what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
figure 4.1
Palaeolithic footwear
Despite this opinion, the Romans produced a variety of footwear styles
that evolved as a result of their invasion of more northerly countries. They
arrived in Britain wearing the military sandal, called the
caliga
, which
exposed the toes, had a lattice-patterned upper, front lacing and a heavily
nailed sole. This was suited to the Mediterranean climate, therefore more
suitable styles evolved such as the
calceus
and the
gallica
, both of which
had closed toes which were more suited to the British weather.
After the Romans left, Britain began producing its own styles, usually
a closed-toe leather shoe with an oval or round toe shape. The ankle
shoe was popular in the 9th century and was made as a turnshoe, which
meant the separate upper and sole were thonged together inside out and
then turned. These shoes were generally straight in shape and so could
be worn on either foot.
Medieval footwear
Footwear styles continued to change during the medieval age. The sole
and upper were no longer thonged but stitched together with thread, and
the toe became a sharp point, known as a 'scorpion tail'. Shoes began
to get longer in the 1320s and became known as 'pikes', 'crackowes' or
'poulaines'. The length of the toe area was an indication of status. The
