Talbot's Medieval Ankle Boots

Sturdy construction in top quality leather Style based on original 14th c. finds Designed as a fine compromise between authenticity, function and cost by longtime expert in medieval accessories, Doug Strong of Talbots. Each pair is complete with Brass Buckles cast from period originals Extra thick soles for durability Substantial, but pliable leather for that medieval, "hand tanned" period look Available in Black and Golden Brown Sizes 4 - 14 - based on Mens sizes (women order 2 sizes smaller)  Please note- If you are looking for our original boots in colors or previous womens sizes please see our Closeout Original Boots page! Optional Vibram rubber sole (+$35) for better traction Price- $94.95   About Our Ankle Boots Our nailed ankle boot takes its inspiration from 14th-15th century boots found in the Netherlands, particularly drawing on examples excavated in Dortrect, Holland. The Netherlands were a major mercantile and fashion center in this period, and this is reflected by the extreme similarity of these shoes to numerous examples found in England and throughout Western and Central Europe. The brass buckles are direct copies of a surviving buckle of a type in use from 1150-1450. Pay particular attention to the shape of the toe. This was of a rather specific shape in the period, and many, off-the-rack reconstructions often fail to replicate it properly.

Two views of our New Premium Ankle Boots in Golden Brown

We have made one concession to modern feet in the nailed sole, which, while anachronistic, provides a thicker sole and more supportive boot. It is also ideal for mounting a high-traction sole vibram for customers engaging in SCA or reenactment combat. The brass buckles allows a secure and comfortable fit through the foot and ankle. For this style we chose a supple leather with a pebbled leather finish for a period look. Even better, they are also extremely comfortable to wear with little or no breaking-in necessary! Please note the pebble finish varies as the hides the shoes are made from naturally vary. Meant to coordinate with our popular leather belts, our ankle boots come in a deep black, and a rich golden brown and are now available in sizes 6-14 based on mens sizes (women should order 2 sizes smaller). The leather is pebbled; pebbling ranges from a generally smooth surface to a heavily pebbled one - a natural result of the tanning process - but is generally consistent within a pair of shoes.

As many modern feet are not used to the softness of period shoes we recommend choosing a size larger than you normally would so as to have plenty of room to add a modern insole. Also, for those needing more support we strongly recommend adding the vibram sole option to your boots. Please note that boots with vibram soles added take an additional 7-10 days to ship and cannot be shipped via expedited methods (Fed Ex).

Source: Olaf Goubitz, Carol van Driel-Murray and Willy Groenman-van Waateringe. Stepping Through Time: Archaeological Footwear form Prehistoric Times until 1800. Zwolle, Netherlands: Stitchig Promotie Archaeologie, 2001.

 

About Talbot's Premium Shoes

Every clothes-horse knows the accessory makes the person; and every reenactor knows that that a beautiful recreation of a period wardrobe immediately falls flat when completed with a pair of moccasins or motor-cycle boots. But for many years, this is all that was available. When Doug created Talbot's Fine Accessories one of his specific goals was getting periods shoes onto people's feet. For years he was a cobbler to the masses, offering affordable turn shoes and nailed boots based on turn shoe patterns. As a teacher, his how-tos were widely distributed and many other North American makers of medieval shoes learned their craft from Doug. In fact, our old shoe line was based a design by one of Doug's students and adapted from one of his earlier patterns. It's truly a small world!

In developing Revival Clothing's premium shoe line Doug has sought to design products that are quintessential examples of a particular period, well-constructed, comfortable and yet-still affordable. No small task, but we think he has succeeded beyond our expectations. We are proud to say that these are the best medieval boots and shoes we have ever offered.

 

A close up view of our cast brass buckles

Top Right: detail of the bottom nailed sole of our ankle boots
Left and Bottom Right: two views of our optional vibram sole