Low Oriental Leather Shoes

Low Oriental Leather Shoes with Upturned Toe and Open Sides

Historical Context and Cut Specifics

Footwear with a distinctly upturned toe is a typical feature of Eastern and Oriental fashion, which gradually penetrated Europe from the 12th to the 17th century, largely due to the Crusades and trade routes. The upturned toe had a practical purpose in sandy and steppe regions, as it prevented sand from being scooped up and the wearer from tripping over uneven terrain. This model features a high back section protecting the heel and a raised profile over the instep, while the sides elegantly remain open.

Crucial Warning Regarding Size and Toe Shape

With these Eastern shoes, the toe is curved upwards in a pronounced arch by approximately 9 cm (3.5 in). Once you put them on, there will be empty space in front of your toes, which might give you the false impression that the shoes are too big for you. Do not let this feeling deceive you! If you intentionally order a smaller size to fill the empty space, you might manage to put the shoe on with effort, but your big toe will be unnaturally raised and pushed into the arch of the toe. The result will not only be painful walking but also the very rapid destruction of the shoe itself and its shape.

Material, Colour Variants, and Custom Sizing

The upper is carefully sewn from high-quality cowhide and comes factory-treated with a beeswax balm that softens and impregnates the leather. By default, the boots are supplied in black, dark brown, and light brown (natural) colours. Other colour shades are achieved by applying a special topcoat dye. Please remember that this topcoat shares the natural properties of patent leathers. Due to the stress on the material, small cracks may form over time, or the coating may crumble locally. For the purposes of historical festivities, however, this finish will serve without problems.

If you wear orthotic insoles and opt for custom-made shoes, it is absolutely necessary to send them to us in advance. They will be precisely built directly into the footwear, ensuring the shoes provide you with perfect arch support.

Leather Care and Safe Movement

To ensure the leather retains its flexibility and long lifespan, it must be regularly nourished. Waxes, leather oils, or standard shoe polish work excellently for this, and they also easily cover any scuffs acquired while marching through terrain. Never dry the footwear near a direct heat source, such as an open fire or a hot radiator, as the leather would irreversibly harden and crack.

Do not forget that historical footwear with a smooth sole requires increased caution. On wet grass, in mud, and especially on smooth modern surfaces (tiles, tarmac), there is a real risk of slipping. Keep this fact in mind at all times during combat or running.

Technical Parameters

With these unique Eastern shoes, we highly recommend acquiring baggy oriental trousers and a richly decorated caftan from our range, which will help you bring your exotic historical appearance to absolute perfection.