Sturdy Yet Soft: The Medieval Ankle Boots
All through history, leather has been the material of choice for shoes. This is also true for these medieval boots, which have a leather upper, laces, and even soles. This material is both historically accurate and makes for a fantastic boot.
The leather is dyed either black or brown, which allows for a great deal of versatility. The upper section of the boot is in three parts, which are securely stitched together. This leather is soft and supple, while still retaining the typical durability of leather.
The sole, however, is constructed of heavier leather, which is even stronger. This tough leather is nailed to the upper, so it’s unlikely to budge anytime soon. Finally, the boot itself is fastened by four leather strings, which tighten the boot around your ankle as needed.
These boots have been handmade with care, as they would have been in medieval times. They are perfect for LARPing and cosplay, being stylish and versatile enough to suit all kinds of characters. The design of these boots lends a sense of elegance to an outfit, no matter who wears them.
Shoelaces: Older Than You Think
We are willing to accept that most people don’t usually think very hard about the history of their shoelaces. But you’d be surprised by how rich a history such a simple part of your clothing has. Think fast, how long have shoes had shoelaces?
If you guessed at least 5500 years ago, congratulations. If not, then at least you’ve learnt something new. What’s interesting is that this method of fastening shoes and clothing has proven so effective that it’s still common to this day.
However, there has been some development in the world of shoelaces. The oldest closed shoe found by archaeologists was made using a single piece of cowhide secured with leather cords on both the front and back seams. This ancient shoe even had simple eyelets cut into the hide.
A few thousand years later, the Greeks and Romans used complex lacing systems to secure tough leather onto their feet. These open boots were both sturdy and cool, which made them perfect for warmer climates.
In the medieval period, there were generally less elaborate lacing techniques as the shoes were more commonly closed. Sometimes, the laces wrapped around the ankles themselves for a more secure fit. Other examples of medieval shoes feature a lacing system similar to the ankle boots, with a few different cords that run through the cutouts in the leather.
As time went on, some fashions introduced other fastening methods. Buckled shoes became very popular, and some shoes even featured buttons. However, the traditional lacing method was never really replaced, and is still incredibly popular today.
Tech Specs
The technical specifications of the medieval ankle boots are as follows:
- Materials: Upper, soles and laces are all leather.
- Colour: Black or brown.
- Care Instructions: Treat with oil to repel rain and dirt.
- Sizes: EU sizes 40-47/ US Men’s sizes 7-14/ US Women’s sizes 9.5-12