Victorian lace-up boots were popular in the mid to late 1800s and are still available today in both authentic and modern reproductions. Men’s boots are short and black or brown, while women’s boots have pointed toes and come in various colors. Leggings were often worn with men’s boots for dressier occasions.
The Victorian era was in the mid to late 1800s, during the reign of Queen Victoria of England. Boots were popular, including button-down, slip-on, and lace-up varieties. The term Victorian lace-up boots refers to both lace-up style boots that were made during that era, as well as modern boots designed to resemble their older counterparts. These leather boots typically come in both men’s and women’s styles, and are available from many different sources.
There are still Victorian lace-up boots that date back to Victorian times, but they tend to be well-worn and relatively small. It is much more common for people to use authentic reproductions. Ideally, these are made from the same materials as the original Victorian lace-up boots. However, for costume use, some may choose a boot that consists of man-made materials rather than the more expensive leather.
Most Victorian lace-up boots made for men are quite short, hitting mid-ankle or just above. They are usually black or brown, although lighter colors can sometimes be found. The laces on these boots are usually dark and tend to be made of thick, heavy material. The heel is typically short and blocky.
It is not uncommon for Victorian lace-up boots and other shoes to be dressed up with the addition of leggings when made for men. Leggings are white or light-colored fabric covers that fit over boots, secured in place with a strap under the arch. These decorative accessories cover about 2/3 of the shoes, leaving most of the toe area uncovered. They are used to dress up a man’s attire and were worn with suits from the mid to late 19th century.
Victorian lace-up boots for women come in low and tall styles, with the ankle-high and calf-high being the two most common varieties. The laces typically run down the front of the shoe, from the foot to the top of the boot. Heels generally range from 2 to 3 inches in height (5 to 7.6 cm) and are quite thick, hourglass-shaped. Color options include green, tan, and white, though black and brown remain the predominant colors.
An additional prominent feature of the Victorian lace-up boots for women are the very pointed and narrow toes. When shopping for shoes or boots in this style, it is sometimes best to get a size larger than usual to avoid excessive pinching of the toes. The extra room helps ensure the boots remain wearable despite extreme styling.
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