Tall Roman Military Leather Sandals Centurion

Tall Roman Military Leather Sandals Centurion with Rubber Sole

Ingenious Footwear That Conquered the Ancient World

The cornerstone of the Roman army's success was its ability to execute rapid and long marches across any terrain. For this, the soldiers needed first-class footwear. This model is based in shape on traditional military sandals (the so-called caligae or the more closed campagi), which were favoured not only by ordinary legionaries but also by experienced officers – centurions. The extensive perforation and cut-outs served not only to save expensive material but, above all, ensured perfect ventilation for the foot. Thus, the foot did not sweat during an all-day march, effectively preventing fungal infections and the dreaded trench foot. The construction featuring longitudinal lacing over the entire instep then allows the sandal to be tightened exactly to the anatomy of your foot.

Technical Parameters and Materials

Proper Care for a Long Lifespan

Genuine leather requires your regular attention to retain its softness and high durability. The upper of these sandals is generously treated straight from production with a blend of palm oil, animal fat, and beeswax. To prevent the leather from cracking, regularly rub a high-quality leather balm or oil into it. The material will thus remain supple and protected against moisture. Bear in mind that after applying these products, the leather will naturally darken slightly. Always let wet or sweaty footwear dry very slowly at room temperature after an event. Never dry the sandals near the radiant heat of a fire, on a radiator, or in direct sunlight.

Information on Adjustments and Safe Wear

As standard, these sandals are supplied with a modern styropor rubber sole, which excels in great traction on modern surfaces and in nature. However, if you are striving for maximum historical accuracy, we can supply the footwear with soles studded with traditional iron nails (hobnails) upon request. Simply state this preference in the order notes. Beware, however, that hobnailed soles are extremely slippery on hard paving.

For non-standard colour variants (other than black and brown), please note that the colour is achieved with a special covering layer, which may crack over time in stressed bending areas. Furthermore, if you wear orthotic insoles and opt for our custom-made sizing, it is absolutely essential to physically post the insoles to us so we can seat them precisely inside the footwear.

We highly recommend you purchase period woollen socks (known as udones) or linen leg wraps from our range to accompany these Roman sandals, which will significantly increase your comfort during chillier evenings on the campaign trail.