Boots
The "high button shoe", as exemplified here, is a familiar symbol of the apparel of earlier generations. The button closure had come in and out of style since its initial adoption in the 1830s, but was particularly dominant in the early 1910s. In the 1920s the button boot persisted for dressy wear, but was increasingly considered somewhat old fashioned, and the style had died out by the 1930s. This fine example of men’s button boots includes features typical of the dominant period. They are cut in the Balmoral style with a whole (one-piece) vamp. The leather of the buttoned top is in a contrasting matte finish, producing a spat effect. While a pointed toecap was often seen on earlier boots, by 1910 the straight toecap was universal. These boots bear the label of Burt & Co., a store on Fulton St., Brooklyn.
Artwork Details
- Title: Boots
- Department Store: Edwin C. Burt & Co.
- Date: ca. 1915
- Culture: American
- Medium: leather
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Frederic G. McMahon in memory of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert C. Halsted, 1975
- Object Number: 2009.300.3883a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Edwin C. Burt & Co.
1873
Multiple artists/makers
spring/summer 2022
Elizabeth Hawes
1937
Charles James
1955
Charles James
1946
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.