The History (and making) of Witches Shoes

[@freshfrippery]

I can see Abby's face as she yells TIPPY TAPS with aggressive encouragement. 😄

[@RaquelCruz]

Shoe design in fashion history tends to be overlooked. It's great to have you share your knowledge. It's great to watch your craftsmanship, too.

[@EVEspinosa79]

I am not aware about what kind of chronic illness you deal with... but I hope you have a bunch of good days, despite whatever it is. I love your content a lot, and I find your voice very soothing. Despite being pretty much incompetent in all things crafty, I just love your content.

[@wolkehauch7445]

Abby screaming "Tippy taps" cracked me up! 😂❤

[@DestructionGlitter]

I was going to post the exact same comment 😂

[@TheBusyJane]

I was also going to post this comment. Guys, I think we're a cult.

[@becauseimafan]

​@@TheBusyJane Sure but we're way more likely to just give ourselves like carpal tunnel from sewing and costume making than harm anyone else so it's fiiiine 😁👍

[@belindacoba5158]

She is not on camera, but we know is her...🤣

[@sonipitts]

11:57 - I wonder if the Halloween decoration designer saw a pair of no longer worn, out of date shoes in an older relative's closet and based the illustration on that. When I was a child, I had many older relatives who had grown up in the 20s and 30s and (being Depression-era types) saved everything. I saw many an older shoe in the back of their closets and they would all be curled up at the mid-vamp as they dried out and rolled up along the weaker areas where they had creased and flexed from when they were worn. As a kid, they always struck me as looking *exactly* like the witchy shoes I saw in the Halloween decorations (which led to all sorts of wild childhood fantasies about what my otherwise boring, stolid backwoods relatives got up to when no one was looking 😆)

[@geekdivaherself]

This is a really interesting point!

[@rosiefletcher]

Hello from a fellow chronic illness haver - cosy bedding is so important! I'm watching this tucked in my own cosy nest. Wishing you plenty of good days x

[@kirstynmcleary4963]

Hello other fellow chronic illness havers, also tucked up in bed. 🥰

[@MossyMozart]

Bundled on the sofa with a warm fuzzy cat on each side.

[@dragon-kitty]

Couch is definitely my preferred cosy place for the bad days

[@jodavis-i6d]

WAKE UP NICOLE POSTED!!

[@lillywho]

alright alright stop yelling.... :§

[@VeeBee81]

😂😂😂

[@itsmeevang6529]

The way I SHOUTED ! YAAAAS SOMEONE GETS ME

[@RobertaFierro-mc1ub]

YAYYYY!!

[@jodavis-i6d]

@@itsmeevang6529 lmao

[@hannahstraining7476]

Ahhh! Quintessential Nicole Rudolph! Shoe history, shoe making, stunning outfit, and just plain fun! Loved it all.

[@thekmhful]

For your skill, presentation, and generosity. From 1 artist to another, I see you. Thank you.

[@alexschubert9768]

How weird is it, that my first thought was "those look absolutely lovely" referring to the comfort - I thought they look very comfy

[@bikerglammom]

I have a pair of these that I use for historical reenactments, I have a collapsed arch due to a severed but repaired achillies tendon in the opposite leg and I find them very very comfortable!!

[@Selene13zz]

I have been waiting, it feels like years, for someone to do a proper whimsical but historic witches shoe! And, of course, it would be you Nicole to do it justice. They're beautiful. I also have a chronic illness and for days that I absolutely have to rest, watching you go through the process of building and shaping historical shoes just makes my whole being happy. I'm so grateful you're around. Remember to prioritize your rest & healing above all else. Much Love, from an Old Witch. 💜😉

[@mwater_moon2865]

lol, your sign off made me wonder if you have you ever read the series of books about "Old Black Witch" She wore the "witches' shoes" with spats!

[@Selene13zz]

@@mwater_moon2865 No I haven't but I've seen the artwork & she sounds right up my alley! I'm working on going into my Crone phase & I want to be *that witch*! lol

[@ixchelkali]

On the days when my chronic illness is bad, watching your videos helps to get me through. Your voice is soothing, there's no one shouting, the content is fascinating, and I get to learn stuff.

