Victorian Lace-Up Boots
I absolutely adore Victorian lace-up boots. You know the boots I'm talking about, ladies. Every woman should have at least one pair.
They are often called Victorian boots, granny goots, goth or gothic boots, or even witch boots, but they all generally refer to some variation of the type of boots illustrated here. Typically, they are black, but tans, browns, creams and white are very popular as well.
They are form-fitting and accentuate a woman's calves and ankles. They are comfortable to wear and offer good ankle support. Some have zippers on the side so that you don't have to lace and unlace them each time.
Victorian boots create a look of sleek look of authority, style and grace that is hard to match with other footwear.
The Victorian & Edwardian Eras
The Victorian era was from 1837 until 1901 and the Edwardian era, named after Queen Victoria's successor, King Edward VII, began in 1901 and lasted until 1910.
Women's ankles were to be covered to protect them from men's prying eyes. Ironically, the intricate tight lacings of the ankle boots had a titilating effect.
The higher, front-laced 19th Century shoes/boots became more popular when Queen Victoria started wearing them at her Scottish castle Balmoral. The two-toned lace up boots have become known as Balmorals.
The typical walking boot was lined with flannel, had a half inch heel and cost about $5.50.
 | Amazon Price: $20.99 List Price: $54.95 |
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The Fascination with Lace-Up Boots Begins
When I was in grade school, around 3rd or 4th grade, I remember going on a school field trip to tour several historic homes in the nearest big city.
With utter fascination, I watched the narrator point out various antiques and memorabilia on display in the first house we went to.
That's when I saw them.
She showed us a pair of black Victorian lace-up woman's boots. I had never seen anything like them.
Growing up in Texas, I have certainly seen my share of cowboy boots. Being a child of the 60s, I have also seen teens wearing go-go boots.
I saw so much more in this pair of boots than just a fashion trend. I saw such style and sophistication in this pair of gently worn boots. They just seemed so classy to me. I pictured the woman who wore them to be authoritative and strong. They just didn't seem like the type of boots a meek subservient woman would wear.
I aspired to be the type of woman that would wear that type of boot. I think this experience helped to formulate much of who I am today.
Grab Some of That Feeling for Yourself
I'm telling you ladies, there is nothing that makes me feel more feminine or in control than when I'm wearing Victorian lace-up boots.
If you have owned a pair or two before, then you know what I'm talking about.
If you've never owned a pair, you owe it to yourself to feel your sassy sexy best. I bet you won't be the only one to notice either.
Look at the Choices in Heels!
Great Links and Resources
- Victorian Leather and Lace Wedding Boots by KCC Big Country
Victorian Leather and Lace Wedding Boots are a highly sought after wedding accessory for today's bride. I have adored Victorian lace-up boots since my childhood. I have written another hub about that... - Boots-A Sexy Accessory for Every Woman by KCC Big Country
I was four years old the year Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walking" was released. I quite vividly remember having a pair of white cowgirl boots that I adored. I remember hearing Nancy sing that... - Victorian and Edwardian Photographs- Costume Research Library
Victorian & Edwardian photographs - Harper's Bazaar, Fashion Magazine
Read Harper's Bazaar online, original text of the 19th century New York fashion magazine. - Antique Women\'s Fashions 1825-1840
History of antique women's clothing from 1825 to 1840 by Heather Palmer.
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Comments
I actually owned a reproduction pair for about 5-6 years, but eventually gave the boots away because they hurt my feet. One of the links I've included sure sounded like a good pair of boots. I'd really like to get me some more. My feet are bigger than yours!
I actually found a pair of Vintage Victorian boots at the trift store that I manage. They were in perfect shape. Cool boots man!
Wow.....wouldn't it be fascinating if the boots could talk? Think of all the people that may have owned them for the last 100 years! Thanks for sharing Paper Moon.
We have some in the Mariposa History Museum where I volunteer--- way too small and not so comfortable-looking.
I've seen some that are so pointed that I don't know how anyone can wear them! Thanks for stopping by Rochelle!
Maybe we need to find a good boot maker that can fashion us a pair that fit perfectly! Cost be damned - we need a good pair of boots! I still think boots are the sexiest thing out there..any kind! And it might start a new trend with my "cycle buddies!"
One of the links I put up there does that. They custom make them. I do want some!
I have never even tried on a pair, KCC! Too much lacing. Ha Ha! I thought it was very interesting that they were intended to keep a man from getting turned on by an ankle, when the end result was getting them worked up even more.
I think you and Candie need to get a pair and post pics!!!
The pair I had had all of the laces and eyelets, but it also had zippers on the side so that you could zip and unzip without messing up the laces...LOL Bet the Victorian women wish they had had that!
A quick escape!! Wedding dresses need those! Ha Ha! Good to see you, KCC. We haven't emailed in a few days.....
I know! Good to see you too, LM! I have no A/C and we're going delirious!
KCC, the very first photo on top SO reminded me of Mary Poppins that I could hardly keep going with the rest of the hub! Laugh! When it comes to sexy, I'll go for cowboy boots, but if we're talking sophistication, then these steal the show :-) Cool hub!
I always liked those boots. Every time I saw them in the movies with those costumes, I always wanted a pair. The lacing up would drive me nuts, but they look good.
No A/C??!?!! Time for a roadtrip. I'll send the kids to mom's and have the beds and a fresh pot of iced tea ready for you!
