Sensible, colorful boots built for comfort and style! One-of-a-kind boots made by and for me.
See specs
Maker
Gitty Duncan
Model
Dance boot 001
Leather
Last
Sole
Purchased from
made for myself
Order info
Availability: Custom
More about this item
Hand stitched with two colors of linen thread and welted with two colors of thread and leather cording.See background
Why did you choose this item?
I’ve been slowly working my way through building a variety of classic styles of boots and shoes, in order to learn the craft. I wanted these to be elegant every-day boots, good for working in my studio as well as for a night of dancing. Success in both locales! I also took them out to the snow in Santa Fe, and they held up surprisingly well.
How did you determine your size?
I took a weekend workshop to learn about foot measuring and lasts with Jeff Mandel from exIT Shoes in Portland. I learned how to make tracings and take all the proper measurements and how to determine the proper length and width for the last style I chose. I built one pair of shoes on these lasts, made a few modifications (took them in a bit behind the ball joint and a little around the ankle) and these boots fit perfectly.
What was the ordering process?
I chose this MPG Apollo Mediterranean blue leather for its luminous hue, and for the fact that when edge beveled, it has a lovely lighter blue color inside. It became a distinctive but subtle design element for my boots. I designed these for myself. The leather came from District Leather Supply.
Use & wear
These handstitched boots won second place in the Fine Craft Division of the Marin County Fair in 2023! They have become a comfortable favorite for working in my studio, dancing (swing, Zydeco, salsa) and walks in the woods.
Leather
The leather has taken on a subtle luster over the past five months and the boots have conformed to my feet in a very satisfying way. The Mediterranean blue is true to its name- it’s a luminous ocean blue with depth! The boots broke in easily- and required very little upkeep. I usually buffed them with a shoe brush and did little spit polishing here and there. I used Feibing’s saddle soap once a month.
Fit
Spenle 18290 is designed with a narrow heel, which gives it a snug and secure fit. I modified the lasts to get a better fit through the arch and instep. Excellent fit for all day non-stop walking.
Craftsmanship
I made these boots in order to learn more about Patternmaking and construction. I beveled the top lines to reveal the gorgeous blue interior of the leather, and chose stitching thread colors to complement the two shades of blue. I experimented with using copper eyelets and leather laces that coordinate with the leather cording in the welt stitching. These boots go with most everything I wear day to day, so they’re extremely useful!
Sole & heel
The JR Leather soles are durable and provide excellent, balanced support.
Final thoughts
Prizewinning boots! Overall, very comfortable durable and colorful! I’ve made lots of new friends while wearing these boots! I’ll experiment with the construction of the boot straps for the next pair, and perhaps try some leather from J and F J Baker.
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