Hi all! You can check the subtitles and description for more much more detail. Quite a lot going on here, so I recommend it! Thanks for watching! If you like what I do and want to support me further, consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/gesithasgewissa/
Your history lessons videos are OUTSTANDING & AMAZING😊 I wish your single hut would grow to a little village with more people like you, in the near future 😊😊
It's incredible what one can learn from Anglo-Saxon Cobbler Monthly. My grandfather always joked that I, as a teenager, had the amazing talent of finding enjoyment in watching others work. Now, fifty years later, in retirement, I must say he had the right of it: I could watch you create a pair of shoes for hours - it's truly enjoyably relaxing. Well done, you. And just in time to add these shoes to the Gesipas Gewissa winter collection! What all the fashionable Anglo-Saxon warriors are wearing! Thanks for all that you do (and endure) for this community. Yours in one of the finest channels on UA-cam, and always a joy to watch.
I heard the phaesant. But my first thought was: were those birds already in Brittain in 662? I had to look it up ... and found: they are introduced by the Romans. So it's okay.
Even the little things in this channel are fascinating, like the idea of a parsnip and apple stew! The idea of apples in a stew still seems out there to me but clearly, we ate them that way for a long time. Thank you for your continuing efforts!
Wonderful video. I do really appreciate the craftmanship as well as all the explanations you provide in the video as well as when you answer questions in the comments. I, of course, had the same question about the thickness of the sole, but saw that you answered that question with historical facts as well as your personal experience in the comments. Thanks for sharing.
You Sir, are an absolute craftsman. A joy to be able to watch you working, and sharing your achievements. And they look smart. But how practical would they be? Anyway, a joy to share some quiet time with you in this troubled world, again.
Thank you! Barely waterproof, and deathly slippy on wet grass...our Medieval ancestors were some nimble folk haha! But that's all they had. The Romans used hobnails but they don't appear to have been used in the Early Medieval period. Most common folk likely went barefoot when it was warm enough, but they give some protection from thorns and warmth in winter with some nice wool socks. In terms of durability, keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
@gesithasgewissa it seems to work for the Sami in their moccasins! I wonder if there is a simple solution to waterproof this kind of turnshoe. Do you know when people started to first wear clogs? They also used hay to keep them on and fit tight.
@@celticdeamon567 For sure, I lived in Sweden for a year and found that these shoes were lovely to wear in the dry and cold winters. In Northern Areas where it is consistently cold enough, the snow doesn't wet the shoes in the same way that a British winter does. In Britain, I find wool works better as it insulates even when wet. I'm not sure about clogs, but pattens began to be used in the later Medieval period for keeping feet off the wet and mud in the streets of towns.
@@DoctorMikeReddy Just fine, still nice and tight, the straw hackle kept it well protected from the weather over the summer, and I've brought it indoors for the winter.
They look buttery soft as well! I bet they don’t rub, no wearing in and no blisters. Wonderful work as always. Your whole wardrobe looks so amazing and surprisingly modern for the era. It’s great that you have acquired the skills to make your own collection like this. Perhaps you could market it 😂
What great timing! I just learned about turn shoes today when reading about leather archeological finds, including the shoes at Sutton Hoo mound 1. Jung would call this synchronicity.
From my limited reading of the subject so far, it would seem that single-piece shoes were most common up until the early 8th century. Still, these look great! I'd love to know how they feel.
Haha, fantastic! I'd be interested to know where you read that, I agree that single piece shoes were common, but there few finds of shoes from the 7th century, with the two pairs at Sutton Hoo being one of the few examples (both with a separate sole). They're really comfortable! I made them wide at the toe so you don't get that pinching feel that pointy medieval shoes usually give, and the more 'barefoot' style works nicely. Thanks Evan!
