven't seen at all!

I've made avoiding the toe cap and the modern waffle soles a priority, as those can be the most immediately obvious thing about boots to a casual observer (or at least this casual observer). Other than c, this <http://www.ssense.com/women/product/ted_baker/arvine_boots/22185?utm_source=pricegrabber&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=22185> is a hopeful sign that things are out there. For an inexpensive stopgap, you might go with this <http://www.womanwithin.com/clothing/leather-turn-down-collar-bootie-by-step-up-comfort.aspx?pfid=52548&deptid=9372&producttypeid=1&purchasetype=0> and turn the cuff up (yes, I know, the toe is rounded).

My personal suggestion, though is that you ask a reference librarian, if you can find one who's not being run ragged at that minute. They exist for obscure questions. Just don't tell them I sent you. :-)

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

I HAVE a pair of black lace-up roper boots in a women's 9 that ought to fit you. Since I popped the bunion on my right foot, they're not as good a fit on me as they once were.

[kproche.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... those might work (thanks for emailing the photo!). I also just posted the photos from the weekend's explorations in a new post.

I'm also really tempted by the black Twisted X lacers ( http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/2127C,21,_Twisted-X-Lacer-Boots-Leather-For-Men.html )

I'd trim the little fluffy bit off, of course :-)

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Wow, I used to have a pair that looked a lot like that when I was still riding. The kilties (the fringed bit) can be taken off - it's just threaded through the laces.

[shipofools999.livejournal.com]

Well, you set off a couple hour internet search which has entertained me. I feel like I know these shoes and they should be everywhere.

I found lots that look close but not quite it. The boots at the gentlemansemporium and riverjunction look great.

If you want to walk in to buy shoes instead of order via internet due to time constraints, I suggest an Equestrian shop. I found a lot of possibilities under Paddock Boots. They come closer than the X-lacers. Since there were so many options for these, I put them at the end.

For a better picture of the Stacy Adams boot
http://www.shoebuy.com/stacy-adams-madison-boot/914/100528

From military store:
http://quanticoboot.com/qb/detail.aspx?ID=965
Higher shaft from military stores:
http://store.militaryspot.com/G_I_STYLE_STEEL_TOE_COMBAT_BOOT_p/rc5092.htm
http://quanticoboot.com/qb/detail.aspx?ID=52
http://quanticoboot.com/qb/detail.aspx?ID=857

Equestrian boots"
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=5841
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=LA-38504&tid=shopngSALE&CATALOG_CODE=1X832&EID=X1832001&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=39&zmap=LA-38504
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=LA-38542&tid=shopngCLS&CATALOG_CODE=1X832&EID=X1832001&zmam=1460880&zmas=1&zmac=39&zmap=LA-38542&bhcd2=1272438678
http://millerharness.com/product.aspx?p=X4-38505&sid=shopz&CATALOG_CODE=DX809&EID=X4809001&zmam=1460880&zmas=3&zmac=44&zmap=X4-38505
http://www.equestriancollections.com/product.asp?groupcode=ER90036
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=4780
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=86
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=6255
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=5086
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=6391
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16_1246&products_id=5010
http://www.lexingtonhorse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_26&products_id=5528

[kproche.livejournal.com]

I went with the Lacers because they don't have a toe cap, and because the toes are more pointed than the ropers (or any of the shoes I found in shops).
They also have a relatively thin sole, and definitely don't have a waffle sole (which would totally mess with the period vibe).
I figured that was the closest I would get to the period shoe (they'd have nails for traction in the sole if they had anything rather than the waffle soles we have now).

The paddock boots, while nice, *all* had toe caps.

They're due for delivery tomorrow. Hope they fit :-)