Boots
By the last quarter of the 19th century, the United States had risen to the world leader in shoe manufacturing technology and production volume. Mechanical advances were recognized as paramount to improved and accelerated production, and were accordingly regarded as a great point of pride for the developing nation. This pair of boots bears a rare paper label on the heel indicating the use of the McKay sole-sewing machine, an important American technological innovation in shoe manufacture. The McKay machine allowed the sole to be machine stitched to the upper, thereby eliminating the laborious and time-consuming task of hand stitching while producing a high quality and flexible shoe. This well-preserved pair of button boots, the standard girl's style for period, exhibits the curved top and straight button fly then in favor.
Artwork Details
- Title: Boots
- Date: 1865–75
- Culture: American
- Medium: wool
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1967
- Object Number: 2009.300.3319a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.