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Post by The Doctor on Jan 7, 2011 10:36:32 GMT -5
I am currently in need of a new pair of fine black boots. While I like the "Paul Revere" Style, I am also very interested in a pair of "Hessians".
Do you have any suggestions as to where I might purchase a quality pair of either?
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Post by esther on Jan 7, 2011 12:24:15 GMT -5
I cannot say enough about the quality of Robert Land's shoes: www.robertlandhistoricshoes.com/servlet/StoreFrontI have a pair of Fugawees and a pair of Robert Land's shoes. From my personal experience, the difference in quality in staggering. My Robert Land shoes (the women's regency walking shoe) were made by hand of fine kid leather. They have a lovely vertical taper to the toe box and look quite delicate. Within a day or two of wearing, the shoe leather had molded to the shape of my foot and they are quite comfortable. They are very light and slipper-like. My Fugawees, on the other hand, are like Frankenstein's shoes in comparison. They are mass-produced, heavy and quite uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They have very large heels that my feet swim in. They are very clunky in comparison to the Robert Land shoes. I'm not sure if any of the boots available on his webste are appropriate or not for you, but I think they are worth taking a look at. He has dragoon boots that are nice looking, but they may be too military. You can get them with a straight cut across the top instead of a french or dragoon cut, which I think would be more suitable for a civilian's riding boots. |
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Post by dawnluckham on Jan 7, 2011 12:31:48 GMT -5
I’m also very impressed with Robert Land’s work. He’s a very nice man. You could contact him and tell him exactly what you’re looking for. In my opinion his product is very reasonably priced for the workmanship you receive.
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Post by esther on Jan 7, 2011 12:51:18 GMT -5
My experience with Robert Land has been nothing but good. The craftsmanship and quality of my shoes is top notch. He did not have the shoes that I wanted in stock in my size, so he made me a pair.
The wait period was only about a month, which I think is quite reasonable for a handmade item such as shoes. Especially considering that they are only a two-man operation making these shoes themselves.
I think the cost is quite reasonable, considering they are handmade. They are "real" shoes with leather soles, unlike many of the plastic or rubber-soled disposable shoes of today. I do not think you could get handmade shoes for his prices elsewhere. His boots are also slightly less expensive than Fugawee's boots.
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Post by Eleanor on Mar 29, 2011 12:35:33 GMT -5
I am curious, good sir, if you ever found your boots, as my husband is also in need of a pair.
Kindly,
~Barbara
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Post by The Doctor on Apr 7, 2011 12:00:59 GMT -5
I have corresponded with Mr. Land and can be in no doubt of his quality and reasonable prices, but he was unable to offer anything in the way of images of his finished product, specifically the Hessians in question.
I am loathe to purchase something I cannot SEE in advance.
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Post by dawnluckham on Apr 7, 2011 12:23:49 GMT -5
I can certainly understand your reluctance to purchase anything you haven’t seen. His son has a very nice (if very worn and broken in) pair of Hessian boots. I wonder if an image of them would work for you and for Mr. Land??? It’s just a thought…
It's not an image of NEW boots, but it would give you an idea of shape, etc.
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Post by The Doctor on Apr 7, 2011 12:30:27 GMT -5
A capital idea! I thank you for your suggestion, I shall contact the elder Land straight away and inquire about the younger Mr. Land's boots.
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