I Made 1920s Flapper Shoes and wore them in NYC for a WEEK!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

This video brought back a forgotten memory-My grandmother who was a young teenager in the mid-20's once looked at a short pair of boots I was wearing one day and told me she she had a pair of Russian boots -As I recall, it was one of the few fashion "splurges" she ever made...(She still had the galoshes but not the boots) Thanks for the memory

[@Aaron-TheHandsome]

Thnks fr th mmrs 😏😉👍🏽😎✌🏽

[@mvrooks]

wow! what beautiful shoes! my grandmother told me about the galoshes trend, and said it was very cool to paint a daisy on the “tongue” area under the buckles, so that when the galoshes were flapping around unbuckled, you could see the flower. she said if you couldn’t paint the daisy, you could have a friend do it for you. so cool, and just as weird as more contemporary teen/young adult trends.

[@michelleneumann2413]

EVERY TIME you make a pair of shoes, it makes me want to learn to make shoes! Every time... Those boots would be fashionably worn today with modern clothing. They would rarely be off of my feet, had I a pair.

[@gretchenpolzin8308]

I so agree!!!

[@keithrouch4373]

Me too!

[@Peevesiak]

These are just gorgeous! I love the fact that the orignals were worn with love for more than just a season it makes them even more beautiful. Also, I'm a sucker for red and black combo. Funnily enough, here in Poland we still use the term cossacks, or rather kozaki to describe women's winter style boots. To learn that it's a term that has been used a century ago in a whole other part of the world is very cool :)

[@leadandelion5127]

We also still call slim womens' boots up to knees or above kozačky here in Czechia, next door to you. :) The only exception is rider's boots, everything else is substyle of kozačky.

[@Peevesiak]

@@leadandelion5127 hello neighbour! So cool how our languages can mirror each other on occasion yet still be so different over all 😊

[@bknesheim]

Have heard the terms used in Norway by my grandmother. She was 22 in 1922. :-)

[@Artimusk]

I find it amazing that I found someone who consistently makes historical shoes... I have always wanted to make shoes of my own so seeing this is very VERY helpful.

[@RachaelCarri]

My 21 month old daughter LOVES all things boots and shoes. She watched the last 10ish minutes of this video with me and cheered when you got the shoe off. We both agree that they are very pretty.

[@MazzaCheewanich]

A girl who not only explained but made herself A pair of flashy shoes deserved a big round of applause! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sc0ttishlass]

I love your shoemaking videos. It brings me back to my childhood when I watched my granddad making shoes. He made boots and shoes for all his kids and grandkids and I have never worn more comfortable shoes than those bespoke to me.

[@keithrouch4373]

Same here! I’d like to make my own shoes for my ping pong paddle feet!

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

I love your shoemaking videos. Shoe technology amazes me. Most people are like oh they're just to keep feet from getting dirty. No. Shoes are incredible and so underated.

[@tinnagigja3723]

Are most people that indifferent to shoes? I feel like, if anything, shoes are over-hyped. I.e. Sneakers; Bushnell, Candace; Marcos, Imelda; Louboutin ; Blahnik; Choo.

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

@@tinnagigja3723 oh those are in another class. The class of people that have more money than sense. From what I've been told shoes like that are extremely uncomfortable. They're for people that like to throw away money on brand names.

[@peachesandcream8753]

@@tinnagigja3723 The shoes aren't overhyped, the brand is. The people buying these shoes don't actually care about the shoes but the status that comes with them. This is why people will spend ridiculous amounts on crappy Louboutin's and Jimmy Choo's but won't pay the same amount for handmade shoes from Cheaney or from a bespoke maker.

[@katwitanruna]

Those are just stunning. Now I wonder what they’d look like in teal and black.

[@wendybutler1681]

Gorgeous, I'm sure. As would most of the deeper green shades.

[@kmarch6630]

I'm seeing black and white.

