Shoes & Shoemaking

This information is intended for the rooky period shoemaker, and is meant to supplement other instructions available on the Internet. It provides some basic information from the novice point of view.

A translated excerpt of an article from Studies on the Upper Saltov in 1996.

Lasts, History and use in Medieval Shoes.

Information about Basque clothing and footwear from illustrations and historical references.

An ongoing examination of the history and development of footwear and shoemaking techniques up to the end of the Sixteenth Century.

The original proposal for the research and publicatio n of the large assemblage of leather artefacts and leatherwor king evidence from four sites in Anglo-Scan dinavian and medieval York specified that the work be undertaken in two distinct stages:


Stage 1: completion of the archive and preparatio n of a detailed publicatio n synopsis.


Stage 2: analysis, research and publicatio n.

The initial data gathering and quantifica tion has been successful ly completed and this document represents the detailed publicatio n synopsis, work programme and timetable necessary for the completion of stage 2.

A bibliograp hy of sources on several leatherwor king-relat ed subjects compiled from the catalogue of the specialist library collection at the Walsall Leather Museum.

Materials and constructi on procedure for footwear.

Illustrati ons of shoemakers , cordwainer s, and cobblers at work. Demonstrat es several tools and steps of the shoemaking process, as well as the years when specific styles of shoes were actually being made.

Mailing list for students of medieval shoe-making.

Bibliograp hy of recommende d sources for shoemaking .

Not only do they give you good traction, ankle protection and comfort (especially comfort), but they are inexpensive to build and can be decorated in a number of ways to look like boots from many cultures and times.

Photos and descriptions of a few artifacts.

Detailed notes on early medieval Norse footwear, as well as belts, pouches, and embroidery .

A chronologically-arranged list of texts from the fourth to the 20th centuries relating to shoemaking and leatherworking.

Footwear of the Middle Ages - Shoe Design List/Dark Ages, Northern European (c.700-100 0), by I. Marc Carlson. Copyright 1996

Philip Stubbes started writing around 1581 producing small tracts in which he sharply denounced the manners, pastimes, fashions and culture in England. His major work, The Anatomie of Abuses, was first published in 1583.

P hilip Stubbes had a gift for keen observatio n. Although his comments should not be considered to reveal mainstream thought or opinions of the time, (even his contempora ries thought him extreme) his virulent attacks on the abuses in fashion and English society provide us with a detailed, colorful and picturesqu e glimpse into the England of Shakespear e's youth.

An overview of medieval footwear and fashionabl e styles.

This handout/cl ass is a set of tricks, tips, hints, and historical facts to help even the beginner in leather working make historical ly constructe d medieval turnshoes and pouches. This will have guidance on basic tool, stitches, constructi on techniques , materials, and books that will hopefully inspire the reader to take a chance and try making those all important accessorie s that really finish an impression in the SCA or reenactmen t.

Some of the informatio n, tips, and tricks come from books on the subject, others from practical experience , and some from expert leather tradesmen who were willing to share and pass on knowledge to the writer.

Promoting the study, practise, interpretation and preservation of historical shoemaking and allied trades. While many of the members make only modern shoes, they are more than helpful with techniques, sources, resources, and just good advice.