I promised a pair of shoes to Rodney W., in a nice rich cordovan leather. At the last minute, I also decided to bind the edges. Typical overlap construction, two toggle, with the ubiquitous “A” where the sole continues upwards at the heel. I tried some new construction techniques on these shoes, and I was surprised with how effective they were.
Jumping back several centuries, I present you a pair of Viking shoes based on finds in York. The leather was curried with cod liver oil and tallow, and I really like the way that they came together. It’s hard to see in this image, but the heel extends in a triangle in the back like many Viking shoes. There is a felt wool sock pasted in. A few interesting things on these shoes besides the currying – the straps are held in by tension alone – no sewing. That is, three slits are cut in the leather and the thongs are laced through them with a snug fit. This allows the wearer to adjust the position of both toggles and straps, and to easily replace them should they be torn or damaged. This technique was also done in the 16th century with shoes found on the Mary Rose, sunk off the Solent in 1545.
I just posted some information on a pair of 10th C. Viking Shoes. These shoes were finished in January of 2010, but I have to share! Often times, I will barter for clothing, embroidery, or both in return for shoes. In this case, these lovely Viking shoes were made in exchange for a fantastic embroidered wool Viking tunic!
Dedicated to the Research and Construction of Chopines, Pantoufles, Zoccoli, Shoes, Boots,and Other Raised and High Heels.
