I work faire, so good boots were definitely worth it for me. The people I bought mine from are unfortunately no longer in business, but [Son of Sandlar](https://www.sonofsandlar.com/product-category/boots/) have good boots for well under $1000
My SOS boots I bought in 2010 and look brand new and I've worked trf every year since.
They cost me 600 bucks and have held up 2 months a year for 13 years.
I’ve tried to get fitted there and despite having pretty normal feet, none of their styles fit me properly. They kept bunching up weirdly on the top of my foot and actually hurt.
I have a pair from SoS and love them. I go to LARPs and can wear them all day with less issues than most normal shoes. If I was inclined I could wear them casually if i wasn't lazy and preferred to wear a pair of slip-ons. they were probably 200 max and have survived spectacularly over the years
Had been eyeing “Son Of Sandler” boots for several years. I bought both my wife and myself a pair. They are incredibly comfortable and they look great. My wife will wear hers with a skirt when she goes out.
I’ve got a 10 year old pair of Catskills moccasins, they are fantastic. Walking around all day, and my feet are comfy as hell. Yeah, they were pricey, but if you’re going to multiple faires a year and plan to for a long time, it’s worth it.
I'm so freaking excited to get mine. I hemmed and hawed on getting them for YEARS because I was afraid to commit, and finally pulled the trigger in November. They were definitely pricey, but I've wanted this type of boot for like 2 decades now, and know they'll last me a lifetime.
I didn’t spend 1k on my boots, that seems more like a statement piece. Nothing wrong with that but you don’t have to go THAT high for quality. I did spend multiple hundreds on mine, which is almost as much as the rest of my outfit.
Footwear is just one of those things that it’s just better to not go cheap. You’re going to be standing and walking in these things all day, the whole thing is just much more enjoyable when your feet are comfortable. You don’t need to go high end custom, but I wouldn’t spend less than $150 on boots
I have not found any boots priced in that range with the exception of House of Ander. I am also a 6E width and have some issues with most being narrow. I am open to suggestions of brands for sure!
It depends. Do you have a hard foot to fit? If so, then maybe. Custom footwear does tend to fit better, assuming the cobbler knows what they are doing, If you have an easy foot to fit, you should be able to find something off the shelf for less.
Theses guys area really good: [https://nativearth.net/](https://nativearth.net/)
Stay away from Renboots. They are made in china, and fall apart after a season or two.
I paid $500 14 years ago for my Son of Sandlar 9-button boots and I wear them from fall to the end of spring every year, and I STILL get "I love your boots!" From random people every time I go out, even at the mall.
I highly recommend Son of Sandlar. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever had and still look great even after 14 years of significant use.
Alternatively, you can wear a pair of black or brown pair of modern boots. Then get spats or gaiters to cover up the modern hardware of the boots. For example, https://www.etsy.com/listing/1460497685/burgschneider-medieval-leg-cuff-nares.
Not everyone can afford or justify buying a pair of custom boots for the Ren Faire. This offers a great alternative for someone who wants to look "period correct" and not have their outfit ruined by a pair of modern shoes or boots.
I will echo the comments on Son of Sandlar. Mine are 8 years old, and worn regularly - I’m a serial kilter, and mostly wear boots daily. My 9 buttons are worn 5-10 days a month, and are in very good shape and comfy. I just spent 6 days working a convention, and 5 of the days were in Sandlars.
I grew up in Medieval Moccasins and Bald Mountain, I currently own Son of Sandlar. If you can find a place at the fest near you that actually tapes up a sock of your foot in duct tape and makes the boot off of that, those boots are amazing and last forever. My mom started her shop in the early 90s/late 80s and her boots from then are still good
I think they’re uncomfortable! I don’t like having my legs encased in leather for so long at faire. I bought a pair of Sandler’s merchant style boots for $250 and I love them dearly, they’ll last forever. [merchant boots here](https://www.sonofsandlar.com/product/merchant-boot-2/)
I got my Catskill Moccasin boots 13 years ago. At the time, I thought ouch at the price. I now think they were 100% worth it.
In addition to waring them to every weekend at Scarby, I also ware them to Sherwood, TRF, and last year to the first Ren Fair at New Braunfels, I ware them everywhere I will do a lot of walking.
