Medieval Plate Sabatons
Are you heading to a historical festival, LARP, or re-enactment battle, and your armour is still missing that final authentic touch? These medieval plate sabatons with an ingenious articulated lamellar construction will give your knightly costume not only an authentic look but also essential instep protection. Thanks to the movable steel plates, they guarantee excellent flexibility when walking, ensuring they won't restrict your movement. A sturdy leather strap with a brass buckle provides a secure fit over your period footwear. Gain the admiration of fellow warriors and complete your plate armour with this indispensable piece that will seamlessly transport you to the era of valiant knights and jousting tournaments. Further product information ...
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Medieval Plate Sabatons with Articulated Lamellar Construction for Knights
A Piece of History on Your Feet
Sabatons, often simply referred to as steel shoes, formed an integral part of a complete suit of plate armour from the 14th century onwards. Their primary purpose was to protect the vulnerable instep and toes of a heavy cavalryman, both in the saddle and during ground combat. The model you are looking at is crafted from overlapping steel plates that are movably riveted together. This sophisticated design allowed knights a surprisingly natural gait. The slightly pointed toe references late Gothic fashion, where craftsmen focused not only on functionality but also on the elegant, flowing lines of the armour.
Proper Use and Safety
These sabatons are designed to be worn over sturdy leather period shoes. They are simply strapped to the footwear using a strong leather strap and brass buckle that fastens around the heel or ankle area. Please be strongly advised that this is not protective armour suitable for full-contact heavy combat such as Buhurt, Battle of the Nations (HMB), or similar sports. These steel protectors are intended exclusively for historical re-enactment, LARP, cosplay, and light stage combat. To ensure maximum comfort while wearing them, we recommend using high-quality historical leather footwear as a base layer, which will prevent pressure sores and ensure the correct seating of the steel plates.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
Below you will find detailed product specifications. Please bear in mind that due to the nature of traditional handcrafted manufacturing, the actual measurements and material thickness may vary slightly from piece to piece.
| Armour Material | Mild steel |
| Fastening Material | Cowhide leather, brass buckle |
| Plate Thickness | approx. 2 mm (14 gauge) |
| Inner Length | max. 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Inner Width at Ankle | approx. 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Height at Ankle | approx. 11.5 cm (4.5 in) |
| Max. Outer Length | approx. 24 cm (9.4 in) - measured from toe to ankle edge along the central ridge |
How to Care for Your Armour
To ensure your sabatons serve you well for a long time and maintain their pristine appearance, they require regular maintenance. Because the product is made of mild steel, it is susceptible to rust. After each use, especially if exposed to moisture or sweat, carefully wipe the steel plates dry. Subsequently, treat them with a thin layer of gun oil or natural protective wax. We recommend occasionally treating the leather strap with a quality leather balm so it does not crack and retains its strength. Never leave the armour in a damp environment for extended periods, and avoid using aggressive chemical cleaners that could damage the finish.
Tips for the Perfect Look
To complement these steel sabatons, we highly recommend acquiring authentic medieval leather boots, upon which the armour will sit perfectly. For complete leg protection, it is ideal to combine them with steel greaves and poleyns (knee cops) from our range, creating a unified and formidable heavy infantryman ensemble.
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