Boots and Shoes

A selection of splendid period footwear, all finely handcrafted in quality genuine leather with bonework and leather details.  Every pair is unique and made to your exact size and shape.   Comfortable, hard-wearing and historically accurate, these could see you through many seasons of use either as part of a costume or as everyday wear...

Roman Boots

Roman boots copied from ones found at Vindolanda – a fort just South of Hadrian’s Wall.  They have unobtrusive but obviously inaccurate rubber soles made from conveyor belt.  This proved very effective in coping with the rough gravel surface of the Roman fort at Danelaw and required very little maintenance.  They have a heel to provide a good grip on surfaces such as wet grass.  I have also used them for long costumed walks along Hadrian’s Wall. 

(Stoically modelled here by Pete)

 

Jorvik Shoes

Turned ankle boots copied from examples found in Viking York/Jorvik.  I have recently improved this design for extra comfort.   (Modelled in situ in heroic pose by Georg - thank you!)

Viking High Boots

Turned Viking High Boots copied from ones in Jorvik and Sweden.  These can be made with three or four toggles for the same price.

C12th Ankle Boot (Adult - dark leather)

Turned early/mid C12th ankle boots copied from ones found in London.  Originally they had a pointed toe but I have rounded it off to be a generic boot that fits well into most centuries. 

C12th Ankle Boots (Child's)

This is the same design as the previous boot and fits a foot 19.5cm long (or less).  The soles are made from leather as thick as is used for the adult version. 

C12th Ankle Boot (Adult - pale leather) 

(Dark leather version glamorously modelled by Marita - many thanks!)

C14th Ankle Boot

Mediaeval fourteenth century turned ankle boots copied from examples found in London. 

Tudor Mary Rose Shoe

These Tudor shoes are copied from examples found on the Mary Rose.  These are not turned but have a thick leather sole and three decorative slashes at the front.    

Mediaeval/Tudor turned shoes

 

The strap on these dainty, comfortable shoes can be buckled or laced.   

(Elegantly modelled here by Catherine, thank you!)

 

Tudor/Mediaeval High Boots

 These turned side-laced high boots are of a style frequently seen in contemporary artwork.

 

 (Nobly modeled here by Pete!)

Prices for the footwear above vary depending on styles and customisations.  The boots range from £120 to £200 - not bad for all-leather handmade footwear to keep your toes content...

To have your new footwear made perfectly to your measurements, all you need to do is provide Pete witha 'foot drawing'.  To give an accurate representation of your feet, you will need to be wearing the socks you plan to wear with the shoes.  Then, standing on a piece of paper placed somewhere firm, draw (or get someone else to do it - it's easier!) around your foot with a thin biro.  This will need to be held exactly vertical or the result will not give a true measurement of the complete foot. 

Peter will be happy to ship these boots to wherever they are required; an order for 20 pairs of Viking boots went all the way home to Scandinavia recently!