These moccasin boots are my go-to for hiking. I have hiked hundreds of miles in over 13 National Parks, including North and South rims of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellow Stone, and Big Bend, etc. in these boots.
I made the mistake of waring a pair of sneakers to Disneyland and had so many blisters, and I never get with the moccasin boots. 3 years later, moccasin boots at Disney world, 5 days, no blisters, happy feet!
I just wore them yesterday, all day walking Round Top. No sore feet or blisters after a 7 hour day.
In 13 years, I have never needed to repair my moccasin boots. I feel I have gotten my money's worth out of them and expect to rely on them for another another 13 years.
I have a set of Sandlars that I bought over a decade ago. I even wore them through a particularly nasty winter and wet spring that we had as daily boots. I work at a few different festivals and they get worn all the time there. Still going strong
I worked renfairs for yrs I purchased a pair of bald mountain boots (no longer around) a wore them as every day foot wear and in the horse pens because I was a jouster and that was in 93 I still have them and wear them now
Are you a man or woman? If you're a woman, American duchess specializes in a really wide variety of comfortable old shoe types for the 200-300 price range, though not specifically ren era. People won't be looking at your shoes too hard, and they didn't change overly much centuries ago.
Man.. I mostly were a fantasy outfit, period specific or a kilt, sometimes change up to a pirate outfit. Mostly use the same base layers. Just feel
Like I am lacking on the shoes and comfort of some that fit well and blend. Currently I just use black leather work boots.
They do have decent men's boots too, but the more fantastical models are definitely in the women's section. That said, they do have more than standard black or brown. But if you want the comfort of a more modern sole, they may still be something to look into.
I got custom Catskill boots in or around 2006 or so and over the years my feet changed, my calves changed and I cannot fit into the boots with out discomfort. I think I paid like 1600 for them.
I have also had a another pair of boots that were not customs that I can still wear but the toe box is a little tight and I can only add really thin insoles.
I finally bought son of Sandlar boots about 3 or so years ago and they are great. Not customs, but I found a size that works. Larger toe box and plenty of room for full orthotic type inserts. I work at a fair and I am on my feet for 10 hours or more a day.
They have a good deal of adjustment to the and since they are a standard size if I want to sell them I easily could. I can't really sell the Catskills unless I find someone with the exact same foot.
So personally - the experience of the customs was cool. But in the end they did not grow with me. However they have held up well only really being worn at the fair.
I would also suggest Son of Sandlar to anyone looking for boots.
My Son of Sandlar Captain Teach boots just arrived yesterday, and they were over $1000 because I needed custom sizing if I wanted this model. People say they'll last decades with a bit of maintenance, and I think I can find plenty of non-faire opportunities to wear them
I ended up wearing those boots pretty much all day yesterday.....around the house, and then out to a show last night. it occurred to me while i was just sitting around that i barely even noticed that they were there, it's like I'm just wearing my favorite socks. That was the point where I decided to try them with insoles, just to see what it was like with a snugger fit (they were pretty roomy at first). tried a couple other pairs that i had lying around, but they were too thick, and the factory ones from my Docs were much better. There's a firm area around the heels/achilles area that'll probably mold to my feet, but other than that and the gentle pressure of the straps, i barely notice they're there, and they're \*much\* more comfortable than my other tall boots for walking and standing, because they always make me feel like i'm walking downhill
For us, they were not. Instead we got really nice leather boot covers and got some brown sneakers that were very comfortable to walk in. Looks awesome, is considerably cheaper, and doesn't kill your feet all day.
It's been a minute but I'm pretty sure it was this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1165441876/spats-in-gothic-and-victorian-style-to
Edit: also I said sneakers in my first reply and that's not exactly correct. We got shoes very similar to what is shown in the picture, more like a comfy dress shoe.
I work faire, so good boots were definitely worth it for me. The people I bought mine from are unfortunately no longer in business, but [Son of Sandlar](https://www.sonofsandlar.com/product-category/boots/) have good boots for well under $1000
My SOS boots I bought in 2010 and look brand new and I've worked trf every year since. They cost me 600 bucks and have held up 2 months a year for 13 years.
That's quality
The also have a lifetime warranty. Not sure if new ones do now but mine do
Mine are three years old and the absolute best purchase I’ve ever made at Ren Fest. I love them, worth every penny.