[@cadileigh9948]

A True Craftswoman. Thank you for this. Although I will never venture into cities [appart from urgent climate Demos] often enough to need new shoes and spend my days in the woods wearing wellies I do love to see your Townie offerings and still own the Annello and Davide boots i had made in London 1972 just for old times sake. I am planning to make the Bronze Age shoes Sally Pointer showed recently but with deer skin fur out and reversed direction to avoid slipping for walking, if it ever stops raining we had 2" today !

[@TheMetatronGirl]

🤩 They’re gorgeous! A properly fitted pair of leather soled shoes/boots are amazing for city wear, but I’ve never owned a pair that cool. I love watching you make shoes.

[@amberfrazier575]

You should look to karma of charme or free bird by Steven. Those two make my favorite hand made leather boots. The FB boots have a pair of “sandal”boots that look VERY 1920’s ish.

[@sonipitts]

Oh wow. This totally takes me back to the "sloucy boot" trends of the 90s (which seem to be resurging), as well as the "duck boots/rubber galoshes as fashion footware" trends of today. The more things change...

[@SimpleDesertRose]

It never ceases to amaze me at how beautiful your hands stay when your making shoes. I would have my hands all torn up. I love how these came out they are just gorgeous 😍

[@suzanneknepp849]

I am amazed at how strong her hands must be.

[@bellablue5285]

Both the original and your version are gorgeous! I had 'granny boots' is a similar style as a kid which I loved (and climbed trees in, much to my mother's absolute horror).

[@FlybyStardancer]

They turned out gorgeous!! May these be as well-loved and well-worn as the originals.

[@skirtedgalleons]

As a shoe lover, watching your videos is a mixed bag, joy at seeing the shoes being made, despair knowing I'll never get to have a pair. Beautiful work as always! Thanks for this.

[@marikotrue3488]

They are beautiful, absolutely timeless, boots. Several years ago, while wearing shoes I had no business wearing (think bad driver entering Le Mans), I stepped in a crack which resulted in a swollen foot and a twisted ankle. While my ankle and foot healed, I decided to wear boots whenever even minimal walking was required. I save the stilettos for sit down dinners. Tripping, miscalculating curbs or just plain cluelessness are unfortunately my natural state, so I very much appreciate the half boot/tall boot.

[@JuulThijssen]

I haven't even watched the video all the way through and I am already ded... you MADE those with your own hands, that's incredibly amazing

[@leisongivangomo5656]

Very nice boots! Every time you make a pair, I want to make my own pair, preferably with you as the class instructor! You describe the process so clearly. Thank You

[@AJansenNL]

Beautiful. I can imagine my shoemaker great-grandfather making boots like this.

[@jennypaxton8159]

I wonder if there was some hybridization or influence going on with cowboy boots a few decades later? They are the same general shape, slip-on with no fastenings, and looser (though not usually slouchy) around the ankle and calf, with relatively high heels that aren’t leather-wrapped. They are also sometimes quite flashy or even gaudy, certainly by the whole “singing cowboy” craze in midcentury. And even today people who don’t want flashy shoes will wear flashy cowboy boots, with cutouts and appliqués and brightly-colored leather and elaborate stitching (not to mention crazy exotic leathers). Plus, while we know cowboy boots came largely from Mexican vaqueros, there is also a theory that central-Asian cavalry boots may have also had an influence on the style. So basically, like pretty much all your videos, this makes my historian self perk up and go “Ooh! A possible connection to chase down!”

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Oh my historical side wants to know more too!! My poor dyslexic brain reminds me that google hates me!! Not surprising when my phrasing is so weird that people don’t believe I’m a native speaker. So my key words only make sense to me or so I’ve been told. Anyway if you do end up following this I would love to know more!

[@en1909s9iah]

This has got to be one of the most interesting videos I've seen in a very long while! The shoes are amazing, your explanation is incredible! And it's a perfect copy of the original!

[@lisahodges8299]

This has been so interesting I don't have enough life left to do this, I am now aware that the shoes that I can afford are not best. Your fitting vlog was very useful for anyone who cares about their feet. Even the placement of the shank can make a difference. Birdy

[@purpleprose1315]

Thank you for this comment. I will for sure look for the shoe fitting video. I have a high arch and wide feet that make finding shoes kind of difficult. With dress shoes I often go up a whole size.