[@Rumade]

I love watching your hands as you work. There's such a sense of controlled, skilled, power

[@M.Datura]

The smoothness and shine of the leather on the heel makes me very happy.

[@raeperonneau4941]

Oh to have a reproduction of the 1690 shoe. I love them! I have a stunning pair of Italian “Loafers” that I purchased in San Francisco in 1998 that are that exact same shape, with the curved heal like the 1918 sample. Once I added rubber soles to the bottoms, they were the most comfortable shoe I owned. They were also so well made that I not only still have them but they’re still gorgeous. I’m just waiting for them to come back in style. 😂

[@josi_k.]

That was Abby screaming " TIPPY TAPS!", right? 😂😂😂 loved that! 😂 Thank u so much for this deep dive into witch shoes, it's always very fascinating to me how we get those concepts which seem so universal like they always have been this way!❤

[@joiedevivre2005]

So very interesting! Excellent video! Although, I have to admit, one of my favorite parts was the end with your friend screaming "TIPPY TAPS!!!"

[@Tvianne]

That's Abby Cox, another historical costuber. Look her up, she's great!

[@GrammyAmanda]

Your witch shoes turned out so cute!

[@tjs114]

It is always a pleasure to watch Nicole go down the rabbit hole only to come out the other side with a practically perfect interpretation of what she went searching for. And Nicole, have you considered doing shoemaking workshops on SkillShare? I mean, you obviously have the talent and skill, but you also have shown in your youtube videos a natural ability to teach and share your knowledge well. Just a thought...

[@beautyonabarnbudget]

They make you jump through too many hoops . I’m a literal expert witness in the court room in my field. Buuut, not enough of an expert for skillshare.

[@Lizzzzzzzy9999]

Watching you work on these shoes is so incredibly interesting and somehow soothing. I'm in awe of your skills and love watching your content, even if I'm no historian and not even a crafty person.

[@rockinrileys5678]

I have always be fascinated by shoemakers, watching you make them as you are going through the history is the best!!!! And the ending with what has to be Abby Cox yelling TIPPY TAPS at you made me giggle. xxxxxx love the Ranch Nuns as well!

[@LordGertz]

The power of theater & spectacle, the witch's shoes, the Vikings' horned helmet, and so many more.

[@ThestuffthatSaralikes]

DAMN YOU ALGORITHM!! I thought we were cool? I engage with creators, I take your little surveys and leave ratings when asked… you’ve been letting me down more and more lately. Why?! How have I missed this *gem* of a channel?! Ya had one job, Al(goreithm), one job. Oh, NEW SUB!! Amazing video!! 💐❤️

[@MossyMozart]

I think you will enjoy Ms Rudolf's videos. Most are in this format where she calmly explains her premise, then calmly explains the result of her research, then calmly guides you through fabrication, then calmly models the completed item. She does this all very calmly. ---- With the holidays coming, if we live through Election Day in the USA, we look forward to _A Muppet Christmas Carol._ Ms Rudolf has a FUN series where she recreates an outfit from the film, one that the Great Gonzo wore, but in her size. ---- Her friend, Abby Cox, also a clothing historian, has a video where she explains why she thinks the film should have won an Academy Award for costume design.

[@Summers.Little.Studio]

Ooooh you might also really like Morgan Donner, Bernadette Banner and Rachel Maksy 😄

[@beautyonabarnbudget]

@@Summers.Little.Studioannnnd Abby cox and meme mom

[@dreplogle1]

⁠@@Summers.Little.Studio Love Bernadette Banner! I’ll have to check out the other two.

[@kathleengabriel3051]

In the Wizard of Oz, they dodged the shoe issue by using the Wicked Witch of the East's feet - once the ruby slippers were taken off, her stockinged feet curled up like classic witch shoes. That way they got to keep the image of witchy shoes without Dorothy having to wear them.

[@MossyMozart]

And they used "ruby slippers" instead of silver so they would pop in technicolor.