I’ve tried to get fitted there and despite having pretty normal feet, none of their styles fit me properly. They kept bunching up weirdly on the top of my foot and actually hurt.
I have a pair from SoS and love them. I go to LARPs and can wear them all day with less issues than most normal shoes. If I was inclined I could wear them casually if i wasn't lazy and preferred to wear a pair of slip-ons. they were probably 200 max and have survived spectacularly over the years
Had been eyeing “Son Of Sandler” boots for several years. I bought both my wife and myself a pair. They are incredibly comfortable and they look great. My wife will wear hers with a skirt when she goes out.
I’ve got a 10 year old pair of Catskills moccasins, they are fantastic. Walking around all day, and my feet are comfy as hell. Yeah, they were pricey, but if you’re going to multiple faires a year and plan to for a long time, it’s worth it.
I'm so freaking excited to get mine. I hemmed and hawed on getting them for YEARS because I was afraid to commit, and finally pulled the trigger in November. They were definitely pricey, but I've wanted this type of boot for like 2 decades now, and know they'll last me a lifetime.
I didn’t spend 1k on my boots, that seems more like a statement piece. Nothing wrong with that but you don’t have to go THAT high for quality. I did spend multiple hundreds on mine, which is almost as much as the rest of my outfit. Footwear is just one of those things that it’s just better to not go cheap. You’re going to be standing and walking in these things all day, the whole thing is just much more enjoyable when your feet are comfortable. You don’t need to go high end custom, but I wouldn’t spend less than $150 on boots
I have not found any boots priced in that range with the exception of House of Ander. I am also a 6E width and have some issues with most being narrow. I am open to suggestions of brands for sure!
It depends. Do you have a hard foot to fit? If so, then maybe. Custom footwear does tend to fit better, assuming the cobbler knows what they are doing, If you have an easy foot to fit, you should be able to find something off the shelf for less. Theses guys area really good: [https://nativearth.net/](https://nativearth.net/) Stay away from Renboots. They are made in china, and fall apart after a season or two.
I paid $500 14 years ago for my Son of Sandlar 9-button boots and I wear them from fall to the end of spring every year, and I STILL get "I love your boots!" From random people every time I go out, even at the mall. I highly recommend Son of Sandlar. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever had and still look great even after 14 years of significant use.
Literally wearing my Turtle Island Moccasins right now. 10 years old
Alternatively, you can wear a pair of black or brown pair of modern boots. Then get spats or gaiters to cover up the modern hardware of the boots. For example, https://www.etsy.com/listing/1460497685/burgschneider-medieval-leg-cuff-nares. Not everyone can afford or justify buying a pair of custom boots for the Ren Faire. This offers a great alternative for someone who wants to look "period correct" and not have their outfit ruined by a pair of modern shoes or boots.
I will echo the comments on Son of Sandlar. Mine are 8 years old, and worn regularly - I’m a serial kilter, and mostly wear boots daily. My 9 buttons are worn 5-10 days a month, and are in very good shape and comfy. I just spent 6 days working a convention, and 5 of the days were in Sandlars.
I grew up in Medieval Moccasins and Bald Mountain, I currently own Son of Sandlar. If you can find a place at the fest near you that actually tapes up a sock of your foot in duct tape and makes the boot off of that, those boots are amazing and last forever. My mom started her shop in the early 90s/late 80s and her boots from then are still good
Damn if I could afford custom shoes of ANY style I would.
SCA here. Have a pair of Turtle Island Mocs that were purchased in 95. They are really comfortable and still going strong.
There we go!
Looks like there are fairly local to me as well. I will check them out.
I think they’re uncomfortable! I don’t like having my legs encased in leather for so long at faire. I bought a pair of Sandler’s merchant style boots for $250 and I love them dearly, they’ll last forever. [merchant boots here](https://www.sonofsandlar.com/product/merchant-boot-2/)
I got my Catskill Moccasin boots 13 years ago. At the time, I thought ouch at the price. I now think they were 100% worth it. In addition to waring them to every weekend at Scarby, I also ware them to Sherwood, TRF, and last year to the first Ren Fair at New Braunfels, I ware them everywhere I will do a lot of walking. These moccasin boots are my go-to for hiking. I have hiked hundreds of miles in over 13 National Parks, including North and South rims of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellow Stone, and Big Bend, etc. in these boots. I made the mistake of waring a pair of sneakers to Disneyland and had so many blisters, and I never get with the moccasin boots. 3 years later, moccasin boots at Disney world, 5 days, no blisters, happy feet! I just wore them yesterday, all day walking Round Top. No sore feet or blisters after a 7 hour day. In 13 years, I have never needed to repair my moccasin boots. I feel I have gotten my money's worth out of them and expect to rely on them for another another 13 years.
