Brogan shoes, ankle boots worn by the working class, were popular in the 1700s and 1800s. They were made of leather, had closed laces, and were durable. Soldiers wore them during the American Revolution and the Civil War. They were also popular among the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Today, brogan shoes are used as heavy-duty work shoes and have been incorporated into high-end fashion collections.
Brogan shoes are a type of ankle boot that became popular during the 1700s and 1800s. They are especially known for being worn by the working class, and are generally characterized as heavy, strong, and durable. Being a type of oxford shoe, they are made of leather and have closed laces. The term “brogan” is believed to derive from the word bróg, which means “shoe” in Gaelic.
The basic brogan shoe usually has a very simple design. Often they are made of leather or other flexible material. They have a heavy, durable heel that is built to last through the wear and tear of prolonged use. Brogan shoes have laces up the front, like an oxford shoe, keeping them secured to the wearer’s feet.
Soldiers began wearing brogan shoes during the American Revolution in the late 18th century. They were originally worn by members of the British Army. When the American Civil War took place, most soldiers were known to wear brogan shoes as part of their standard uniforms.
Most of the time, these shoes would have a neutral shape and could be worn on either the left or right foot. This would allow the person who wears them to equalize the wear and tear of daily use, increasing the life of the shoe. A popular style of the brogan shoe was the model 1859 Jefferson. It had a square toe, as well as four standard eyelets for leather laces to go through.
In addition to being popular with foot soldiers, their sturdy construction made brogan shoes an obvious choice for those in the working class who needed durable booties to get them through the day. Heavy soles on shoes were ideal for long hours in factories, especially during the height of the Industrial Revolution. They were seen as the shoe of a working person, so the term “brogan” and the brogan shoe took on a humble connotation.
In recent times, the term brogan shoe generally means any heavy-duty work shoe. Many high-end fashion designers have incorporated versions of the brogan shoe into their collections. Elegant brogues made from various skins, such as crocodile or ostrich, have been seen on the runway in many haute couture collections, although their use and design are far from the original brogan shoe.
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