Hello everyone! I promise that I posted this the other day but I must have accidentally hit the wrong button and it didn't go through.

Either way, I know that fabrics rarely last through the test of time, but are there any examples of cloth boots, perhaps knee length boots that would have been made in layers? And if so, what would the soles have been made of? Leather? Layers of cloth? Or maybe wooden soles?

Forgive me for so many question, but I have been considering making books and fabric is much less expensive than leather.

Thanks everyone!

I haven't heard of cloth shoes or boots before. I have seen felt boots before but those are winter boots for the ice and snow. Unfortunately making those would not be cheaper than leather. I have a feeling the cheapest option would be to make leather turn shoes.

I belelieve that boots were really only worn when riding. So as cool as they are shoes are the way to go. And they would be easier to make. Get some practice in on the shoes then go to the boots.

Think there are some liturgical ones, try looking in Larsdatter. But they would be for the extremely well off.

If you want to make anything vaguely authentic, give up on that idea. Cloth shoes exist, but are typically women's or burial shoes. Sometimes you get men's, but some of them have leather underneath and are a sign of being very well to do (and not boots!).
OTOH, if you don't care about that, why not go ahead and make some from denim or whatever :-)

Have you thought about using faux leather? You can get it anywhere cloth is sold. It's kinda thin, so you might want to glue it to a heavier fabric like denim or heavy canvas. And it's cheap. :D ........McM

It would be pretty good for costume boots. I wouldn't go walking through a brush patch with them though. Sticker bushes....Ouch! ...............McM

Yeah those would definitely be alright for costume but I do plan on looking into leather prices to make some real leather shoes. Those would be my nice ones and maybe my waxed denim/canvas ones would be for going on walks and such.

You have got me reeeeally thinking now, Victor. I may try this myself. :D ........McM

Awesome! Let me know if you try this! I would love to see the progress and the product!

I will do just that, Victor. Rest assured. Just last night, I drew out a pattern for a high boot to wear with my kilt. ...............mcm

Awesome! One thing I considered to lessen cost is to buy 3 or 4 yards of the canvas or denim you plan on using, which would be more than plenty to make the full pair of boots, most likely, but you could also either save money or add fabric layers by going to goodwill and buying some old flat sheets that would be folded and layered on the inside. I have also considered using old sheets or towels for the padding in a gambeson as well.

You sound like a man after my own heart, Victor. A real DIY kinda fellow! :lol: .......McM