Socks, shoes, Crescent City?

[Frank]

I was advised by a friend to buy a pair of brogans a size larger then what I normally wear because the wool socks will take up a bit of room. Do soldier reenactors always have to wear wool socks or is cotton ok?
I was planning on buying brogans from Crescent City because I was told they make good things. Have others found this to be true? Also, do they make good leather items? I will be able to afford their leather package deal but I'm not sure what the quality or authenticity will be.
Thanks for any help!

~ Tiffany

[61' reb]

[deleted - THP] I would highly recommend that you save a few extra bucks and go to a sutler with a reputable name. As far as brogans go, you can purchase a high quality pair from Missouri Boot and Shoe for around 150.00. They are from a reputable maker and they are a high quality shoe, all of Rob serios stuff is. Check into his leathers as well.

Hope this helps

Jon Preston
Breckinridge Greys

[uspackmule]

Hi Tiffany, let me give some advice on my experience with Crescent City. Well, I will say that their brogans are good, but I would try Fall Creek maybe, but if you can't afford those then I would go for Crescent City. What types of socks? You need Wool socks, because those are issue, but soldiers did recieve cotton socks from family and friends. So I would get one pair of wool and maybe one pair of cotton. As for Crescent City's accouterments, I would not recommend. They are made from Pakistan. The place where I got my first was Fall Creek. Then my second set was gotten from Provisional Supply, now these guys are cheap and goooood! But sadly they do not have sets to buy, but Fall Creek does. When it comes to looking for accouterments, you need a lot of research. You can also look on this forum for good quality, used but not abused items for cheap. Here are some websites: www.fcsutler.com, www.provisionalsupply.com, www.authentic-campaigner.com( use this forum to get NICE! high quality items that have been used but not abused for GREAT! prices.) Also on this forum use their approved vendors. Please ask me for any more questions on specific items to get and where the best place is to get them.

P.s.- I forget to pm you, and that you were sent an invitation to the rolling rounds party over at the Mason house. It was sent to your father's email. Sorry for not telling you sooner. Can't wait to see you there.

Your comrade and friend,
Cpl. Matthew Rennier

["Doc" Nelson]

Hi Tiffany!
[deletion -THP] I now have a pair of Mattimore Harness "Spencer Tie Shoes" ($104 then, I think they sell for $140 now) and, LOVE THEM!!! I would highly recommend going with a reputable vendor, that offers a higher quality ;).

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I would add that perhaps you should never buy brogans through the mail without trying them on first, as there is no set size with the multiple makers and importers of shoes these days. Just like modern shoes, you may indeed get a shoe marked with a certain size and it may not be. As for socks, wool does indeed work best for some, but it is not wrong at all to wear cotton socks. It is a matter of personal choice and the fit of the shoe. Don't try to save money around the feet, though. Whether its a quality shoe, or a good sock - spend the money, its worth more in the long run. I would highly recommend based on alot of marching events and time on my feet, look into a quality maker like Missouri Boot and Shoe, and if you don't knit or know someone who does, get a good handknit pair of socks, or if cotton is desired, go with Ben Tart or Mickey Black. Opinions will vary on this, but I'm going with experience with these suggestions.

[Army30th]

A pair of brogans should be tried on before purchase if at all possible. A size 9 for instance, may be a nine or something else, sometimes even from the same supplier. No 2 pairs of brogans fit the same.

Also you should research each sutler you would like to purchase from, and make educated decisions for yourself. Listen to advice given by those who have the experiences to share, but make your own choices based on authenticity, construction methods, sutler's reliability in the market place, and price.

[tenfed1861]

The only person I would recommend buying from online is Robert Serio.He will ask for measurements of different parts of your foot as well as a tracing of your foot.From the reviews I have heard,they are like sneakers.Save up your money and buy a good pair of brogans.As far as I can see,CC is a poor choice for just about anything.

As far as socks are concerned,say with wool.They give you some padding.They wick sweat away from your foot,and they will keep your feet fairly warm even when soaking wet.Cotton socks,while are period correct,are poor choices.After wearing a pair on the hills of Mills Spring on Sat,the back of my ankle as raw because of the fact that the cotton was so thin.On Sunday morning,I got so fed up I bought a pair of wool socks.As soon had them on,my feet felt better.Because of that reason,you see why so many soldiers wished for wool socks.Your socks can be hand sewn or machine.It's your choice.

The four best choices for leathers are in order: Duvall Leather Works,EJ Thomas,Trans-Mississippi,and Missouri Boot and Shoe.If you purchase from any of those places,you will get great satisfaction.I bought my CS leathers from Serio and love them.While they are expensive,you get great quality.You get what you pay for.

When you get your brogans,break them in before the event.This will also make your feet feel much more comfortable.Wear them to walk the dog in,mow the grass,something like that.They will get broken in fairly quickly and accuately.

[tompritchett]

Threads like this can become troublesome for me. As a moderator, I have to enforce the Provost's policy of no negative reviews but as a reenactor I like to see that the originator of the thread get the frank advice that they requested. Therefore I am suggesting that, if you have anything negative to say about the requested vendor, that you do so only via a PM or private email. Thank you.

