The Armour Archive

I am looking at getting a pair of Jorvik shoes from Bohemond for SCA use. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with the shoes. Sizing, durability and appropriateness for SCA.

Thank you,

Eudo the Varangian

Completely recommend them. I have a pair of them and love them.

They are flexible, soft leather. They are surprisingly resistant to water as well.

Two things I'd suggest:

#1) Get a good insole. Like an athletic support, costs about $25 from a store, some go as much as $50. Just don't get the crap $5-$10 ones from Wal-Mart.

#2) I'd go for the shock absorbing sole (it's what I have, it's lower profile and great for fighting both inside and out). The vibram sole also comes highly recommended.

Cisco wrote:Completely recommend them. I have a pair of them and love them.

They are flexible, soft leather. They are surprisingly resistant to water as well.

Two things I'd suggest:

#1) Get a good insole. Like an athletic support, costs about $25 from a store, some go as much as $50. Just don't get the crap $5-$10 ones from Wal-Mart.

#2) I'd go for the shock absorbing sole (it's what I have, it's lower profile and great for fighting both inside and out). The vibram sole also comes highly recommended.

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Another thumbs up from me. I have a set of his Norse 2 toggle shoes. I got the vibram soles as well. They are comfortable, durable, and look great. Ditto on the GOOD insoles. Spend the extra and you wont be sorry. Can't speak to the fighting in them part. I always preferred modern laced boots for the ankle support, but in all other ways his boots are terrific.

get em. sizes ran true for me. I wear a size 8 shoe in boots, sneakers, and Jorvik Boot.

Customer service is awesome, shoes are awesome. I wear leather soles for general wear and fighting. If I am on ground, they don't bother my feet at all. On pavement, they get pretty hard on feet, so if you are on pavement a lot, insoles would definitely be a good idea.

A natural leather sole without an insole feels like going barefoot (only with less pain when you step on rocks). This is my recommendation, if your feet can handle supporting themselves without relying on an insole. Modern traction and insoles change the wearing experience and make it more like a modern shoe, which negates most of the advantages of the shoe (except appearance; the advantages being that it lets you feel the ground, turn on the ball of your foot, and forces you to use better footwork or you lose your balance and your feet fly out from under you).

oh and i do fight in mine. they are great once you get used to the feel.

If I were you I would call Mike and ask him your questions directly. He will be very helpful. He is a good friend and I have the first boots he ever made .

Aelric

I asked all these questions a couple weeks ago of some friends, lots of thumbs up for the 2 toggle jorvik with vibram sole.

I received a pair last week. Great costumer service, fast shipping and a snug yet perfect off the rack fit. No foot bed for me I've been wearing period footwear ,(Native Earth ghilies even in the snow of MI),nearly everyday for the last year and flat soles do you a world of good once you get used to 'em!
I can't say enough good about the shoes and the Good Sir!