During the Victorian era, clothing was all about fashion and social class. Women wore several layers of skirts and corsets, intent on maintaining a modest elegance throughout their daily lives. Even the sleeves of their heavy dresses were certain to reach the wrist and not an inch shorter. 

Although their feet were largely covered by the multi-layered skirts, women developed their own kind of boots by the 1850s, styling them after the ones already being worn by men. These boots were often made of leather and rubber with a slight heel that gave the wearer a bit more height. Furthermore, there were stiff laces up the front of the boots that reached to the bottom of the shin, ensuring that no young lady ‘s modesty would be threatened by a visible ankle when she was out and about. 

The boots worn often served as an indicator of the wearer’s social status. Women from more affluent families had multiple pairs of shoes along with decadent scalloped designs and lace added to the fine leather (or dyed suede if the boots were an exceedingly fancy pair). Boots also served a similar purpose to corsets: the smaller the foot, the more fashionable the lady. As a result, it was not unusual for young ladies to purchase and wear boots which were purposely two sizes too small!

This pair of boots is currently on display in the Master Bedroom of the Riley House. The museum is located at 130 E. Market St. in Celina, Ohio. Please note that the museum will be closed during the month of January and will reopen to the public on February 3, 2025.