Boots

Unknown

1865–75 · cotton, silk · Costume Institute

Utilitarian shoes were often worn out and discarded, so it is fortunate to find a good quality specimen in fine condition. This pair of walking boots is serviceable but not particularly fashionable. The side lacing had been predominant for thirty years, but was going out of style in the 1860s to front lacing. Cloth uppers were also standard on earlier ladies' boots; all-leather uppers did not become common until the 1860s.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1865–75

Medium

cotton, silk

Culture

probably American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Herman Delman, 1954