Wow, grammercy to ye all for the input King's Pyrate, Foxe, GoF, an Cap'n William. I found it incredibly helpful. I was off on the entirely wrong track. I was under the impression that a boot, for some odd reason, would be much more slippery on the deck o a ship. I had no idea that it was the upper portion o the boot that made it less practical.....Aaahh well. Here begins me hunt for a great pair o shoes. I know that it'll be a tough, and expensive, road ahead, but I don't care. I want to get as period as I can !