[@racheltate2965]

I think I know as you mean but can explain more please x😊

[@JadyLester]

Thanks so much for the research and creation of these shoes! They've kind of captivated me for decades. It took me years to find out what a "spoon heel" was, or "granny boots," or "winklepickers." It's really satisfying to see the ultimate functional pair made by a historical shoemaker. And the outfit is perfect!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

It's so incredible to watch you make actual real shoes. It's a kind of magic! ❤❤

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

20:00 I don't imagine that you had to do much "forcing" to get happy to do that with you! She is such agoofball already and I feel like wherever she is shenanigans are happening. It was so fun when you two were neighbors.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

😮😮😮😮 THEY'RE GORGEOUS!!! You really made them... PERFECTLY! I literally gasped when you showed them here! 24:06

[@WantedVisual]

It's funny to me that orthopedic shoes got called witch shoes. A lot of modern, ready-to-wear orthopedic shoes targeted at active people have a thicker sole that is curved from the ball of the foot to the nose of the shoe, to have them aid a "correct" heel-to-toe rolling motion. They're designed to be worn with orthodic inserts, which usually raise the heel up by a considerable amount. The modern witch wears Rollingsoft and Wolky.

[@margarethall1625]

I never would have thought that I'd enjoy watching a video on shoe making but I really do love them. I love hearing the history surrounding each style of shoe.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Bugs bunny Witch Hazel!! She had the best shoes ever!!! I'm sure Hocus Pocus was inspired at least in part by her. 1954.

[@katestewart-taylor9736]

Just what I was thinking

[@kathyjohnson2043]

@@katestewart-taylor9736 and I think Witch Hazel was inspired by those hot witch ads.

[@becauseimafan]

Ooh gonna look this up! Thanks!

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Witchipoo. The shoes, the striped stockings.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

@@elizabethclaiborne6461 yes BTW, I called my 5th grade teacher that. She later became my boss

[@1st1anarkissed]

I believe it is thanks to you that my 12 embroidered glass slipper brooches came out as nice as they did. I had so many good slipper ideas in my head.

[@lindahamilton800]

Wow! YT just offered up this fabulous presentation, seemingly outa the blue, for though I love history, never before have I been fascinated by shoes. Not only are the shoes themselves lovely and snazzy, your history of the evolution of witch representation and imagery is wonderful. Wonderful! Thank you so much. I hope I can get a lot at the educational version you also posted. I was so hoping for one. Love what you're doing!

[@briannawalker4793]

So deeply excited, I've always loved the witch shoe shape 😍😍

[@ThimblewolfArt]

I'm not really surprised the shoes are decently comfy. They meet all the criteria of things you've told us to look for in a safe/comfortable shoe.

[@christiana1218]

When the shot of you knitting in bed popped up, I was also knitting in bed! Knitting is my whole life, so I always get excited to see others knitting :D Love the video

[@maryannferguson6291]

Fascinating to watch you construct those shoes , and a very nice explanation of the shoes’ origin

[@onbearfeet]

Today I learned what Morocco leather is. Thank you! Now I can fully appreciate the line in the movie Road to Morocco, "Like a Webster's dictionary, we're Morocco bound!" It's silly, but it made me smile. Thank you.

[@Art_911]

OMG, you amaze me every time when you create shoes. These are wonderful! What a gorgeous talent. A multi-talented woman. And we get to learn so much in the process. Thank you!! 🪄

[@robinmichel9048]

Yay!! A shoemaking video. Was just thinking it's been a while. Love watching Nicole and her amazing skills. ❤

[@ixchelkali]

This was fascinating to learn. The 1916 (and decades of reprints) Rand McNally anthology of nursery rhymes, The Real Mother Goose, has a cover illustration of a spry but elderly Mother Goose wearing the iconic witches' shoes and striped stockings, as well as the pointy hat, while riding on the back of a goose. I wonder if that helped inspire the modern image of witch shoes.

[@RubyofTrinity]

Witch Shoe Sighting in the "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl". They're incredibly easy to miss, but while Elizabeth is wearing her red dress (which looks Jacobian to me, rather than 18th c) during her time as Barbossa's captive on the Black Pearl. She wears a pair of "pirate shoes" that look as if they were pilfered from Louie XIV's closet, complete with red heels.