Absolutely amazing! I loved watching you make them. Ive just learnt how to cure my kid skin hides so in the spring im going to try and follow your instructions. Thankyou so much for you time and skills. You will also go down in a history 😊
Wonderful! Funny thing - my leather working kit arrived in the post just yesterday. I’ll start with a belt pouch but intend to work my way up to these. This looks like a simpler pattern than others too. Very much appreciate you showing us the process! Side note: my hand woven tunic is coming along nicely. About a half a yard still to weave and then the daunting prospect of cutting and sewing. A plain 2-2 twill in natural black. Already chucked together a linen under-tunic (cheated with a sewing machine this time). Also planning to cheat on the hose by buying linen trousers from a shop and tailoring them. Wool trou one day though.
Your videos make me want to live in a mud and straw house and make turn shoes by the bone fire ☺ One day I will definitively try out this life style! 💖
Boy are we going to actually see you smith and forge a Anglo-Saxon sword at some point and carve out a round shield? 😂😂😂 You're an impeccable craftsman... You're channel and Imperium Romanum are two of my favorites...
Amazing work! One question however... Wouldn't there be anything else/extra on the soles? It seems to me that is a lot of time investment to make one of these and as they stand that show would not last more than a couple of months? If that?
Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these. Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen. Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Also, taking notes. I don't work with leather much but pre-punching it before stitching looks like it saves a whole lot of headache - will definitely be trying it!
Hi ... have you seen Nichole Rudolph making turn shoes? She uses Boar bristles for needles ... amazing Love your work on this chanel fascinating to watch.
Howdy 🤠 Would ya know if similar still used around in 13th century? Since from what I’ve seen it looks like it eh? Also, I appreciate what ya doing, got some miles on that old pair, lol Almost like the walking distance of someone who has self resourced to build a whole house, lol This is great stuff to show more what life would’ve been like before industrial ages began 😊 Especially how you pretty much do everything as being self reliant was way more a thing back then. And kudos to you for having the patience & skills to do all of this
Haha, that's the idea my friend. It's in the name; 'Gesith!' means noble warrior. Working to trade the plough for a horse and sword you see 😉 Thanks man!
Absolutely beautiful video and beautiful workmanship! I've made and worn turnshoes myself so I can really appreciate the work that goes into them! I'm more familiar with later Medieval period, so I don't know if they would have used pattens in the 7th century? They might be helpful to get your feet up out of the mud.
I love all your videos, and they leave me with so many questions! Are you an academic/educator in your everyday life, or is this more of a "hobby"? Where do you source your fabrics, threads, rope, etc? I know you had a hunting video before so maybe you create some of your own leather? It's so enthralling to see how everything from the land comes together in every project you do :-)
Thank you! This is my everyday life nowadays, since I am now making videos full time 😊 I didn't study archaeology but used my university resources to collect lots of journals and books on Anglo-Saxons haha. I have tanned hides before, and would like to do more of it, but I did buy this leather.
Very interesting indeed. I'm surprised that they used such thin leather for the soles (3mm) - I guess they had harder, more calloused feet than us due to not wearing shoes much of the time. You say that they were not waterproof, but is it not possible that their shoes were either rubbed with fat, beeswax or a mixture of the two. I have done a little leather working and have used mixtures of beeswax and natural turpentine (which I assume was not in use during the Anglo Saxon period) to finish my projects and confer some water protection (beeswax and Vaseline is also effective) . My guess is a mixture of beeswax with tallow or with lard (mixed while liquid) would be pretty effective at waterproofing.
From the archaeology, it seems that 3-4mm is as thick as they had, perhaps as their animals were smaller, with thinner hide. That said, I have experimented with thicker leather, 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles anyway, so you need to resew them, and as 3mm leather is so much easier to work, I think it works out more efficient in the end. I do rub my shoes with animal fat and beeswax, of course, but that only goes so far. It keeps the feet dry from dew, but any wetter than that and they get soaked through over the course of a day. As the leather is thin, no amount of fat stops the water. I've been making this type of shoe for several years now (replacing every six months or so), and now that I am doing UA-cam full time, I wear them most days, or go barefoot if I want to give them a chance to dry out again!
I had no idea you had captions on your videos. This is the first time I've watched on my computer instead of TV, and happened to have CC on from a video that didn't have English.
