Any shoe experts here?...get a load of these!!!
 

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I came across these boots that closed on eBay Jan. 4th....sold for $224.00...advertised as follows below...Anyone ever seen a pair of these before?

Vtg VICTORIAN Strongman Shoes GLADIATOR Boots Men's 1800s LEATHER Weightlifting

Up for auction is this beautiful and rare pair of 19th century men's strongman boots. The boots date in the second half of the 19th century and were owned by a strongman: an early weightlifing performer that would perform acts of strength and would have a pair of shoes like these. The boots are incredible and feature cutouts on the sides of the shoes almost like a gladiator sandal, only the sides are made from single pieces of leather rather than straps. The boots are in good condtion for their age, but do show some wear to the leather, which I can only describe as a very thin top layer of the leather has come off in places. That being said, they are actually fairly sturdy and the look doesn't compromise the durability of the shoes. That being said, they are still being sold as is. Truly a unique and historic pair of boots.

Measurements:
Sole Length (outside): 12 inches
Sole Width at Widest: 3.5 inches
Height: 11 inches
Fabric: Leather
Label: N/A

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I'm not a shoe expert. I leave that to my wife. I am a bit of a weight lifting fan and its history. Checkout info and photos of legendary strongman Louis Cyr. He wore very similar boots as did Eugen Sandow.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Cyr

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugen_Sandow

Do you suppose the cut outs would allow better flexibility or what do you think?

I think that the Gladiator look was what these guys were going for.

Young Scotty Deaf Mute Wonder
 

Mike,

Your pictures remind me of a card that I have had for a long time... I think it has the alphabet sign language on the back... I will have to check.

Cool boots!

Thanks
 

http://www.sportsantiques.com/and_more.htm
Thanks Mike for posting those photos...that definetly clears it up...those are definetly what the seller claimed...If you're into strongman stuff, below is a c1880 weightlifter inkwell I have...I think it's Sandow...also link above

<img src="http://www.sportsantiques.com/Weight%20lifters%20best/together.jpg"/>

Neat Carlton!

Capt. Oveur: "Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?" :eek: