Cardinal Gothic Poulaines

Are you looking for footwear that will grant your historical costume a touch of absolute exclusivity and nobility? These high Gothic boots with strikingly elongated toes, known in medieval Europe as poulaines or crakows, are a masterpiece for any history enthusiast. Finished in a rich cardinal red with detailed all-over embossing of crosses in diamonds, they instantly mark you as part of the elite – wealthy burghers, high nobility, or church prelates of the 14th and 15th centuries. While the look strictly adheres to medieval aesthetics, the cleverly integrated rubber sole ensures comfort and stability on modern surfaces, making them the perfect choice for long days at castles or LARP events. Further product information ...

On order - order now and goods will be dispatched on: 20-Jul-2026 Delivery options
278,00 €
233,61 € excl. VAT
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Cardinal Gothic Poulaines with Embossed Decor and Safety Rubber Sole

A Symbol of Social Status in the High Middle Ages

The length of the toe was no coincidence in history – it was a direct indicator of wealth and rank (approx. 4-6 inches / 10-15 cm extra length). The longer the toe, the higher the status, as such footwear made manual labor virtually impossible. The rich red color emphasizes this luxury, as high-quality dyes were extremely expensive in the medieval period. This specific model with fine embossing is based on ornate patterns favored by the nobility of the late Luxembourg era. The boots are hand-stitched from genuine cowhide leather, ensuring durability and an authentic feel.

Technical Parameters and Specifications

Parameter Specification
Historical Period High and Late Gothic (approx. 1350–1450)
Upper Material Genuine cowhide leather
Sole Type Leather with non-slip rubber coating
Fastening Front lacing with leather thong
Color Cardinal Red (Gold available on request)
Available Sizes EU 37–48 (or custom made-to-measure)

Please note that other accessories shown in the photos are not included. For custom orders, please send us your completed measurement chart after purchase.

Usage and Safety Guidelines

The front lacing allows the boots to fit perfectly to your instep. The rubber sole is an ideal compromise for modern reenactors – it prevents slipping on wet grass or smooth castle floors where pure leather soles would fail. However, remember that the elongated toe requires a specific walking style. These boots are not intended for running, sporting activities, or full-contact combat. Careless movement may lead to tripping or mechanical damage (scuffing) of the decorative tip.

Shoe size after foot length

Care for Embossed Leather

To keep the leather supple and the embossing clear, we recommend regular treatment with leather balm containing beeswax. Always clean the boots with a soft damp cloth before application. The balm nourishes and lightly waterproofs the material, though the color may darken slightly. For any color loss on the tip, use a matching red shoe cream. Never dry the boots near a fire or on a radiator, as the leather may harden and crack irreparably.

We highly recommend completing your look with wool split hose and a period tunic to create a visually stunning and authentic ensemble.

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