Opinions needed for Empire Canvas Works Prototype

[Panache]

I was sent a PM from Kevin Kinney of XMTS advertiser Empire Canvas Works ( http://www.empirecanvasworks.com/stormcape.htm a few weeks ago and he asked me if I would mind testing out a prototype shoe he was working on. I assume the main reasons he asked me to do this were:

I had given a very thorough and detailed review on the Heritage shirt I had won from Empire Canvas Works and he was astounded by my writing ability, discerning eye , impeccable style, and overall modesty.

We had about the same size feet

I live somewhere not currently completely encased in solid ice and could actually wear these shoes outside without risk of frostbite

I keep telling myself it was mainly for the first reason that I was chosen, my lovely Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess seemed to think the later two were the most likely, but I digress. (Anyone surprised? Thought not)

In any case I readily agreed and he mailed me a pair of rustic looking brown leather ghillie brogues with a rubber sole. They seemed handsome and sturdily constructed like the other items I have seen made by Empire Canvas Works. Inside each was a thick white pad to cushion the foot. I laced them up and though Kevin is a size 9 and I am 8 ½ they seemed to fit fine.

I have worn them about and they are quite comfortable (their flexible sole has made them my favorite shoes to wear for long drives). The intentionally rough cut laces while neat and rustic looking have to be tied quite tightly to stay up. I haven’t worn them on any long hikes, but as someone who has trudged about many a Renaissance Faire in Minnetonka Moccasins boots I can safely state that these are far more comfortable than those.

The shoes look nice, but in my eyes the styling of these prototypes makes them seem more suited for Renaissance Faire, SCA, LARP, or historical re-enactment than regular everyday use. Though I think they would fit in fine at a Highland Game.

Kevin explained he is still working on the idea and wanted feedback. He is looking at a different toe construction and possibly adding a tongue. After delivering my report I asked him if I could post some pictures. Kevin thought that it would be a great idea and welcomes feedback/ideas from the rabble.

So here are some pictures



Wearing them with my Empire Canvas Heritage Shirt, Stillwater weathered Lamont variant kilt, and Freelander Sporran



Side view



Top view



Heel and bottom


My thanks to Kevin for the opportunity to be a test subject it was fun (I do hope you weren't expecting the shoes back! )

So now the question is...

What do you all think?

Cheers

Jamie

[Monkey@Arms]

What do I think? I think you should mail them to me. I agree that they look something I might wear to a Highland Games, or Renfaire, but that's about it. I am personally not that enamoured by the look of the toe. (But you can still send them to me.)

Best regards,

Jake

[ccga3359]

They look very well constructed and go good with your Lamont weathered. As Todd would say "different horses for different folks" I could never see myself in a pair but I'd certainly give a nod to man that does.

[The Wizard of BC]

And another fine addition to the Empire Canvas line.

Not my style bacause I would need a little slot to put my penny into.

Now, if they just made the sole from the tread of a jeep tire. Shades of the old days.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

In style, these look very similar to the shoes offered here:
Medieval Moccasins High Top

I actually think I like the look of Kevin's shoes better. (Incidentally, I have a pair of Medieval Moccasin's low top shoes, and ever since I bought them I wish I had got the high tops instead.)

I got my pair of Medieval Moccasins so that I could have a pair of historic-looking shoes to wear when I am doing demos and wearing historic dress, but wanted a pair of shoes with more comfortable and durable soles. I have a pair of extremely historically accurate shoes that do not do so well when I am called to wear them on utterly modern surfaces such as gravel or hot asphalt, nor are they comfortable for wearing for long periods of time. Plus they give me no traction whatsoever!

So I have been happy with my Medieval Mocs for that purpose. I think that a pair of these Empire Canvas Works brogues would suit that same purpose. I'd gladly wear these any time historic footwear was called for, but I wanted the convenience of a modern sole.

I think if you wanted to convert these to something more suited to modern wear, I would re-work the toe so that it was smooth, rather than gathered, and change out the laces to something more modern looking. I wouldn't add a tongue unless you also wanted to use shorter laces that tie in the front as on a typical shoe.

As they are, however, I think they would be great for an historical themed outfit. Looks good, Kevin!

Matt

[Nighthawk]

Wow!! I want a pair! When will they be available?

[sputnik]

look to be more costume than something i would put on my feet to kick around town. But then, i'm rarely seen w/o my blundstones. in the end, i'm probably not their target customer.

[McMurdo]

They are interesting as you say they look as if they would be a good fit for a Renaissance Faire, SCA, or LARP event or Highland Games. I look forward to seeing the new toe as the gathered one on the prototype just does not do it for me. Thanks for the review and the photos Jamie, however I am in agreement your lovely bride, these were no doubt sent to you as the rest or us are more likely to need skates.

[Panache]

look to be more costume than something i would put on my feet to kick around town. But then, i'm rarely seen w/o my blundstones. in the end, i'm probably not their target customer.

I think that Kevin's intent was to make something with a historical basis that was sturdy and comfortable enough for the trail. I'm not sure if he was really intending something as a particularly modern design for about the town. But I'll let him weigh in if he cares to.

Cheers

Jamie

[kevinkinney]

OK,

It got dark. We put away the skis and came home.

My first thoughts- I hate the toes. Though they seem nice and faire-ish, I doubt they would last for more than a season. I was intrigued by the Medieval Moccasin design, and had to try it for myself. The overlapping 'petals' invite debris.

I'll put our name on the rest of the boot. My ideal construction is the same as that model, but the front is box construction with a center seam and 1.5" of coverage on the toes. I put a pair of grommets on upper/inside edge of the toes that serves as a starting point for the lacing. The laces begin outside the boot- across the top of the toes. They pass down through the first pair of grommets, and trace their way up through the other lashing points. At the point where the laces pass into the boot over the toes, you may lash the removable tongue in.

I've tested a pair of these, but now they're living with a local blacksmith. I wore them for early season work in the woods. Shoes and boots are nice, but I prefer the comfort and stealth of a moccasin. Our winter boots give a similar feel, with far more insulation. The flexibility and breathability are the key to staying warm in wicked cold weather. I'll make another pair for testing, and charge the recipient with taking pictures of them.

I'm in full dog sled race mode, so I'll be living on the snow for a few more weeks.



I've got another pair of slightly larger/wider Men's 9.5 ready to send out. Panache's pair is 3 ounce plain-'ole grass munching cow hide. These are made from 5 ounce shaggy, ill-tempered Bison. I skipped the wispy lacing in favor of saddle leather.

Gone- have fun!

Oh yeah, I suppose we should have a name contest. Free pair to the one who hits the correct moniker. Please keep in mind that we're trying to make a real boot, not a costume. Ghillies evolved for a reason, we're just trying to emulate that practicality- and add a sole that survives all the modernity that gums up our lives. I'm already planning some swampy bowhunting for next fall. Our current winter boots are so quiet on the trail that I don't really need a rifle any more.

Cheers,

Kevin