So, I bought myself some new period correct shoes – straight lasted with new leather soles. My other period shoes are military shoes with metal heel plates so the last thought I had was the coefficient of static friction between leather and carpet… Yes, I fell down the stairs! Nothing was hurt but my pride.
This just goes to remind you that those taps are not there for show. They aren’t there to make nice sounds when we march on cobblestones. No, these are grippers, just like horseshoes.
So, to my friends coming to Washington’s Crossing on Wednesday, be sure to pick the MILITARY shoes or even modern shoes with sticky soles. Nobody wants to go swimming this time of year.
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 