Black Celtic Leather Sandals Carbatinas

Black Celtic Leather Carbatinae Sandals with High Calf Lacing

Historical Context and Usage of Carbatinae

This type of simple footwear, often called Carbatinae, was completely common among Celtic, Germanic, and early Roman tribes across Europe during Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Their main purpose was to protect the foot from rough terrain, while the open upper allowed for good ventilation. The footwear was traditionally made from a single piece of leather. The depicted product is an ideal choice for reconstructing the lives of common folk and warriors. You can wear them barefoot on warm summer days, or combine them with period-accurate wool socks for colder weather at campsites.

Features and Details of the Footwear

The sandals are designed with an open toe, which is formed by interwoven leather loops. A sturdy leather string is threaded through these loops, ensuring the fastening and tightening of the shoe to the foot. The long leather straps for tying to the leg, which impressively wrap around the calf in the photographs, are fully included in the delivery and allow for fixation exactly according to your needs.

Technical Specifications

How to Properly Care for Your Leather Sandals

The foundation of the longevity of leather products is regular care. The shoes are already treated from the factory with a leather balm containing beeswax. This balm softens the leather, impregnates it, and gives it a richer shade. For routine home maintenance, any high-quality fat, oil, or balm intended for smooth leather will suffice. If you need to mask minor damage or scuffed toes from tough battles, use standard black shoe polish, with which you can easily unify the colour and hide imperfections. Never dry the leather on a direct heat source like a radiator or too close to a campfire, as it could irreversibly crack and harden.

Safety and What to Watch Out For

Although these sandals are equipped with an added solid sole for your comfort, remember that they are still historical footwear that lacks modern orthopaedic shock absorption. They are not suitable for extreme mountain hiking on sharp rocks or for all-day marches on hard modern tarmac. Absolutely avoid washing the shoes in a washing machine or soaking them in water for long periods – such treatment would ruin the leather.

Size Selection and Custom Sizing

This model is available in standard European sizes (EU), which correspond to standard UK/US sizing charts. If you opt for the custom-made option, you need to carefully measure both of your feet (in centimetres/millimetres or inches) and enter the dimensions when completing the order. If you wear orthopaedic insoles for healthy walking and wish the sandals to be made to accommodate them, it is necessary to send these insoles to us. The shoemaker will seat them accurately and firmly into the shoes, and you can look forward to footwear that fits you like a glove.

Recommended Accessories

For a complete historical costume, we recommend acquiring period-accurate wool socks made using the nålbinding technique to go with these sandals, which will prevent chafing and keep you warm after sunset. To coordinate the overall look, a simple black leather belt with a brass buckle and a coarse linen tunic from our range of Celtic and ancient clothing also make an excellent set.