English Walking Boots Circa 1860s
Illustrated in Godey's in June of 1860 as an "English walking boot", the side buttoned boot was a mirror image of the boots worn by men since the 1840s. Most buttoned boots of the 1850s and 60s have the button fly beginning at the quarter seam. Those dating from the 1850s through the early 1860s were low and cut straight across the top as this pair are. The soles are straight with typical squared toes, rounded at the corners. Heels are low and stacked. The most unusual feature of these boots is the leather foxing found along the sides of the vamp. Generally fabric shoes were usually reserved for indoor and more formal wear, but when fabric was used on walking shoes and boot they were usually foxed with leather to help protect them. Fully lined in cotton twill.
Overall the condition is excellent with minor wear to the foxing as would be expected. No staining or wear to the silk . A lovely example to the early Civil War era or before.
