toeslayer2000.bsky.social
@toeslayer2000.bsky.social
Retired academic and born again blogger. Twitter refugee. Topic for 2026 is shoe design through the ages. Text is mine otherwise photographs are copyrighted and used here as fair use.
After Civil War broke out demand for shoes far outstripped supply from the hand sewn shoe industry. Sub-standard footwear quickly wore out forcing Confederate Army to march barefoot in winter campaigns. Absence of new issue meant dead men’s shoes were a premium.
February 11, 2026 at 2:59 AM
After Civil War broke out demand for shoes far outstripped supply from the hand sewn shoe industry. Sub-standard footwear quickly wore out forcing Confederate Army to march barefoot in winter campaigns. Absence of new issue meant dead men’s shoes were a premium.
19thc Congress gaiters were considered the most comfortable shoes ever designed. Sea captains bulk stored them in the Chandlery so Shanghaied crews (often barefoot) were forced to buy a pair for the voyage. Coveted throughout the western world Congress boots were used as bribes to customs men.
February 10, 2026 at 2:47 AM
19thc Congress gaiters were considered the most comfortable shoes ever designed. Sea captains bulk stored them in the Chandlery so Shanghaied crews (often barefoot) were forced to buy a pair for the voyage. Coveted throughout the western world Congress boots were used as bribes to customs men.
Sparkes-Hall took Oxford dress shoe extended to ankle & created ankle bootee with closed-channel lacestay & horizontal seam. Sleek silhouette came as hemlines rose & respectable ladies went walking outside. Other modifications were side-lacing & button fastening.
February 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Sparkes-Hall took Oxford dress shoe extended to ankle & created ankle bootee with closed-channel lacestay & horizontal seam. Sleek silhouette came as hemlines rose & respectable ladies went walking outside. Other modifications were side-lacing & button fastening.