Breaking in Caligae

[Nerva]

Deepeeka generally use Chrome or chemically tanned leather, hence the very plastic like finish on one side. Strictly speaking, only vegetable or brain tanned leather should be used.

[Hibernicus]

Scuffing the Deepeeka caliga does them a world of good. It breaks up the chrome tanned leather surface allowing them to take oil better. Major improvement in appearance too!

[Primvs Pavlvs]

Strictly speaking, only vegetable or brain tanned leather should be used.

Is there any evidence that Europeans used the braintan method? From what I understand its strictly a Native American method.

[Marcus Mummius]

Strictly speaking, only vegetable or brain tanned leather should be used.

Is there any evidence that Europeans used the braintan method? From what I understand its strictly a Native American method.

I think I remember someone saying boar brains were used in Poland but I'm not 100% sure...

[Paullus Scipio]

So, Chris B. , have you solved yr problem yet ?
Let us all know what you did and how it worked out !!

[arklore70]

Oils and water do help in breaking in leather footwear. I have never tried the chaw/chew method, but Native Americans normally did things for a reason so I am sure that works as well. I am not sure how badly they break the leather/age it, but it has never seemed to be a factor. Diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene, and the salts from human sweat on the other hand have always caused my boots to crack and split.

For me, and having worn leather boots for the last 18 years to include now caligae; the only tried and true method I have found is to wear with wool socks/military issue socks and go about your normal day wearing them.

For caligae, I wear/wore mine while walking the dog, working on the yard, and running errands. When people asked what type of sandals I had, I would tell them that they were hand made Italian sandals.

If your feet in general are not used to all leather shoes/boots/caligae, you may have to wear them for short periods of time until your feet can get calloused up/toughened up a bit.

I hope this helps not only Chris but anyone else out there.

Just my two denarii,

V/r
Mike

[Nerva]

Brain tanning was used throughout in Europe, but evidence suggests with wild animal hides only (Bear, Deer, Boar and Wolf). I have a Brain tanned Bearskin (badly done I must admit) from Georgia, where I'm told it's been practiced since ancient times.

[Chris B]

No, I am still wearing them a little here and a little there to slowly break them in. I am planning on adding the additional layer to the sole and then keep wearing them, but haven't had much time lately. I just finished making a late tilting shield and finished a medieval lance. I also just got my Albion Knight and Albion Great Helm along with the scabbard from Christian Fletcher so I am finishing up the final touches on my Templar set that I intend to wear to ren-fair this year in Texas so it has kind of taken front seat for a few weeks. My wife also decided on her selection of clothing so I have been trying to gather in her stuff for the fall as well. Thanks for all the advice and I will post what worked when I get them comfortable.

On a side note, I just had to part with my Albion Gladius . I miss it already, but Christian Fletcher is doing a custom scabbard and baldric as we speak. It is the last piece for my roman collection (at least for this specific complete set). I do not think I will ever stop collecting other pieces, but at least my Roman set will finally be complete. Now I just want to "remake" my Roman Scutum better quality. Since I learned a lot of things in making the first, I will change on the next one to make it better or if I still cannot make it right on the second attempt, maybe I will make another Aspis and trade it to someone for a scutum later :wink: