Mainz Caliga Pattern #3

[Neuraleanus]

I think that I've finally got it:



Again, this design is a composite of several existing caligae, but I think that I've captured the essential features. By removing the forth pair of straps, as seen on the B&C pattern, I made room for a more sloping pair of heel straps, like is seen on many examples. The heel straps come just a bit further forward than the ones on the Valkenburg pattern, but I think that is as they should be for the Mainz variant. From a paper mock-up of my previous pattern I realized that the toe straps need to be quite long. All of the straps marked with a 1 come together at the cross placed in-between the center most straps.

I drew this pattern for my feet, which are somewhat narrow, a C width, so guys with wider feet will need to widen the pattern. What is the consensus?

[Neuraleanus]

about this pattern? I made a last minute change by decreasing the curvature of the front of the heel straps and widening them by 1/8 inch forward. As I said, all of the front straps should come together at the cross indicated on the pattern.

[Martin Moser]

Good work, Lee! I would however do away with the small triangular cutout at the front/top left (or make it a lot more longish). I don't think I have ever seen anything like that with finds.

[Neuraleanus]

With a few changes:


I widened and lengthened the triangular cutout at the toe and decreased the curvature of the front of the heel straps. I also widened the heel straps a bit to move them further forward.

[Martin Moser]

Looking forward to see the result! :-) )

[Matt Lukes]

Making the first four straps on the outer edge singles and not the usual pairs meeting at an apex is an interesting variation Lee- is there an original example that actually has them this way?

[Martin Moser]

Making the first four straps on the outer edge singles and not the usual pairs meeting at an apex is an interesting variation Lee- is there an original example that actually has them this way?

Did you ever take a closer look at my caliga how-to, Matt? ;-) )

[Neuraleanus]

Making the first four straps on the outer edge singles and not the usual pairs meeting at an apex is an interesting variation Lee- is there an original example that actually has them this way?

The unfolded caliga drawing in B&C:


I believe that there should be another strap on the toe opposite these four straps.

[Matt Lukes]

I guess not close enough Martin LOL

And ah, yes, I'd not had too close a look at that diagram before. I'd think you're right that there's one strap missing, and I do wonder whether those 4 singles are actually just two normal pairs, broken at the apex...

[Neuraleanus]

But the Valkenburg/Castleford pattern clearly shows four single straps on one side of the toe with another single strap opposite.

[Marcus Iulius Chattus]

Salvete.
@ Neuraleanus. Your Caligae-Pattern is really great .
I can`t make anything like this, but one of `my` Soldiers is shoemaker! I built him a new flat shield and he make me for the shield a pair of the Mainz Caligae! If they are finished, i put some pictures on this site to show them you.
Do you know from the book (`Die Mainzer Lederfunde`) about the leather finds at Mainz? There are lots of different Caligaes and sole patterns in there (and Tegimenti and tentleathers and much more!).

[Neuraleanus]

Do you know from the book (`Die Mainzer Lederfunde`) about the leather finds at Mainz? There are lots of different Caligaes and sole patterns in there (and Tegimenti and tentleathers and much more!).

I have not seen this book. I've based this pattern upon pictures and I'm still adjusting the pattern. The more information that I can get the better.

[Neuraleanus]

I cannot leave well enough alone.



Changes:

1. I drew in the changes to the toe and heel straps
2. I redrew the last side straps to make them more symmetrical
3. I widened the top most ankle strap so that the height matched what I obtained with the Valkenburg/Castleford pattern

[Neuraleanus]

With the edge seam done and a first adjustment to the straps to see how it's going to look:



Despite the V-shaped toe strap being a bit too long, my foot is securely held in place.

[Magnus]

Good heel area Lee....