Your feet carry you through the whole faire, so footwear matters more than any other part of your outfit. Here's how to choose medieval-style boots, how to get the size right, and how to make sure they're comfortable on the day.
In short
- Tall cuffed boots suit Renaissance and noble looks; lace-up boots suit rangers and peasants.
- Our boots use China sizes, so choose by foot length in centimetres.
- Break new boots in at home before the faire.
- Gaiters turn plain boots or shoes into costume footwear.
What people wore in the Middle Ages
Most medieval people wore simple leather turnshoes, sewn inside out and turned the right way, or soft ankle boots. Tall boots were mostly for riding. The tall, wide-cuffed boot that many people picture belongs to the 1600s, the age of the cavaliers. At a faire, all of them are welcome.
Three styles and when to wear them
- Tall cuffed boots: the Fold-Over Cuff Renaissance Boots pull on, with a wide cuff, a flat heel and a rubber sole, in black or brown. For Renaissance gentlemen, bards and nobles.
- Lace-up mid-calf boots: the Mid-Calf Lace-Up Boots lace snug around the calf, in black or brown with a cotton lining. For rangers, rogues and peasants, men and women.
- Low boots: the Low Faux Leather Boots have a round toe and a cotton and faux fur lining. Closest to medieval shoes, for peasants and Vikings.
How to size boots by foot length
- Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres. Do both feet and use the longer one.
- Match that length to the boot's chart. Our boots rise 0.5 cm per size.
- Between two sizes, or wearing thick socks? Go up one size.
More detail in how to measure yourself.
Gaiters: the shortcut
Lace-Up Studded Gaiters go over your own boots or shoes, with a strap under the instep. They're 40 cm tall, fit calves from 31 to 45 cm, and give plain footwear a ranger or warrior look. They also keep the lower leg cleaner on muddy days.
Shop footwear
Break them in before the faire
- Wear new boots at home for an hour a day for a week.
- Wear the socks you'll wear on the day.
- Put blister plasters in your pouch anyway.
Questions people ask
What shoes should I wear to a Renaissance faire?
Comfortable, broken-in boots or flat shoes. Style matters less than comfort: you'll walk for hours on grass and dirt.
Can I wear trainers?
Yes. Plain dark trainers are hidden under long skirts and trousers, and gaiters over them make them look the part.
Are faux leather boots waterproof?
The surface sheds light rain, but seams can let water in. On a wet day, wear thicker socks and bring a spare pair.
