Opinions needed for Empire Canvas Works Prototype

**kevinkinney** · 7th February 08, 06:35 PM

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

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 8th February 08, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by kevinkinney

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

Given what you just said, how about "Deerstalker Brogues"?

Oh, and I'm a size 12. :-)

M

**Monkey@Arms** · 8th February 08, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by kevinkinney

OK,

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

How about "swamp ghillies" or "stealth brogues" (or visa versa).

Best regards,

Jake

**starbkjrus** · 8th February 08, 01:48 PM

Dupl Post

**McMurdo** · 7th February 08, 05:53 PM

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.

**Darkislander** · 7th February 08, 06:36 PM

Yeah, they would look good in the correct circumstance.

**Chef** · 7th February 08, 06:40 PM

Very interesting. I agree on the RennFaire look although I think I see a bit of wrestling boot in them as well.

I don't think they are for me, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a few pair bing worn at highland games in the near future. As well as Kevin's wares are constructed I think they will do very well.

**Zardoz** · 7th February 08, 10:02 PM

I'd like a pair of those for ren faire duty, I like the idea of the eyelets and more shoe like construction in that style shoe. I think the gathered toe is good too BTW.

**Howard Clark** · 8th February 08, 06:41 AM

Well I have been living in moccasins and mukluks for several years now, and they look pretty nice. For my environment though, they would need a tongue or something to cover up the space on top. Blacksmithing involves hot mill scale, and you don't want it on top of you sock clad foot, even if wool does not burn easily or well.

Kevin I'd be interested in seeing how this develops. Next time I get through Duluth (usually on the way to Ely) I AM stopping to see you. And my next pair of mukluks will be purchased from you folks !

I like the "deerstalker brogues" idea Matt !

**Panache** · 8th February 08, 08:45 AM

I excuse myself from the naming contest. While "Deerstalker Brogues" is a great name, it has perhaps too period or too theatrical connotations. To take Matt's idea and run with it , I think that "Hunting Brogues" or "Trail Brogues" would be closer to what Kevin is trying to make.

Cheers

Jamie