Valkenburg/Castleford style caliga step by step

[Martin Moser]

On with the last few steps: Before nailing the insole needs to be glued in. I am simply using modern glue here. The main function is to hold the insole right in place during nailing. I decided to try and do what was mostly done with the original caligae, i.e. nailing through all 3 layers, outer, middle and insole. The insole naturally has to be a little bit narrower and shorter than the outer sole. I made a cardboard duplicate of the outer sole and reduced it in size until it was right and I could use it as a pattern for cutting out the leather insoles. For this I'm using purpose tanned insole leather (according to the tanner I'm buying from, don't ask me for any details on this, I'm simply repeating his opinion here).

On to nailing - I'm using a stock of nails I got second hand some years ago. As is always the problem, they are not really reconstructions, but their shape (see pics below) are acceptable IMO as roman nails after a number of miles, with the tips ground away. Most important, the shafts of the nails have to be long enough to reach through all 3 layers and still bend over on the anvil to clench it all fast.

Here are the tools I used: awl to punch small holes to assist setting the nails, pliers to save my fingertips, light hammer for setting the nail, heavy hammer for hammering home the nail so that it clenches fast all 3 layers and finally a shoemaker's anvil (Roman ones didn't look too different as you probably know)