Hi there all,

What shoes did the French wear typically in 1812 to 1815 and who supplies these? I have noted Srah Juniper does a pair of black Rifleman boots..are these what would have been worn typically?

All the best, Robert

Hi Robert,

the French of the period would have worn a latchet shoe which would have had have been laced not buckled. The soles were substantall being made of 3 layers of leather together with @20 hobnails per sole and @13 heel studs. I obtained my shoes from KM Garlick,(a cobbler making period footwear), who i believe was a member of the regiment many years ago.

However, despite the above, French soldiers may well have worn some boots similar to British Rifle boots as the French Government did buy boots from Britian during the period, also you could say you took the boots from a dead rifleman or Prussian. Remember, when you have a pair of black gaiters over the boots they would indistinguishable from latchet shoes to anyone other than an expert! I hope the above helps, if you would like any more info please update the message of feel free to give me a ring.

Hiya David,

Thank you for getting back to me. Have been to kevin's site and had a look...were the boots you mentioned the

Blucher boots..at £99.00 (19c?

No,

I don't think Kevin has a copy of the shoes on his site, i imagine he probably doesn't sell that many compared with British Infantry or American Civil War boot styles.