Since antiquity people have men known to protect their feet
with the use of footwear. Not only are
shoes used to protect, they also make a statement, whether of fashion or
status.
During Regency England, those who could afford it had their
shoes made by a cobbler. Of course styles changed from round toe to pointy toe with
the times. These changes are most
evident in women’s slippers, where different fabrics, colored leathers, and
fancy embellishments were added for flare.
The most amazing aspect of ladies shoes at this time was how
completely unsuitable most styles were for outdoors, which is why boots were
often worn when outside or spending time in the country. In inclement weather, ladies often wore
pattens. Pattens were a type of overshoe
with a wooden soled sandal on the bottom and fastened to the shoe by an iron
ring. Women slipped their shoes into the
pattens, which then raised their height, so their skirts wouldn’t touch the muddy
roads.
Early Regency saw a collection of heeled slippers, but after
the French Revolution heels began to disappear, symbolizing that everyone was
born equal. Shoes were made to fit, but
they had straight lasts, meaning the shoe would mold to your foot with more
wear and thus creating a left and right shoe over time.
The half boot became favorable for outdoors. These flat-soled boots could be worn for
various occasions. They were more
durable than slippers, but they were often made from goat leather, nankeen, and
denim-like fabrics, which tended to absorb water. The lace up half boots were popular,
nevertheless, the leather was thin and easily damaged by the elements.
For the most part, men’s shoes during this time consisted of
a black leather shoes with a small heel and buckle. Men often wore riding boots, which were
available in calf or knee length. Hessians
were quite popular with the privileged class.
The poor and labor classes were likely to wear wooden clogs. Some wore thick leather shoes with wooden
soles.
To see examples of these shoes, visit http://www.lahilden.com/index.php?categoryid=6&p2_articleid=139
A special thank you to englishhistoryauthors.com, Janeaustensworld.com,
Jane Austen’s England, by Roy and Lesley Adkins