[@emylee4130]

Everything you create makes me want to learn shoe making so desperately. 🤩🤩🤩

[@loretta_3843]

It's so satisfying watching an artisan work. Seeing an item created with care and skill is lovely, it's comforting to know people still care and have pride in their work!

[@ColorwaveCraftsCo]

The amount of detail on these shoes is insane! Thanks for taking us through your process!

[@shawnabradley3676]

It’s amazing how you can reproduce these shoes. I’m amazed. You did an amazing job

[@diamondslashranch]

They are so beautiful! You did an outstanding job on them.

[@tjs114]

I've seen vintage shoe making sewing machines at pawn shops and even in the few remaining sewing machine repair shops for sale at insanely low prices- like under $100. There's even one in the 'antique/junk shop' in my town of 4000 people for something like $80. I imagine if you snoop about you might find a deal somewhere around Reno or maybe Carson City.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

Wow! They turned out so cool! What a great skill/trade/art you have learned. It's amazing to me how malleable the leather is. First it looks like you would have to trim it a lot to get it to curve under around the bottom of the foot. But it seems the hammering almost makes it shrink? If it was fabric you'd have to have darts, or tucks, or cut into the curves. But it's like some kind of magic.

[@theredrover3217]

I am reminded of Go Go Boots - around the 60's. Something I begged for incessantly to no avail. 😆 I absolutly love these❣️ How marvelous you found them, can and did recreate another fantastic pair of footwear! I can't even imagine how much fun 🤩 they would be to wear.

[@___LC___]

Your skills never cease to amaze me! Those boots are amazing, both the original and the recreation. You’ve done a wonderful job on this project. Once again, I am amazed!!

[@leewalker9153]

I'm blown away by the level of knowledge, skill and patience. Beautiful boots! I had a similar pair called 'Granny boots' in the 80s that had a lower heel but a brogue pattern and a combo of laced and hook and eye. I loved them.

[@mollydodger]

That was amazing to watch. My 5 year old watched with me and was very impressed with how carefully you could cut on the lines :D

[@crystaledwards9878]

So beautiful. You inspire me to keep working on my doll shoes and working to make them era appropriate 🦚

[@MissIV]

Making a pair of shoes is on my bucket list… I just love everything about this process

[@reneef1608]

Stunning work! I remember a similar style we called Peter Pan boots being very trendy in the early 1980s. Everything comes around.

[@olgahein4384]

Very informative video, as always. Only thing about the origin of the "russian boot": This has nothing to do with military boots. They seem to be more of a combination of 'Valenki' - which are traditional russian winter boots. Though they are very simple and without heels, of course (there are other forms of winter shoes nowadays that look much more like valenki though) - and the kind of short or half boots that were pictured on the feet of mighty and rich men of the past (or young princes, where those short bright red boots with pointy tips seem to be standard prince equipment), especially portrayed during the soviet era on fairy tale mythology art. Btw, Czarina was the wife or widow of the Czar (though Czaritsa was more common for a Czars wife), translated 'empress' in nowadays english. But could also be a ruler in her own right, just a female Czar.

[@pondripple]

Every time I see you've remade a pair of shoes, I'm blown away by the end result! The idea of a new person loving the same well worn boots from a hundred years ago just gets me!!! You really do do give new life to old clothes and shoes in a beautiful way.

[@nancywhite2014]

What a fascinating process. Your talent and skill in the making of period footwear is very impressive. Thanks for sharing your journey in recreating those beautiful boots 🥾.

[@globalhikingcr]

You are brilliant at so many things historical! These shoes are superb 😍 Thank you for sharing your journey 🌞

[@doobat708]

These are stunning! Your creative process kept me company while finishing the shell for a pillow :)

[@Nineathy]

Absolutely STUNNING! My hands ache just watching this but my god your craftsmanship never ceases to amaze and impress, Nicole.

[@patchworkangels]

I’m always in awe at how incredibly talented and skilled you are, both at shoe making and video making! I could watch your videos all day.