[@rebeccamyott7041]

I love the little star and moon on your apron.❤❤

[@Eloraurora]

I am staring at the decoration witch and having mad ambitions of recreating her shawl. I don't know how fine a yarn you'd have to use for a stranded-knit recreation of that bat/cat/owl border, but I do think it'd be _majestic._

[@jasminv8653]

I would be unstoppable if I had the skill to make shoes like these. Absokutely gorgeous!

[@danieldale7320]

Can't stand how modern shoes are considered disposable. Love to see hand made quality.

[@rymeet8719]

Would die for a workshop tour and tools explanation!

[@jjez61]

Nicole did make a video about what tools you need for making shoes.

[@JoneGrey]

I wonder if anyone has ever told Nicole that she looks a bit like Kate Blanchett sometimes. I've watched this channel for years, but something about this hair and makeup really gave some Kate Blanchett look alike moments. Thank you for these wonderful videos. Your vibe is so good and it really makes me feel nice.

[@ellis16]

historical shoemaking is so cool and it's a hobby/skill I want to collect SO BAD

[@katerrinah5442]

The construction on these shoes is facinating! I would watch a 5 hour detailed breakdown because wow, so cool! 😍

[@yokoboo]

Have you ever considered making a second channel where you upload silent/non-talkover vids of the shoemaking? I think I remember you doing one of those before, but not since (I'm guessing the algorithm didn't like that? Or it just didn't perform as well?). I absolutely loved it and would often put it up on my second screen while I work, it kinda felt like I had a work buddy to keep me focused XD

[@susanrobertson984]

I love your shoe content. I had no idea the iconic witch shoe was so modern!!!

[@becauseimafan]

Right?? 🤯

[@susieunderwood4645]

Brilliant shoes - love them in all their witchy glory!

[@ShockedSquirrelhere]

I would totally wear shoes like those!!! And your talent and skill is incredible!

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

NEW NICOLE SHOEMAKING VIDEO LETS GOOOOOOO

[@almuthartung4959]

I love watching you make shoes - especially the witchy kind. Thank you for this video!

[@bhavens9149]

Love all your shoe making vids! from the information to just watching you make them, they are fabulous! thank you!

[@avivat3010]

I just loooove your posts Nicole! They are so interesting! I want to go out and buy the material to make my own pair... one of these days. I admire your effort not only to research, but also to actually construct your shoes. Clearly, you are not a novice. Beautifully made.

[@TheSeptemberRose]

OMG! I LOOOOOVE those shoes!!!!!!! Beautiful work!!!!!

[@godnoble]

I'd love if you could do an analysis, even a short, of the witches' shoes in Agatha All Along. There are 2 shots showing all of their shoes on the Road, and none of them are anything normal like a sneaker. Since 3 of the 6 are over 100 years old, there may be historical significance to their choices that a muggle like me doesn't recognize.

[@alexisward22]

How fascinating! I appreciate your expertise. I could watch you make shoes forever...It was really cool!!!❤❤❤

[@cartograp]

I love how these turned out!! And loved the history of course

[@joycealdrich]

That is my favourite heel! Oh, how wonderful to be skilled enough to make your shoes!!! Fabulously fascinating to watch your videos!!!🩴👞👟🥾🥿👠👡👢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kotadawndragon]

I love your shoemaking videos. They are probably my favorites. That being said, all of your videos are incredibly interesting. These shoes turned out so cute! I’m not usually a fan of the more exaggerated styles, but you made these work beautifully.

[@sbyerley]

You are brilliant. I am in all of your skills and the beautiful shoes you’ve made and the research you’ve done to make them. I’d love to see more of your work more of your interests, et. al.

[@artofescapism]

Very cool! Love the history lesson, and the craftsmanship!

[@anitaz917]

Dear Nicole, I listen to your videos to unwind and learn after work and sometimes fall asleep .. your voice is very relaxing.. Anyway i just wanted to say thank you ❤

[@SebastianJArt]

I’ve been subscribed for a while but I didn’t know you were a shoe historian 🎉 what skill in making too 🎉 bravo

[@jennylawson1980]

Nicole ❤ you are amazing at your craft. I love learning from you about shoes. Thank you for all you do. This was a wonderful video. ❤

[@christinastrunk-olivier6451]

Absolutely gorgeous shoes!! I would were them with everyday clothes.

