Question:
Were
shoes comfortable in the 1830s, or were they wooden and stiff?
Answer:
You might have your shoes made for you by a "custom" shoemaker, who
would measure your feet and shape your shoes and boots to fit. A good customer
might even have a special "last" (a wooden form to shape the shoe) made just
for him (or her). You might also be able to choose the special piece of leather
the shoemaker would use. The best shoes would be comfortable to wear, with
soft leather and durable soles. They also would have had "lefts" and "rights."
By the 1830s many people were buying "sale shoes." They were produced in
shoe shops like the one at the Village in standard sizes -- like today. You
would know (or guess) your size and try some shoes on at the country store
until you found a pair that fit. Better quality "sale shoes" fit fairly well.
The cheaper varieties were more uncomfortable, but they were better than
no shoes at all. They provided footwear for people who had previously gone
barefoot much of the year.
