Footgear
Robert Land makes the best authentic reproduction shoes available. I have the Black Balmorals, and they are very comfortable and wear very well. If you find that you will be reenacting a lot - you may want to invest in a pair of his lovely hand-made shoes. They are well worth it. However, it can seem like a big purchase for your first outfit, so for starters you may want to look at another option.
Thrift stores and garage sales are a great place to find leather ankle boots. Keep in mind that modern finds won't be exactly period correct, but as shoes are a less obtrusive part of your wardrobe, then this may be an area where you can consider scrimping if you are on a tight budget at first.
When looking for shoes at second-hand sources here are a few things to watch out for....
- Black and brown are the safest colors.
- Genuine leather. Synthetic leather-look shoes won't hold up well.
- Smooth leather sole. You don't want rubber waffle tread. Besides being un-period, it will melt when you are warming your little feet by the campfire!
-Narrow laces. No big, fat tennis-shoe laces.
-Avoid shoes with shiny metal eyelets.
-Square toes are fashionable for the 1860's.
-Semi-low heel. Nothing too high.
Take a look at Robert Land's shoes to get an idea of what period-correct shoes should look like.
Stockings:
Knee high or thigh high white cotton or wool stockings are best for every day. For fancy balls, silk stockings might be worn. Affordable stockings can be found at several online shops, or if you knit, you may wish to attempt your own!
Garters may also be used to hold up stockings.
Patterns: Godeys 1862 Knitted Garter, Godeys Knitted Socks
Ready Made: Hamilton Dry Goods , Smoke and Fire, Delp's Stockings
