Throughout the Roman Empire many styles of sandals were used. The style we offer is a simplified version of the military ‘Caligae’ (pronounced: cal eeg). The Caligae were worn by legionary soldiers and used extensively along Hadrian's Wall in Britain. They were made from one main piece of leather and cut so they could be wrapped over the foot. Extra layers of leather were added to the sole area and held together by iron hobnails. This gave increased strength and wear-ability with better grip on wet ground. It is believed Caligae were regularly repaired and recent evidence suggests they were worn stuffed with sheep’s wool or material to protect the feet in cold weather.

Sandal and shoe manufacture would have been an important support trade in Roman Britain within the buildings surrounding the main fortified areas. Samples of various styles can be found in museums throughout Britain. Various types of leather footwear were worn, from heavy hobnailed shoes to light sandals and slippers. For example, a carlatina was a sandal made from one piece of leather with a soft sole and openwork upper fastened by a lace. Another type was a soccus with a sole without hobnails and a separate leather upper. A calceus was a hobnailed shoe secured by laces. There was also a solea: simple sandal with a thong between the toes and a hobnailed sole.

Women wore sandals similar to those of men, but they were of softer, finer leather. Winter shoes were usually cork-soled. Sometimes the soles were thickened to provide the imitation of height.




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Also available

Our sandals are also available in Non Leather - Vegan specification. Email for details. kate@romansandals.co.uk


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Roman Sandals - Part of Simple Way

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