Since I'm pretty weak when it comes to historical footwear I like to get some opinions on whether any of the MRL footwear is at all historical for Vikings. They have quite a few that are described as Medieval and they also have some new Viking Boots. I would like feedback on look and materials. Thanks.

Viking boots
http://www.museumreplicas.com/webstore/eCat/m..._boot.aspx
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Medieval Tradesman boot
http://www.museumreplicas.com/webstore/eCat/m..._boot.aspx
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Medieval infantry boot
http://www.museumreplicas.com/webstore/eCat/m..._boot.aspx
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Medieval boots
http://www.museumreplicas.com/webstore/eCat/w...ringe.aspx
[ Linked Image ][url][/url]

None of those are particularly period. Especially the last one, which is a mocassin. A better place to look would be Revival Clothing, Historic Enterprises, or Chivalry Bookshelf/Revival Leather (which is a seperate entity from Revival Clothing)...
What period are you looking for shoes for?
I especially like the Viking Boot by Revival Leather. That's what I use for my 11th C. Norman Impression. Soon they will have it Red and Brown too...

These are... well let's just say that they aren't even slightly period and leave it at that. Both the materials and the patterns are pretty much completely wrong.

As a general rule, avoid shoes from anywhere that sells generic factory made "medieval" stuff like MRL swords or "fantasy" shoes. They're pretty much all useless.

I have never bought from these places because I make my own, but here are some suppliers:

Bjarni's Boots makes museum-quality reproduction footwear, with prices to match.

Plantagenet Shoes have some really nice looking stuff at quite reasonable prices.

Medieval Design has a nice pair of 10th century ankle shoes.

Dru Shoemaker has a pretty extensive range including some 9th-10th century models but I don't think the price/quality ratio is much to write home about based on the pictures.

The revival ones are still machine made but the quality is good and they're a lot more authentic than the MRL ones.

You could always make your own. Shoes of this style are relatively easy to make given patience and some very basic leatherworking skills.

Also, Talbot is now making very highly accurate footwear for us at Revival Clothing. The ankle boots have a modernly constructed sole (not turned) but the low cut turnshoes are very, very nitpicky correct.

All the best,

Christian

I actually own a pair of the ones in the last pic. I never wore them, really -- too narrow for my rather wide feet, and the bottom of the shoe is made of some kind of foam.

M.

I'd recommend Plantagenet Shoes.

Morgan makes his shoes to measure, to your feet, so they'll be a perfect fit. All his designs are copies of extant finds so they're all period-correct.

He'll also 'service' your shoes if they need it; so they should last for years.

Greetings Jim Adelsen, Viking footwear has been a pain in the neck for me. I finally ordered a pair of Armlann's double Viking boots. His stuff looks pretty good and he is located here in the U.S.. His pricing is pretty good too from everything I have looked at. I will give a review when they arrive. Sincerely, Patrick Fitzmartin

I have a pair of Armlann Single Viking Boots that I like very much, but I must note that his prices have gone up lately and are not as much a bargain as they once were.

http://www.armlann.com/boots.htm