Celtic shoes
A fairly large number of Celtic leather shoes were found. Most of the finds are not particularly refined,apparently they were intended for everyday wear,but there are also elaborately decorated samples. The shoes were practical and easy to make. Men's and women's shoes didn't differ much from each other. The structure of the samples found is sometimes quite different from each other. The most common type of footwear,which was probably worn by representatives of all classes of Celtic tribes,from warriors to civilians,is closed leather shoes,called "pistons"in Russian reenactor jargon.
Leather shoes from the National Museum of Antiquities. (Leiden)
Leather shoes. National Museum of History in Vienna,Austria. Hallstatt,8th-3rd centuries BC
Leather shoes from the National Museum of Antiquities. (Leiden)There were also more complex versions of both closed shoes,like calcareous ones,and semi-closed ones,with decorative holes in the upper part of the shoe. The sole can be attached with small boot nails.
Leather shoes. Martres de Veyre. 2nd century BC
Leather shoes. Martres de Veyre. Inv. 987-23-30. Second century BCMaterials and Construction
Celtic footwear is known from leather finds, images, and comparative material from neighboring cultures. Variants could include soft shoes, leather wrappings, simple soles, and footwear tightened with straps. Construction depended on climate, the owner's status, and whether the shoes were used for everyday life, travel, or craft work.
Reconstruction
For reconstruction, leather thickness, seam type, toe shape, and sole attachment are important. A modern last immediately changes the silhouette of the costume, so simple forms and hand-sewn construction are preferable. Wear must also be considered: footwear for field demonstration needs to be stronger than a museum-style display replica.
Literature
- Carol van Driel-Murray, Roman and Native Footwear in the North-Western Provinces.
- John Peter Wild, The Textile Industries of Roman Britain.
- Barry Cunliffe, The Ancient Celts.
Related topics
Leather shoes. Martres de Veyre. 2nd century BC
Leather shoes. Martres de Veyre. 2nd century BC
Wooden shoes. Martres de Veyre. Inv. 9878-23-36. Second century BC
Celtic shoes. 2-1 century BC
Leather shoes from Drentsmuseum. Holland. 160 BC-220 AD
Leather shoes from Drentsmuseum. Holland. 160 BC-220 AD
Leather shoes from Drentsmuseum. Holland. 160 BC-220 AD
Leather shoes from Drentsmuseum. Holland. 160 BC-220 AD
Leather shoes from Drentsmuseum. Holland. 160 BC-220 AD
Leather shoes from Drentsmuseum. Holland. 160 BC-220 AD
Leather shoes from the National Museum of Antiquities. (Leiden)
Leather shoes from the National Museum of Antiquities. (Leiden)
Leather shoes from the National Museum of Antiquities. (Leiden)
Shoes from Arnitlund. National Museum of DenmarkInterested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
