Medieval Leather Gothic Poulaines

Medieval Leather Gothic Poulaines with Side Buckle Closure

Historical Context and Usage

Footwear with an elongated toe, commonly known as poulaines or crakows, was a massive fashion trend during the High and Late Gothic periods, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries. They were worn across Europe, from noble courts to the wealthier bourgeoisie. The length of the toe often reflected the social status of the wearer. This shortened model offers an excellent compromise between period aesthetics and practicality for today's leisure activities. They are perfectly suited for Late Middle Ages attire. You can wear them to a historical fair, as part of a merchant's or craftsman's costume, or as camp shoes for a warrior. For maximum comfort, we recommend to you wearing these shoes with woollen foot wraps or historical hose. Please note that other clothing parts or accessories shown in the photos are not included.

Material and Construction

The shoes are precisely sewn from high-quality full-grain cowhide, which guarantees a long lifespan and adaptability to the shape of your foot. The ankle-high cut with a deep side cutout allows for easy slipping on, while the leather strap with a brass buckle ensures a firm hold on the foot. To prevent dangerous falls that threaten with purely smooth leather soles on modern surfaces (such as wet grass, cobblestones, or asphalt), the footwear is equipped with a modern rubber sole with an anti-slip tread. The leather upper and the sole are firmly glued and stitched together.

Leather Shoe Care Instructions

From the workshop, the shoes are already treated with a high-quality leather balm containing beeswax. To ensure your shoes serve you a long time and the leather doesn't crack, they require regular care. After every event, clean the shoes of coarse dirt with a damp cloth and let them air dry at room temperature. Never dry them on a radiator or near an open flame! Afterwards, you can apply a leather balm, which softens and waterproofs the leather (the leather may darken slightly after application). If you do not own a leather balm, you can use leather oil or standard shoe polish. Shoe polish can also be used to adjust the colour of the leather (tinting) and cover minor imperfections, such as scuffed toes.

Size Options and Custom Tailoring

The Gothic shoes are available in standard EU sizes. If you have an atypical foot, it is possible to choose custom manufacturing based on your exact measurements. If you wear orthopaedic insoles and wish to order custom-made shoes, it is absolutely necessary to send these insoles to the manufacturer beforehand. The insoles will be perfectly fitted into the shoes, and you can look forward to footwear that fits like a glove.

Technical Specifications of the Footwear