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Forged Hobnails for Historical Footwear – Roman Type, 100 pcs
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Are you preparing for a long march with a Roman legion for your next re-enactment, or do you simply want your medieval boots to have that authentic sound with every step? This pack of 100 forged hobnails with conical heads is exactly what your historical footwear needs. Not only do they give your boots the correct period look, but they also significantly extend the lifespan of leather soles in rough terrain. With these hobnails, you will gain traction that you will appreciate on mud and grass. Further product information ...
Forged Hobnails for Historical Footwear – Roman Type, 100 pcs
Authentic Accessory for Your Period Boots
These hobnails are made from unhardened mild steel and feature a rustic, forged appearance. They are ideal for nailing onto shoe soles, working best in combination with high-quality, thick leather. Thanks to their shape, they bite into the terrain and prevent slipping, which was crucial for soldiers throughout history.
The nails are installed by driving them into the leather sole. Depending on the thickness of your sole, you can either drive them directly into the leather material or (if the nail shank is longer than the sole thickness) clinch the tip on the inside of the boot to prevent it from pressing into your foot. We recommend using a quality inner insole for added comfort.
A Glimpse into History
Hobnailed boots are not a modern invention. The ancient Romans equipped their military sandals, known as caligae, with similar studs. These iron nails protected the expensive leather from rapid abrasion on the stone roads of the Empire. Historical sources and experimental archaeology suggest that, depending on the quality of the steel and the road surface, one set of hobnails lasted a soldier for 500 to 1000 kilometres (approx. 310 to 620 miles) of marching. Legionaries often extended the lifespan by moving less worn nails from the arch to high-stress areas like the heel or toe.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Metric / Imperial |
|---|---|
| Total Nail Length | approx. 23 mm / 0.9 inch |
| Shank Length | approx. 16 mm / 0.63 inch |
| Head Diameter | approx. 8.5 mm / 0.33 inch |
| Head Shape | Conical / Pyramidal |
| Material | Unhardened Mild Steel |
| Quantity | 100 pieces |
Maintenance and Care
Since the hobnails are made from standard steel, they may corrode in humid environments. If you are not using the boots for a long time, it is advisable to lightly coat the nail heads with oil (e.g., WD-40 or gun oil). Surface rust will naturally wear off when walking.
Safety Warning
Attention! Hobnails are primarily designed for outdoor use on soft ground (soil, grass, forest paths). On smooth and hard surfaces, such as cobblestones, polished stone, or asphalt, the nails can be slippery – so tread carefully. Use indoors on wooden floors, parquet, linoleum, or carpets is completely unsuitable, as the nails would scratch or tear them irreversibly.
To complete your kit, you might also find period leather boots or spare leather laces useful.
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