(For those of you whose posts that I have already snipped material out of, that material was forwarded on to Frank, via a PM)

[Spinster]

For any sort of true marching activity, its a rare person who can get by with only cotton socks--they do not wick as well, can tear the feet, and blow out pretty quicky.

At the Winter of 64 event, one of my tasks as laundress was sock darning. One feller rather happily handed me FOUR PAIR of high quality cotton socks---one pair for each day he was on the march for Banks Grand Retreat, every one with the toes blown out, and the heels headed that way.

If you plan to do any sort of 'active' events that involve marches covering some ground, do get the extra room for woolen socks. These do not have to be heavy socks-thinner layers of wool do just as nicely. Two pair is adequate for all but roughest weather or marching.

Also as part of those laundress tasks, the laundry was washed and hung on an outdoor line for initial freeze-drying (temperature in the 20's) then brought inside to hang above the wood stove. By morning, wool socks were dry, while cotton socks remained sodden. Cotton justs holds on to water---and sweat.

If you intend to stay in this hobby for the long term, don't allow price to be your sole determinate on footwear. Fit and quality materials will make all the difference in the world in your enjoyment and health.

[JerseySkilletLicker]

As I am no longer an active retailer I believe I can weigh in without fear of being called "horn tooter". With 6 plus years of selling high quality goods from the majority of the top makers I believe my opinion can be somewhat useful. In the end, however, your own experience and research will trump all.

Socks - wool. The two best places to get them are from Terre Lawson (above posting) and Karin Timour, who also posts here. Not only will you get a good, strong authentic pair of socks, but you will also have the advantage of two wonderful ladies who are readily available for help with any questions, getting them darned etc.
Back up pair for when the day is done and you maybe want to air out the woolies is a pair of Mickey Black cotton socks, Cheap and good for lounging in warm weather static camp.

Shoes - My own experience is limited to 3 brands though I have inspected many others. I owned and wore a pair of Jarnigan bootees for 10 plus years. I am lucky that i have a fairly common size foot so mail order was not a problem. They broke in well and I sent them back every couple of years to get re soled. Some folks look down upon Jarnigan for some articles, however, to me they are a good back up source for many things including bootees.
When I ran my business I carried a shoe by a maker in Utah named Don Roundy. When my Jarnigans had finally had it I went to a pair of Don's I had stashed. Without a doubt, out of the box, they were supremely comfortable and I did a 5 mile march a scant 3 or 4 days after first wearing them...no problems whatsoever.
Shoot me an email and I will give you his address if so desired. Don is available and open to questions and he stands behind his shoes and does a great job with re-soleing etc.

Good luck,
Joe
winger6049@aol.com

[Frank]

Your replies have been very helpful!
I decided to use some graduation money to go the extra mile to get things that will wear/last longer.
Thanks again!

~ Tiffany

[jademonkey]

Your replies have been very helpful!
I decided to use some graduation money to go the extra mile to get things that will wear/last longer.
Thanks again!

~ Tiffany

Tiffany,

You won't be sorry, that is a wise decision. Mr. Serio's brogans are exceptional. I own a pair of his federal brogans and they are of superior fit, construction etc. If you are looking for quality accoutrements he does a nice package deal on those as well. Very solid for the money. Good luck, Garrett

[bob 125th nysvi]

larger than my normal shoes because I always wear two pairs of socks.

Never had any foot or shoe problems. And my brogans are cheap off Ebay types that I acquired for less than $70 three years ago.

Having sold shoes for a living at one point I will tell you that feet are about the most individualistic item on a person's body. A brand that may fit you like a glove and be comfortable enough to sleep in will be pure torture to someone else. Furthermore your feet are larger in the evening than in the morning (due to the pounding you take during the day). So if for any reason your feet are finicky to fit or your regular shoes bother you in the afternoon be very careful to buy shoes you are going to be comfortable (the padding of an extra sock can be a good thing) in and disregard price or brand name.

An infantryman lives on his feet and having to have blisters for several days may be authentic but it can also be extremely painful.

Also make sure no matter what you buy, BREAK THEM IN before the event not at the event.

[Slickrick214]

Some folks look down upon Jarnigan for some articles, however, to me they are a good back up source for many things including bootees.
Good luck,
Joe
winger6049@aol.com

What things do they look down upon and why. To me they seem reputable. On here alot of people request Jarnigan clothing because they feel its good quality stuff that they aren't going to get burned on. I have a pair of trousers from them that I like and I think I'm going to get another pair and a jacket from them soon.

[Irishdigger]

I ordered a pair of Brogans from Crescent City and the fit well out of the box. I have wide feet, so it is always a risk. The wool socks are the way to go, so look for the increase of 1/2 size to your normal shoe size. I have found that Crescent city has been good about returns, so if the don't fit....jus send it back.

[TheQM]

. I owned and wore a pair of Jarnigan bootees for 10 plus years. I am lucky that I have a fairly common size foot so mail order was not a problem. They broke in well and I sent them back every couple of years to get re soled.

To back up what Joe said. I've been wearing Jarnigan brogans since I got in the Hobby. My foot must exactly match their last, but I've owned other brands, and none of them are as comfortable as the Jarnigan shoe.

I wouldn't recommend this; but I wore a brand new, not broken in, pair at the Rich Mountain event last year. Most everything else hurt, but my feet were just fine.

As they say, other people's mileage may vary!