[@LuanaOnMaui]

So gorgeous!! Love watching you make shoes. It’s fascinating. Thank you for this channel! ❤️

[@jenninstitches]

It's a good thing you avoided the Japanning materials. I had no idea that it had that element that is close to poison ivy and omg the rash and itching was unreal for me. It ended up with a trip to the ER. I have learned that I can use it but I have to be heavily gloved and I use all sorts of respirators and protective equipment. It just isn't worth it. Once I made my one project I wanted to, I have looked for other materials. Piano key paint is something I have not thought of and I think I might look that up. They are a gorgeous pair of boots. It is nice to hear you love them and they served you well on your NYC adventure weekend. Your dress was fabulous!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Your boots are stunning!! I can understand why they stuck around for years. Everyone would have wanted a pair! I know I do! They are truly amazing!

[@paloma_hill]

ah, I am always so happy when you make a video- so much beautifully presented research and information!

[@cherisseepp5332]

You make me want to take up shoemaking. I don’t think my hands would deal with that well, though. 😢 You are pleasant to watch and the finished product is beautiful.

[@themombat1193]

Love, love, love these boots! Thank you for posting!

[@catherinepeloton4446]

From Paris France What a beautiful pair of boots!Congratulation ! And thank you to share your great knowledge !

[@davecsaszarable]

What a dream pair of shoes! Your excitement just makes the video even better

[@narelleworks8448]

Before seeing who was behind these boots I hoped it was you Nicole. I love learning from you and watching you (a bit spooky booo!) Thank you for all you do. ❤️🖤🧙🏻🦘

[@catreid1019]

These are gorgeous, as usual. I really love your shoemaking videos.

[@aricavela935]

I find making shoes fascinating. Wish I had someone to show me how to create with my hands. Good job and great video.

[@tammyellison735]

Watching this video and seeing how beautifully you made the shoes, makes me want to learn to make shoes. Not that I have the time or the talent, but I can wish

[@Sonicman415]

This is an incredible video. Gorgeous new boots, from an old design. Simply amazing. Wow. Well done.

[@KineticKiwi13]

you are SO IMPRESSIVE!!!! Thank you for sharing all of this awesome information -- I'm such a nerd for it!!!

[@LycIrisAurora]

Aaaaaa these are so gorgeous!!! I dont think I'll ever get around to learning shoemaking myself but man if American duchess could pick up this pattern....

[@faylowery8693]

They are gorgeous, I love the boots.

[@reneesorenson5271]

That must have taken you hundreds of hours! It's amazing, and absolutely beautiful! Well done, Nicole!! - I have a cobbler's stand with some foot forms in my basement, that I believe came from my great-grandfather. I have no idea what to do with them!

[@georgebricker2224]

Watching your videos is so informative. I actually know a gentleman who made historical shoes for a living for many years. They were mostly men's either Regency or American Civil War. He has acquired many period machine in his years and can do everything from stitching, on a treadle, to sole nailing with wooden pegs. Thanks for the insight.

[@dorothyway9762]

So interesting. You do beautiful work. I design and make my own clothing so I know how precise the work must be done. You have to be even more precise. Really enjoyed watching your process. Looking forward to your other history lessons and shoe construction.

[@felinetherapy4782]

Love! Love! Love! Look amazing! I'd be so scared of them wearig away when you walk in them on the city streets. Would love to know how well they wear.

[@Eloraurora]

I'd love to know as well. Also, whether she re-soles her shoes and if it's easier/harder/different than the same procedure with modern shoes.

[@guineverecassidy4855]

Such wonderful booties, really beautiful work. I have to say the puppy snores are near and dear to my heart. 😍

[@quisnessness]

These are absolutely stunning!

[@jsrmusic1]

I love these boots and would love to have a pair. Red and black is one of my favorite color combinations.

[@BritInvLvr]

Absolutely beautiful. I wish I had half your skill and talent. You did an amazing job.

[@jeannechapman2696]

They are beautiful! Am fascinated that the many pieces are held together only with glue and a bit of stitching. Amazing!

[@tinylittleanj2]

I have never watched your videos before, but that was just delightful. What an amazing recreation you did!!