Those laced boots made life easier for the unfortunate Edwardian ladies. The alternative was button up boots,using a special button hook. (The last one of those that I saw was being used by an auto-electrician in town to hook back the brushes on the generators he repaired. - he didn't know what it was!)
Elena: I had cowboy boots as a young girl and have wanted them again as an adult, but I just haven't found a pair yet that I can't live without. I find them sexy as well. But, I doooooooo love the sophistication of these.
Jewels: I agree that these always caught my attention in movies as well. The ones I had weren't all that bad to lace up. The zippers were handy though.
Laughing Mom: You don't know how tempting that is! The cruelest part is that I puposely waited to turn on the A/C until about 2 weeks ago, trying to save money on the electric bill. It worked ok for about a week. Then the last week it started getting hotter and hotter in here and the A/C wasn't ever cycling off. Clogged A-coil and the pan underneath is rusted. Not sure how much it's going to cost me to fix. But, the upside is, it probably will be cheaper to run it since it will be unclogged!
You are so right, TOF! I saw those when I was researching this. That hook reminded me of the hooks they now give out at Home Deport to open your paint cans. Buttons are far worse than laces.
Thanks to all of you for stopping by!
These are my favorite kinds of boots: strong, comfortable, and very sexy. I've had numerous pairs over the years.
I have one of those old button hooks, too, with a mother-of-pearl handle. It was my grandmother's.
These are really great boots. I had a pair many years ago but they are now long gone. Thanks for the hub and I will be watching in my travels for a replacement pair!
Teresa: What a treasured item to have! I had never seen one until I was doing the research on this hub. I bet it's beautiful! Thanks for stopping by!
Mardi: Writing this really made me miss mine as well. I'm going to be searching for a new pair as well. Thanks for stopping by!
I have an old printing plate, copper over lead that I found with a metal detector. It was an ad for the boots exactly like you are talking about.
Stuart- Treasured Pasts
OMG...that is so cool! My dad built several metal detectors from scratch and my mom is going to give me one of them now that my dad passed away. I remember going out with him as a kid and finding all sorts of things. That is a cool item you found, Treasured Pasts. I look forward to finding something cool!
Oh how I miss those boots in flip flop land. Someday again I'll own another pair. Loved the high heeled boot walk.
That is true, isn't it, Jerilee? We just walk differently in high heel boots versus other shoes! I think we sometimes forget how much more elegant we can look as women by what shoes we chose to wear. Thanks for stopping by and reminding us of that.
Pat writes; I love boots so found this irresistable. Tricia favours those little ankle high boots, but I like taller ones. Last year I got a pair that lace up the back AND have a zip on the inner leg. The bag lace allows for adjustment to the fit, making them comfortable. However, my daugher calls them my burlesque boots!
The ones I had zipped on the inner leg as well, but they laced up the front. I think I would like ones like you have too! Thanks for stopping by 2patricias!
Buttons on boots...buttons on mens and womens underware...stays in girdles...glad I don't live back then! LOL Nice hub.
I agree Peggy! Sounds like a lot of work! The 14 hooks on my bra are enough! LOL
Thanks for stopping by!
These are beauties!
Thanks AIDY! I agree!
Sweet boots!
Thank you, I agree! Thanks for stopping by JBrett.
Love them all. Love them love them all. Don't have them but get quit excited when I see pictures of them. Love to see pictures from women who wearing them. Where can I find pictures?
I love them too, Lady Elvira! You can try Google images to see if you can find pics of women wearing them.
Hello, I am a freelance writer and I am writing an article about Victorian Wedding Boots. I wanted to know if you have any high resolution photographs you could send the editor of the wedding magazine for my article. Thank you! My email is escaravage@hotmail.com
Dear Santa: I've been reeeeeeeeally good this year, please bring me some Victorian Lace-Up Boots! LOL
Great hub, love the boots
Thanks Nikki!
Oh my goodness! I just love these boots.
Thanks for the info, links etc. Off to make my birthday list.
Glad you like them, Kerry! I can totally relate!
I absolutely adore Victiorian boots! The closest pair of shoes to them that I own are my mum's old lace-up winkle-pickers from the seventies :) They're more of a kind of Victorian style, I guess, but they're in desperate need of repair, hence I can't wear them too often...
Jayne, Amazon really carries a lot of inexpensive varieties of Victorian boots. You owe to yourself to check them out. My only problem is deciding on one style.
I had several pairs of boots just like the ones pictured! I love everything Victorian. I designed both my prom and wedding dress like those of that era. So beautiful and romantic. Funny, as much as I love the era and use it in my home decor I only have one web property dedicated to it-out of the 80 or so I own. Check it out and let me know what you think...
I am attracted to that era as well, Supermom_in_ny. I'll check out your article. Thanks for stopping by!
I agree Every woman should have at least one pair, they are so beautiful and add character to any outfit.
Thanks for stopping by Princessa! I find it difficult choosing only one. I may have to buy several.
Nice work KCC.
I like these and the knee high lace up boots the best, but they're so hard to find anymore. Except select online retailers. Anyways, great hub!
ilike it
Candie V 2 years ago
Great hub! I adore these boots! All the while I was reading it I was humming "These boots are made for walking.. and that's just what they'll do.." I wear a size 8 if you ever find a pair like that (They would have to be reproductions cuz the women back then were like a dress size 1 and tiny feet!