Greek footwear

[Martin Moser]

Hi John,

just a quick reply for now ...

As Giannis says no seams are visible. Except in one illustratiopn which may show a seam on the instep, and a sort of 3rd century Roman Dura boot toe detail.

Yes, I know what you mean - exactly what I thought about the toe bit in the picture you provided.

But for the real deal I've gone to a proffessional. I've asked for a seam on the instep of the boot. A tongue behind the lacing. And soles attached by a tunnel stitch.

I don't know when the tunnel stitch method first appears, but it certainly around in the 1st cent. AD. Judging from closed shoes (all kninds of calcei, so to say) of that time and later seams are normally either at the side or running up the front (note: I'm not talking about carbatinae or caligae here). Interestingly, there is one find from Dura of a boot made in the following way, somewhat reminiscent of the picture of yours: It is a low cut shoe with one (on the innner side) or maybe two (inner and outer side) seams, attached to the sole by tunnel stitch apparently. The shaft is a seperate piece, originally sewn (now detached) to the upper edges of the shoe itself, the seam of which is on the back of the leather tube that is the shaft. I think a construction like this boot would be a good approach to the boot shown in the picture.

All for now, I'll keep my eyes open on more similarities ...