[Robert Hinds]

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with the Historic Enterprises Ankle boots, and in particular if they think they would be good for practicing WMA?

I'm planning on starting WMA sometime soon and would like to have a historically accurate pair of footwear to wear with my 15th c kit that would do well in practice.

Here's the link:

http://historicenterprises.com/boots-ankle-bu...ath=99_119

Failing those being good for WMA, I'm also looking at these Poulaines:

http://historicenterprises.com/shoes-poulaine...ath=99_119

I don't know if they are good for WMA either so if you could offer an opinion there too it would be great.

Thank you for your help in advance.

[Michael B.]

I use a leather turnshoe for a lot of my WMA studies, depending on the floor surfaces, I also wear tennis shoes, and various martial schools. With the turnshoes though (I got mine through Revival), I had them resoled with a fencers sole (not accurate, but incredible grip, especially for grass), and I wear a braces for ankle support. (this is mainly because I severely sprained an ankle last fall). I like to use the turn shoe because that's what I do the fight shows in, may has well practice in what I use it for.

[Robert Hinds]

Thank's for your reply Michael, interesting about the fencers sole I'll have to check that out.

But has anyone had experience with the Historic Enterprises shoes I've mentioned?

[Matthijs Witsenburg]

I've owned a model they HE doesn't carry anymore, being pretty much the poulaine with the point shaped like the ankle boot. They survived a few years of running around on tarmac and crushed seashells. They're fine for WMA. As much grip as you can expect from turnshoes.