Ye Olde Ren Faire Shoes

A special request from Philly Shoe Fairy reader Maria: shoes for the Renaissance Faire! If you’ve never been to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, you should go. Even if you don’t go in costume, it’s really a nice day: jousts, music, shopping, magic, comedy, juggling, fire eaters, jesters, pirates, wenches... and the falconer! Oh, how I love the falconer. Plus it’s on the grounds of a lovely winery so they have locally-made wine, and there’s a brewery there as well! The Swashbuckler Brewing Company—I always thought that was the greatest name for a brewery.

But anyway! If you are going in costume, you’ll need shoes. This is one time I will concede that heels are not in your best interest. (The Faire grounds are hilly, and expansive.) Reader Maria starts us off with these:

  The Botticelli Lace-Up by MIA has a manmade sole, three-quarter-inch wedge, and really elaborate cutouts. It comes in nude suede (shown), gray suede, black suede, black leather, khaki leather, and natural leather (really a warm brown), so whatever your faire outfit, you’ll find a pair to match! Find them on Amazon for between $24 and $60. (Be sure to get a half size down! They run big.)

You know what’s popular for Renaissance Faires? Mary Janes! The Sassy 09 by Demonia Shoes are black velvet with a surprising amount of arch support. (Good for walking all day!) I found them around the internet in burgundy and purple as well, but you can get the black most cheaply from Babygirl Boutique for $16.

How about boots? These ankle boots are made of microfiber (so soft!) and have a rubber sole. Find them at The Tudor Shoppe for $35.

Maybe sandals: Teal! Whee! The Hera Sandals also come in purple, black, and tan, and can be yours for $59 from Renboots.

Whatever you wear, have a good time! (And PS, this weekend is Heroes of the Realm Weekend—active military, reserve, police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and members of veteran organizations and their immediate families get a special admission price.)

Sales this weekend: 
Bakers: Shop the H by Halston fall collection and get a $20 gift card
Bus Stop Boutique: $30 off Matiko this month
Macy’s: 20-30% off
Lord & Taylor: 20% off storewide with code NOW
Bloomingdales: $50 off orders from $100-$249.99; even more savings the more you spend!