How do you know how to do all this?!? Are you an anthropological archaeologist? Everything you’ve made seems so accurate to how it was probably (or actually) done. Very impressive and very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for the video and looking forward to the next one!
I read a lot of archaeological books and journals, and research beforehand to make sure my depiction and reconstructions are as true to the historical and archaeological evidence as I can make them. I've been making this style of shoe for several years now, so have had lots of practice. My first pair were not this good, haha. Thank you very much!
Have you tried different kinds of woods burning in the fire? Ive heard when you use dried birch or ash, cut in 2x2 inch pieces, that it creates only very little smoke.
Dried birch is really lovely, I've tried that and use it a lot. I'm really excited to try my own cut and dried hazel too, when it's ready next autumn! At the moment I usually use hedgerow and foraged dead wood, or dried birch when I can get it. Splitting small is definitely the key to reducing smoke.
Those turned our really nice! I like the way they conform to the shape of your foot and the design of the shoes is pleasant while being simple. How cold do your feet get now in late fall and winter? Those wool socks sure must help, but I wonder how warm the shoes will keep your feet. At the very least they'll stay dry though! Cheers
Thank you, I like that too, I wanted a nice 'barefoot' style which allowed nice wide toes. Not that cold, Britain rarely drops below 0 degrees C these days, and the wool socks help a lot. With this slightly larger pair I can double them up too. The shoes are really just for protection from thorns and to keep the socks a little drier.
Very nice work; probably would have biased towards a thicker sole, but that’s just me. Have you considered a more built up sole with hobnails given your site, or do you just not have issues because of the thin sole? Also those needles look so much better for this than the fragile stitching needles Tandy’s sells; I swear I break multiple of them on every leather project because their eyelet is so large and thin. Is that a particular type or brand? Also love the tunic and pants materials we see in the closeups, I hope I can afford to get some of those some day 😅
Thank you! I can't remember about the needles, they're hand forged from a medieval market. Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these. Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen. Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Those must be terribly slippery when you are trying to walk through mud. Either way, it's a really nice pair of shoes! I think a video of you tanning hide would be interesting
Deathly slippery 😁 Our Medieval ancestors were nimble folk! But you do get used to it actually, I rarely slip in them nowadays I'd like to do tanning - I have a couple of friends who are very good at it, so maybe featuring them, or I'll learn from them. I've only egg-tanned a fox fur so far (road kill of course, would never hunt a fox!)
How long would a pair of shoes like this last with general wear and tear? Do they offer much (if any comfort) on anything other than grass? How slippery are they? Thanks for a great and informative video!
Most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions. They are comfortable to wear on modern roads and paved and cobbled surfaces, but wouldn't last very long! They protect well against all thorns except for blackthorn and are pretty damn slippery, but it's something you get used to when wearing them all the time. Our ancestors were nimble folk!
Deerskin shoes would be reeally cool! Though a sporran might be a longer lasting option for your first tanned deerskin...in case you're sentimental about such things 😊
Can you comment on the grip and durability of the sole? From a modern point of view, one layer of smooth leather seems like it would wear through pretty fast, but maybe it's surprisingly sturdy?
Grip? Never heard of it. Haha! They are as slippy as you can get...but you get used to it, moving with the lay of the land as such. Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these. Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen. Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Soon I will learn how to do a good old Anglo-Saxon outfit for myself :D Thank you for sharing! I wonder though, can I use a karambit instead of an awl? Or for the decoration?
Wonderful video! Such a great peek into that life! Would they have used beeswax to cover the uppers a bit to protect from the damp? Also, any chance you next sharpen your knives that you could show how you do it? I have been watching videos & I'm just not doing it well enough. Local shoppe charges too & it doesn't last that long. Thanks so much for sharing this interesting history.
Yes, I do put animal fat or beeswax on mine for a bit of water-resistance. For sure, I can show some knife sharpening next video, but I have to admit, I'm no expert either, haha!
