Medieval Leather Low Shoes with Lacing

Medieval Leather Low Shoes with Lacing and Anti-Slip Rubber Sole

Historical Context and Practical Application

Low footwear with simple lacing across the instep represented the absolute standard for everyday wear during the High and Late Middle Ages (particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries). While the nobility often boasted extremely long toes (poulaines or crakows), commoners, merchants, and craftsmen opted for much more practical, only slightly pointed shapes. This model is the perfect compromise. It offers a beautiful Gothic silhouette but does not hinder you when walking or running. These low shoes are entirely versatile. You can use them as basic camp shoes, a secondary pair to heavy riding boots, or as your primary footwear for urban LARPs and medieval markets.

Construction and Walking Safety

The foundation of the shoe is honest and supple full-grain cowhide leather, which will keep your foot comfortable even during long days on your feet. A massive advantage of this model is the construction of its sole. Period leather soles are extremely slippery on contemporary surfaces—such as wet morning grass, city cobblestones, tavern linoleum, or asphalt—posing a risk of dangerous falls. To prevent this, the leather base sole is fitted with a thick, highly textured rubber layer at both the toe and heel. You thus gain the authentic historical look of the upper combined with the uncompromising grip and safety of modern footwear.

Proper Leather Care

The shoes will arrive from our workshop already treated with a high-quality leather balm containing beeswax. To ensure the cowhide retains its suppleness and does not crack, it must be cared for regularly. After every event, clean mud off the shoes with a damp cloth and let them air dry naturally at room temperature. Never dry them on a radiator or near an open flame! Subsequently, lubricate the leather with balm, oil, or standard shoe polish. The balm nourishes the leather and helps waterproof it (bear in mind that the leather will darken slightly after applying grease). If you need to cover up the inevitable scuffs and scuffed toes from battles, a classic brown tinted shoe polish will serve you excellently.

Size Options and Custom Tailoring

We supply these low shoes in standard EU sizes for men and women. If off-the-rack sizes do not fit you, we will gladly make the shoes exactly to measure according to your dimensions. However, if you wear orthopaedic insoles and wish to have custom-made shoes, it is absolutely essential to send these insoles to us in advance. Our shoemaker will set them precisely into the footwear so the shoes fit you like a glove. Please note that the height of this footwear unfortunately cannot be altered.

Technical Specifications of the Shoes