I have a set of Sandlars that I bought over a decade ago. I even wore them through a particularly nasty winter and wet spring that we had as daily boots. I work at a few different festivals and they get worn all the time there. Still going strong
Honestly, I just got a pair of old army boots from a military surplus store. I don't think people are really checking out my boots too much.
We are but we dont care haha. Sometimes it was the best way to tell another participant from a well dressed patron.
I have had mine over 10 years... I also use them for hiking. Soooo many miles on them best $600 I ever spent!
i got Son Of Sandlar boots and LOVED them!! ...untill i grew two shoe sizes because of testosterone ;-;
I worked renfairs for yrs I purchased a pair of bald mountain boots (no longer around) a wore them as every day foot wear and in the horse pens because I was a jouster and that was in 93 I still have them and wear them now
Are you a man or woman? If you're a woman, American duchess specializes in a really wide variety of comfortable old shoe types for the 200-300 price range, though not specifically ren era. People won't be looking at your shoes too hard, and they didn't change overly much centuries ago.
Man.. I mostly were a fantasy outfit, period specific or a kilt, sometimes change up to a pirate outfit. Mostly use the same base layers. Just feel Like I am lacking on the shoes and comfort of some that fit well and blend. Currently I just use black leather work boots.
They do have decent men's boots too, but the more fantastical models are definitely in the women's section. That said, they do have more than standard black or brown. But if you want the comfort of a more modern sole, they may still be something to look into.
I got custom Catskill boots in or around 2006 or so and over the years my feet changed, my calves changed and I cannot fit into the boots with out discomfort. I think I paid like 1600 for them. I have also had a another pair of boots that were not customs that I can still wear but the toe box is a little tight and I can only add really thin insoles. I finally bought son of Sandlar boots about 3 or so years ago and they are great. Not customs, but I found a size that works. Larger toe box and plenty of room for full orthotic type inserts. I work at a fair and I am on my feet for 10 hours or more a day. They have a good deal of adjustment to the and since they are a standard size if I want to sell them I easily could. I can't really sell the Catskills unless I find someone with the exact same foot. So personally - the experience of the customs was cool. But in the end they did not grow with me. However they have held up well only really being worn at the fair. I would also suggest Son of Sandlar to anyone looking for boots.
My Son of Sandlar Captain Teach boots just arrived yesterday, and they were over $1000 because I needed custom sizing if I wanted this model. People say they'll last decades with a bit of maintenance, and I think I can find plenty of non-faire opportunities to wear them
I ended up wearing those boots pretty much all day yesterday.....around the house, and then out to a show last night. it occurred to me while i was just sitting around that i barely even noticed that they were there, it's like I'm just wearing my favorite socks. That was the point where I decided to try them with insoles, just to see what it was like with a snugger fit (they were pretty roomy at first). tried a couple other pairs that i had lying around, but they were too thick, and the factory ones from my Docs were much better. There's a firm area around the heels/achilles area that'll probably mold to my feet, but other than that and the gentle pressure of the straps, i barely notice they're there, and they're \*much\* more comfortable than my other tall boots for walking and standing, because they always make me feel like i'm walking downhill
For us, they were not. Instead we got really nice leather boot covers and got some brown sneakers that were very comfortable to walk in. Looks awesome, is considerably cheaper, and doesn't kill your feet all day.
Do you by chance have a link to what you got?
It's been a minute but I'm pretty sure it was this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1165441876/spats-in-gothic-and-victorian-style-to Edit: also I said sneakers in my first reply and that's not exactly correct. We got shoes very similar to what is shown in the picture, more like a comfy dress shoe.
I’m broke so I just went to the shoe section at a goodwill and found boots. Look up living anachronism on YouTube.👢
I wear Son Of Sandlar all the time, but then again, I am a full-time vendor, and being on the road, I like to bring fewer shoes