[@fionakinlyside]

The shoes you made are absolutely gorgeous

[@elizabethhazel6039]

Fantastic content - loved the shoe history and enjoyed watching you actually make a pair! Gimme a pair of peau-de-soie pumps and I'm a happy witchy camper. They're the most comfortable heel to wear! Top notch historic re-creation.

[@BlueMerStudios]

What a bizarre and amazing journey this must have been! I loved every moment of this!

[@melaniehellum1281]

I love the idea of making shoes .love the process.

[@thomasspicer4130]

Absolutely love your videos the history mixed with skill and craftsmanship is just incredible 👀👌🏻

[@kellysouter4381]

I love the shoes of this era. They are beautiful and if the heel is not too high i think they will be very comfortable.

[@JJW77]

Nicole, your videos are amazing full of history...

[@alexanderaugustus]

Beautiful work on the shoes!

[@_ZeroQueen_]

Those shoes are lovely! I adore that snub nose shape.

[@aariley2]

It was amazing seeing you make the shoes!!!

[@bunnybgood411]

Beautiful. Great job! You are so talented.

[@darkred83]

A very interesting deep dive into witches shoes, and a gorgeous pair created! Loved this video ❤

[@serenafardin7441]

THE SHOES of my dreams.❤ It was enchanting to look at you creating this marvellous shoes I lost myself like I was listening to a fairy tale ❤. I have loved this kind of shoes since I can remember. Finally I had the chance to try a cheap faux leather pair ( I had an accident on my left foot years ago so I never know if I end up with a sore foot at evening and buying shoes is always challenging, as a first pair of that style I did not want to risk). They have that same heel and are so comfortable that I want to use them always. I have been at the supermarket today using them with a pair of jeans😂the heels position is incredibly strategical and it is true, even if the shoe make look my 35eu feet a 40😅 the weight is magically spread where you want it to be making your walks very comfy. I will definitely go for a custumized leather pair .

[@Freyalunil]

Unexpectedly fascinating, thank you.

[@mcColorado4890]

That was very impressive!

[@coolchameleon21]

your channel is so underrated, this is so cool! you cover such unique topics and you do it in such an original way

[@lisao7073]

Great Video, very interesting and gorgeous shoemaking!🙏❤️ Thank you

[@VeronicaW-e3d]

Wow...they're gorgeous...you're so talented.

[@ann-kerrylaguerre9528]

I get happy shivers every time I see a notification from this channel ❤😁😁😁

[@juliatarrel1674]

I absolutely love your shoes, and watching the progress as you make the shoe.

[@sus8e462]

Love them & your research & skills! I've had a few pairs of mid-lower heels with the "court" heel that were so comfy & more graceful looking than what's most common now...

[@jimthechaosbunny]

I was thinking through the video that they actually looked really comfy - a lot like modern Fluevogs, which feel wonderful to wear!

[@reuvenknight1575]

Thought I'd mention, while the Wicked Witch of the East wears the ruby slippers, the Wicked Witch of the West wears the classic pointed shoes. However we don't see much of them because she wears a long, flowing dress

[@reuvenknight1575]

Her human version, Ms. Gulch also wears them more noticeably, I guess giving us a visual clue about her based on the association of pointy-toed curly shoes and witches.

[@RedCoyote]

I love your shoe making and shoe history videos!

[@JoJo-zv7ri]

It's really amazing to watch your craft. Beautiful work.

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love how they turned out!

[@jewelse1975]

That was so cool!! The history and the shoes were so interesting to learn about.

[@tinkersintheworkshop4439]

Love your shoemaking videos with the history thrown in! Also I'm loving this deep green blouse with this hair colour on you!

[@nikaleelawson9451]

Love your outfit! Love your hair! Love you!!

[@MiryssaRayne]

This is the coolest thing I have ever seen

[@janward6044]

Those are the most beautiful shoes. 💜