[@JenInOz]

Gorgeous boots and making them yourself demonstrates your skill level! How long does it take to make a pair like this?

[@alexderks8923]

This is just so freaking impressive. Well done.

[@jenniferedwards4874]

I love these!!! Though I wonder how a black/brown or black/blue combo would look. I wish I had the skill and tools to make my own or the $ to pay for a custom pair. I would wear them out

[@sharilynross1140]

This was fascinating! I've never seen shoes made before!

[@catherinecrockett]

My grandmother [born in 1900 and very stylish, I remember her wearing op-art minidresses in the late 60s] had boots of that silhouette, and galoshes like that were still common.

[@devinbaggs7542]

Welp, I guess I have to go learn shoemaking now. Thanks Nicole :P Those are gorgeous though, thank you for showing us your process!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Thosse are so beautiful. I'd be terrified to spend a week in new shoes, I'm so glad thery turned out as comfortable as they are gorgeous.

[@susanrobertson984]

Those are gorgeous!!! I wonder if they need any breaking in or at they as comfy as they look right away?

[@kjtherrick4031]

Your 1920s Russian boots are great! Glad to hear that they are also comfortable. I suspect you will be wearing and loving yours as much as whoever wore and loved the pair your purchased and reproduced. Thank you for all your research on this item. If you ever decide to start holding workshops of how to make a shoe last followed by how to make various types of shoes, like these boots, I might actually consider going to Reno!

[@chanelmccoy5228]

Wow! Those boots are gorgeous and the process was so interesting.

[@sheilacarsins6222]

Amazing! You're so talented! They're beautiful works of art! ❤

[@etainne2001]

i have several pairs of western boots from mid century that i wore in my 20s and 30s prepregnancy and loved but i never thought about how much work went into making them. I have to wonder if your hands, hips, and back ache after making those. new appreciation for craftspersons who make things.

[@matthewf1979]

21:01 Hammer Time!!

[@audrey5941]

I just found your channel and am so pleased to have found someone else who loves shoes as I do! I will be enjoying your knowledge and joy of all things footwear! Your skills are phenomenal !

[@mizztcee4353]

This is truly an art form. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@kckazcoll1]

I am in awe! What a process and the result is spectacular!

[@annechenlowey7462]

Just saw this video after your 1920's capsule wardrobe video, and if these boots are not part of the trip, I may cry, because they fit so much of the colorway.

[@erinrabideau3691]

Stunning boots!!! I love watching you make shoes 😍

[@debbiewakeland1353]

I absolutely love these boots, so lovely.

[@debbiebrewington7635]

They are gorgeous!! Love them!!

[@italiansdoitbetter5062]

Wow……I can’t believe how much they look alike…..i thought at the beginning you just restored it….You are so talented

[@KeritechElectronics]

Oh my, this was so fascinating to watch! These boots are sooooo beautiful.

[@kerrinchurchill2945]

This is so impressive and your work and dedication is incredible. I have learned a lot from your videos. I'm just a lover of history and period-clothing and your stuff is very, good. Thank you.

[@juliettedemaso7588]

I am in love. And blown away. Beautiful work, what a wonderful skill you have.

[@IsmaielDeath]

I only now found your channel and I'm deeply impressed. Thanks for showing us the process and teaching us abour historical shoes. I have to say I'm absolutely in love with them. Everything from their looks to the fact that all of them look really comfy. I have to say I'm almost jealous and very tempted to one day learn a shoemakers craft myself - as I have never in my life found a shoe that actually fits me well. I guess there is only making a fitting shoe for me and my non-standard feet. 😂

[@JRBENES]

You have outdone yourself yet again!!! Wonderful video!

[@Lulu.G-61]

How awesome to make your own shoes! You are tempting me Nicole! It must be lovely to have people compliment your shoes and ask you where you got them and to say “I made them myself“

[@anniehosking2408]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@sunecian]

in Poland where im living, this boots are still popular xD they are called 'botki' or 'sztyblety' it is funny bc 'russian boots' means 'kozaki' in polish but they looks different than your russian shoes