Black & Natural laced Half Boots

Several names for the same boot. This type of footwear was seen in paintings of English sporting scenes in the mid-1700s. It was firmly established in the new Republic before the Revolution. 

The Natural Half Boot, Colonial to begin with,  later became the proper, “four inches above the ankle” Jefferson Bootee for 1812, Seminole War and Mexican War.  Remember, all laced shoes were called “Jefferson” until the 1880s.

All leather, 8 lace holes, natural color rough-out half boot. This is a left/right boot.

Full and half sizes 7 to 15, widths D and EE

Hi-Lows,  Buskins,  Trekkers 

Black & Natural laced Half Boots

Several names for the same boot. This type of footwear was seen in paintings of English sporting scenes in the mid-1700s. It was firmly established in the new Republic before the Revolution. Thomas Jefferson’s hi-low “Overshoes” may be seen in “Collector’s Illustrated.   Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”. Castle Books 1975 Neumann and Kravic (pg 123)

“There were also half boots from the 1750s, cut a little higher than modern ankle boots, which descend from them and worn for shooting and by the military. St James Chronicle, 1763, comments on ‘tradesmen who ape their betters….breeches almost met by a pair of shoes that reached about three and a quarter inches above the ankles.’  They were typical wear for both sides during the American War of Independence  (see Peale’s portrait of Captain John Harleston of Chicago.)

The Hi-Lows are 4 “above the ankle, in Natural rough-out leather with a 1″stacked leather heel.

Full and half sizes 6D to 15EE, 

As to the fit, since the leather on the toe slopes, we suggest 1/2 size larger than your modern dress shoes. We carry widths of D and EE which are the same as modern sizing.

Full and half sizes 7 to 15, widths D and EE meet the sizing of modern shoes, but you may need an extra size as the sloop of the leather to the toe, may need more room in front of the big toe.  That is what gives the boot the look of the 18th Century.

Trekkers come with a pair of leather laces.