Balmorals
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Balmorals
- Manufacturer: Attributed to Hurd Shoe Co.
- Date: 1915–25
- Culture: American
- Medium: leather
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Kenneth S. Hurd, 1959
- Object Number: 2009.300.3774a–d
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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