Balmorals

Hurd Shoe Co.

1915–25 · leather · Costume Institute

Through most of the 19th and 20th centuries, men’s fashion, especially footwear, has tended to be more staid and less subject to rapid or extreme fluctuations than has women’s. Traditional views of masculinity discourage excessive interest in fashion, men's styles evolve more slowly, and the male wardrobe need not be extensive to be complete. Men therefore tend to have fewer clothes and wear them for a longer period, making shoes that survive in excellent condition particularly scarce. This pair of classic men’s early 20th century boots was saved as a manufacturer’s sample, so remains in original unworn condition. Of particular note on these boots in the interesting variation in perforation sizes and the square throat line.

Artist

Hurd Shoe Co.

Date

1915–25

Medium

leather

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Kenneth S. Hurd, 1959