Wedding Shoes

Home George Washington Martha Washington Martha Washington's Style Shoes Wedding Shoes
Martha Washington's Shoes
Shoes Lavish Lace

Upper-class colonists like Martha Washington ordered custom-made footwear from London. 

Pair of shoes, ca. 1750-1759, England, MVLA, purchase, 1975 [W-2667/A-B].When she married George Washington on January 6, 1759, Martha Dandridge Custis is said to have worn a "petticoat of white silk interwoven with silver," a gown of "deep yellow brocade with rich lace in the neck and sleeves," and these lavishly embellished shoes of "purple satin with silver trimmings." The combination of expensive, imported yellow and purple silks with silver and gold decorations would have produced a regal appearance that conveyed her elevated social and economic standing.

Wedding Shoes

ca. 1750-1759

Martha Washington's Wedding Shoes, ca. 1750-1759.

Martha Washington's Wedding Shoes, ca. 1750-1759.
Elegant lines: A side view showcasing the tip of the shoe. Note the stitched white rand running close to the base of the sole.

Elegant lines: A side view showcasing the tip of the shoe. Note the stitched white rand running close to the base of the sole.
The front of the shoe, lappets extended.

The front of the shoe, lappets extended.
Inside the tongue of the shoe. Silk brocade lining.

Inside the tongue of the shoe. Silk brocade lining.
Another view of the side. The shoes are purple silk, covered with a lightweight mesh called crepeline as part of our efforts to conserve and care for this…

Another view of the side. The shoes are purple silk, covered with a lightweight mesh called crepeline as part of our efforts to conserve and care for this…
Buckled to Perfection: The two lappets, as shown here, would have been inserted into a buckle that would secure the shoe over the foot.

Buckled to Perfection: The two lappets, as shown here, would have been inserted into a buckle that would secure the shoe over the foot.
Note the delicate detail of the pattern, visible on the back of the heel.

Note the delicate detail of the pattern, visible on the back of the heel.
The sterling silver spangles and couching (embroidered stitching) creates a swirling design of flowers and trailing lines.

The sterling silver spangles and couching (embroidered stitching) creates a swirling design of flowers and trailing lines.
A peek inside tells us that the lining of this shoe is kid, or the extremely soft tanned leather of young goats.

A peek inside tells us that the lining of this shoe is kid, or the extremely soft tanned leather of young goats.

While faded today, the shoes are covered in purple satin-weave silk decorated with metallic sequins, lace, and braid. The toes originally had a slight dome and the tip gently curved upwards. Straps, or "latchets," extend from the quarter to cross the vamp throat; their length accommodated the buckle that was once used to fasten the shoe closed. The strap is lined with white kid leather; small holes that travel through both layers in the flap indicate where the chape (or clasp) of the buckle was anchored.

Learn More

Martha Washington's Style

Often depicted as a grandmotherly figure in a mob cap, Martha Washington's contemporaries knew her as a woman of strength, determination, intellectual curiosity, and high fashion.

Learn More
Login
Buy Tickets

Quick Links

Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
Estate Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

iconDirections & Parking
buy tickets online & save