[JE Sarge]

I've been doing a little research on creating a late 14th C German harness. I've seen more than a few people at period events wear plate leg armor to below the knee, then tuck the lower part of the knee cop into a knee or thigh length boot.

Is there a historical precedent for this or is it a modern adaptation for some purpose? If it is historical, what periods/cultures was it prevalent in?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[Chris Arrington]

Johnathan,

Like this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0850453348/re...eader-link

I've remember seeing it on this book, but Osprey is not always 100%. Hopefully some others can chime in.

[James Barker]

It is a reenactor thing. Tall boots are not even seen in historical art until the early 15th century anyway so I would not do such a thing in the 14th century at all.

“Stepping Through Time” has some great examples of boots that reach above the ankle several inches for 14th century; most are toggle or side lace and none of them look all that comfortable for use with greaves. I stick with shoes when I armor up.

[JE Sarge]

Thanks for the info. I'll stick with a period ankle boot / low shoe and wear the complete greave then. I just wanted to make sure before looking further at the 'armor in the boot' option.

[Jeffrey Hedgecock]

James is on track with shoes and armour. I would certainly agree that knee or thigh high boots weren't seen worn with harness in the 14th and most of the 15th centuries. It is seen sometimes in the 16th. I would argue that tall boots were likely seen in a hunting context in the later 14th century, but this is a different application than while armed.

If you arm in full plate of knightly fashion, your harness should include greaves, and their closeness of fit will likely determine whether shoes or boots are appropriate. Some greaves' fit requires shoes, while others might allow for a short ankle boot. Some of this partly depends on period you're doing as well. The closure of the footwear is also affected by the greave fit, as different closures have different bulk, with small buckles or thin lacing being the lowest profile, toggles and bulky knotted ties being usually inappropriate for use with greaves.

I myself have greaves that fit closer than they really should, so I can only wear one very specific pattern of turnshoes with my armour, and they have very low profile buckles, as do my spurs which go under my greaves as well. Anything different would be uncomfortable around my ankles.

Also remember when thinking of full plate wear, the guys who wore full plate traveled on horseback, not on foot in the march, so their equipment was arranged with that assumption. Some fought on foot, but traveled to the battle on horseback, so they didn't need to walk for miles in the shoes they wore with their harness.

[Martin Wallgren]

What about wearing them Full up and under the armour. Would save me alot of hosen to do that. The armour eats hose.

[Jeffrey Hedgecock]