Low Gothic Cut-Out Leather Shoes

Low Gothic Cut-Out Leather Shoes With Instep Strap

Historical Context And Proper Use

Leather cut-out work, technically called ajouré, was a massive fashion hit among the high nobility in the 14th century. This pattern did not merely serve to ventilate the foot on warm days; it had a much more important aesthetic purpose—it allowed expensive and brightly coloured hose (stockings) to show through the openings, thereby demonstrating the wearer's immense wealth. The shoes are made using the traditional medieval shoemaking technique as turnshoes (they are sewn inside out and then turned right side out). Because they have a smooth sole made of genuine cowhide, they are absolutely ideal for indoor events, banquets, and high nobility re-enactment. Important warning: A smooth leather sole is extremely slippery on modern surfaces (wet grass, varnished wood, modern tiles, linoleum). For safety reasons, we do not recommend this footwear for dynamic fencing, running in rough terrain, or long marches on asphalt.

Technical Parameters Of The Gothic Shoes

Sizes And Custom Tailoring

You can choose these noble shoes in standard EU sizes. If you have an atypical instep, a wider foot, or simply require the shoes to fit with millimetre precision, we offer custom tailoring. Select the appropriate option when purchasing, and carefully fill out our measurement chart after completing your order. If you wear orthopaedic insoles and want to use them in the shoes, it is absolutely essential to send them to us in advance. Our master cobbler will precisely seat them directly into the shoe to ensure you have guaranteed perfect comfort.

Leather Care And Safety Warnings

Hand-sewn leather footwear requires loving care. The shoes are treated with a beeswax balm during production. Regularly remove dust and grease them with a high-quality leather balm or cobbler's oil. Pay special attention to the leather sole, which should be impregnated with a special sole oil to prevent abrasion and water absorption. If you get caught in the rain, stuff the shoes with old newspaper and let them dry very slowly at room temperature. Never dry the boots on a radiator, near an open fire, or in harsh, direct sunlight! Rapid drying would irreversibly damage the leather, causing it to harden and crack.

Recommended Accessories

To ensure the cut-out pattern of these luxurious shoes stands out fully, exactly as the medieval masters intended, we recommend purchasing brightly coloured historical hose (chausses) made of high-quality wool to go with them, creating a fantastic colour contrast against the brown leather.