Authentic Leather shoes

Buying Shoes

I custom make shoes to fit the measurements you send to me. This means that if you want a particular custom variation I can usually accommodate it!

This page has images from a standard pair of shoes to give you an idea of what I can do, or so that you don't have to think about what you are ordering because you want to get back to practicing combat.

My standard shoe is based on Archaeology from York ref and general usage in British re-enactment, and so should be broadly acceptable from about C7th to C11th.

Ordering is as easy as

View or download the guide to measuring your feet
Contact me to customise your shoe and give me the measurements. Standard cost is £80 per pair
I'll confirm the price and completion date, you can pay by Debit card, Paypal or Cheque

I use Linen thread, coated in beeswax. These shoes have been stitched end to end with tunnel stitch. Toggles are made out of leather and are threaded through slits in the shoe. This provides hold whilst allowing for adjustment. The same goes for the loops toggles fit into. The shoes have been treated with a beeswax lanolin mix. The images below let you examine the quality of stitching.

Possible custom variations (no extra cost)

Toggles on the instep of the shoe (sounds odd, but that's what the Archeologists have found)

Thong fastening round the top of the shoe rather than the toggle and flap

Rounded heal, this has been suggested may be a feature of Anglian cultural preference. It is however more vulnerable to wear and tear.

Different stitch type, instead of tunnel stitching why not ask for a tunnel stitch sole to grain/flesh upper or edge sole to grain flesh upper ?

Thinner leather, finds vary from about 1.4mm thick to 3mm thick. I use 3mm as standard to make a tougher shoe for modern tastes, but you may reckon you are hardy enough.

Custom options that cost extra

Sheepskin insoles £5 a pair

Upgrade to a higher class of shoe, some tooled decoration and £10

Glued on 4mm soles (for inauthentic extra foot protection) £10 per pair of shoes

Glued on bands of leather with hobnails (for inauthentic extra grip) £10 per pair of shoes

(Especially Q Mould, I Carlisle and E Cameron Leather and Leatherworking in Anglo-Scandanavian and Medieval York:. Council for British Archaeology)