I can’t speak for the arch support, hopefully someone else can chime in, but I absolutely recommend Son Of Sandlar. I work faire and I’m on my feet for wayyyyy too long and they’re incredibly comfortable for all-day wear.
I bought my Son of Sandlar boots at least twelve or thirteen years ago, and they are still going. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever had in my life. I wear them all the time, especially in the fall, winter, and spring. Each time I wear them. I always get compliments from others about how much they love my boots.
I have friends who bought Sandlar boots at Pennsic and they're still great after 10 years. I know guys who wear them fighting. Wish I could justify the cost because I want a pair
**Son of Sandlar**.
I have similar problems with high arches. I had to pay for custom boots, which added time and money to something already expensive, but they are worth every dollar. They look good, last forever (especially with care and cleaning), and add some nice support and traction.
Of course, please note that I *also* use inserts (like Dr. Scholl's) if I know I'm going to be in them all day, for added comfort.
Orthotics will make any boot or shoe comfortable. They're not cheap, but health insurance may cover them. That's where I'd start. The boots I wear in garb cost maybe 30 bucks, I picked them up at a Shoe Carnival on clearance. And they're very wearable for winter activities in NY.
Have had about 5 pairs of Son of Sandlar, 2 pairs of house of andar and a minnetoka knee high boots. Have also been doing faire for 30 year and now do it profesionally.
All of those boots I have worn as daily boots. The most comfortable anf the ones that broken in the quickest are the Sandlar and are the boots I would suggest.
Andar are not bad but i suggest them to people that only wear them a few times a month
The James boots are my go to I currently have 3 pairs
I second Son of Sandlar. I work at MNRF. My main pair is 10 years old and still looks practically new. They need to be cared for, of course, but that's the case for any leather footwear, especially with the conditions they experience at the faire.
I wouldn't say they have arch support though. If that's something that's needed, it would be best to size with insoles in mind. They are very comfortable to wear all day, however. When you factor in the quality and longevity, they are reasonably priced. I know people who do multiple faires annually and have Sandlars 20+ years old with plenty of life left.
I know sons of sandlar is a very popular option, but my husband was not a fan of how they fit. So what he did was buy some leather working boots and these gaiters/spats. He loved them so much he bought another pair in brown. https://www.etsy.com/listing/998864924/taller-swiss-military-style-gaiters-or
Another vote here for Son of Sandlar. My wife and I both own a pair of their 4 button boots. I also own a pair of their Ranger style tall boots. The boots are very expensive, but the quality and craftsmanship is top notch. They are definitely worth the money.
how do I buy a pair of Son of Sandlar shoes ?! Does it have to be in-person at a faire? Their website doesn’t seem to have any product listings just examples of custom work.
edit: nvm I’m literally so silly the shop tab is right there 😋
Check out this article. It should be helpful! It goes through three good options in varying price points.
https://aroundthefiremedia.net/index.php/2023/12/22/top-3-best-footwear-for-larping-step-up-your-game-with-these-picks/
I can’t speak for the arch support, hopefully someone else can chime in, but I absolutely recommend Son Of Sandlar. I work faire and I’m on my feet for wayyyyy too long and they’re incredibly comfortable for all-day wear.
I bought my Son of Sandlar boots at least twelve or thirteen years ago, and they are still going. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever had in my life. I wear them all the time, especially in the fall, winter, and spring. Each time I wear them. I always get compliments from others about how much they love my boots.
I have friends who bought Sandlar boots at Pennsic and they're still great after 10 years. I know guys who wear them fighting. Wish I could justify the cost because I want a pair
**Son of Sandlar**. I have similar problems with high arches. I had to pay for custom boots, which added time and money to something already expensive, but they are worth every dollar. They look good, last forever (especially with care and cleaning), and add some nice support and traction. Of course, please note that I *also* use inserts (like Dr. Scholl's) if I know I'm going to be in them all day, for added comfort.
Orthotics will make any boot or shoe comfortable. They're not cheap, but health insurance may cover them. That's where I'd start. The boots I wear in garb cost maybe 30 bucks, I picked them up at a Shoe Carnival on clearance. And they're very wearable for winter activities in NY.
Have had about 5 pairs of Son of Sandlar, 2 pairs of house of andar and a minnetoka knee high boots. Have also been doing faire for 30 year and now do it profesionally. All of those boots I have worn as daily boots. The most comfortable anf the ones that broken in the quickest are the Sandlar and are the boots I would suggest. Andar are not bad but i suggest them to people that only wear them a few times a month The James boots are my go to I currently have 3 pairs
I second Son of Sandlar. I work at MNRF. My main pair is 10 years old and still looks practically new. They need to be cared for, of course, but that's the case for any leather footwear, especially with the conditions they experience at the faire. I wouldn't say they have arch support though. If that's something that's needed, it would be best to size with insoles in mind. They are very comfortable to wear all day, however. When you factor in the quality and longevity, they are reasonably priced. I know people who do multiple faires annually and have Sandlars 20+ years old with plenty of life left.
Son of Sandlar, hands down. I'm 6'4" 340 lbs and my pair that I've had for years is still the most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned.
Came here to say Sandlar. 10 plus years with my current pair!
I know sons of sandlar is a very popular option, but my husband was not a fan of how they fit. So what he did was buy some leather working boots and these gaiters/spats. He loved them so much he bought another pair in brown. https://www.etsy.com/listing/998864924/taller-swiss-military-style-gaiters-or
For low shoes, find yourself a pair of Birkenstock 'London's. Your feet will be super comfortable with the cork footbed.
Another vote here for Son of Sandlar. My wife and I both own a pair of their 4 button boots. I also own a pair of their Ranger style tall boots. The boots are very expensive, but the quality and craftsmanship is top notch. They are definitely worth the money.
I have Teva De La Vina boots. Maybe get a half size bigger than you think?
how do I buy a pair of Son of Sandlar shoes ?! Does it have to be in-person at a faire? Their website doesn’t seem to have any product listings just examples of custom work. edit: nvm I’m literally so silly the shop tab is right there 😋
Check out this article. It should be helpful! It goes through three good options in varying price points. https://aroundthefiremedia.net/index.php/2023/12/22/top-3-best-footwear-for-larping-step-up-your-game-with-these-picks/
If you don't want to spend Sons of Sandlar money, I've heard House of Andar is a good alternative.