Heill Odinn! Linen twine rots after some time. I recommended that You sew shoes using animal tendons. They never rot. For shoe maintenance, I recommended a paste made of beeswax and linseed oil. 1 part wax and two parts linseed oil. Mixed hot. Stay healthy and happy.
Great video! Question for you. How long did it take to make the shoes and what would estimate their lifespan is? Considering the effort taken to make one pair, I would hope they would hold up for a while, but life in ye olden days was a ton of work with little time for leasure and I feel like leather shoes would wear out pretty quickly from the constant use.
Thank you! Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these. Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen. Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
@@gesithasgewissa Whoa, above and beyond the call of duty on that reply, thank you for the information! I guess if you can churn one of these out in a day or so without filming, then that isn't a bad time investment for a few months of use. The arch support looks like it leaves something to be desired though. 🤣
@@vsGoliath96 You're welcome ☺ yeah and they're nice to have in thorny areas, definitely worth the effort. Nope, no arch support here 😆 barefoot life is the best life 😄
Interesting. My question is how did they cope with winter? Did they make shoes big enough to stuff grass, or whatever insulation, into them when summer ended? Or was a second pair made for winter with this oversize purpose built in? Anywho, thanx, this "living archeology" is most appreciated.
As for the source of access to deer tendons, I recommended contacting deer hunters, In a previous message , I added a recipe for a good shoe preservative.
They're very comfortable and breathable...but not very waterproof, even when oiled with animal fat! I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
@gesithasgewissa damn they last longer than my last pair of trainers from Amazon. 😅 They look very cozy and pliable. A shame about the waterproofing, though I did wonder how they would hold up under wet conditions. I assume it gets in via the seams and doesn't permeate the leather? Would some kind of pitch glue do the trick do you think? Mind you I'm sure these things are easy enough to dry in front of a fire!
Really great! Is the soft leather a good idea though? I've made some traditional Romanian shoes once (opinci) out of thin soft leather and they wore out quite quickly. Or it could be that they're not good in an urban environment.
The thin leather is historical, most archaeological examples have 1-2mm uppers with 3mm soles, or thereabouts. They only had dirt paths and grass to walk on back then though. I do the same with mine, and they last 4-6 months. Would probably only last a month on modern surfaces, I agree!
Very fetching. I noticed that you patterned the uppers (?) from an existing pair (split open). How would you go about making a pattern from scratch? I'm guessing it wouldn't be easy holding a piece of leather up to your own foot and trying to scribe it yourself. Also, you seemed not to be trying to make best use of the sheet of leather you cut the pieces out of (or did that just end up on the cutting room floor, so to speak)?
You can get the pattern for the uppers by measuring around your foot at different points - around the toe, around the mid-foot, and around the foot at its 'highest point' where that little bone sticks up. The height of the shoes are up to you, and the length of the upper pattern you take from the circumference of the sole (divided by two to get the length for each half of the upper). As the upper pieces have to positioned opposite each other, four pieces filled out the leather pretty much entirely, with just a few scraps here and there, so I didn't bother trying to save it. Usually I do, if there's a nice sizeable bit worth saving 😊
Are your feet cold? I know you are wearing socks, but still, there really is no insulation in the pair you’ve made. Do you have a warmer pair for snow? Also what do you do about water proofing? I love your channel, thank you for your hard work and research. (And calm ambient sounds and beautiful cinematography).
Not really, it doesn't get that cold here in Britain, and rarely snows these days, and I'm always working doing something which keeps me warm but you could make a larger pair with room for more socks or a felt lining. I oil the leather with animal fat, which waterproofs a little. Thanks for watching!
It truly surprises me that so many people who are supposed to be intelligent think primitive means that our ancestors were stupid or lived without comfort
Tolle Schuhe zwei Fragen wie lange halten sie und wenn es sehr nass wird Schnee oder Regen bleiben sie dicht und warm und zum Eintopf Äpfel reingehen ist echt lecker zu ich auch LG Christina aus Österreich
Thank you! About six months of every day wear on 'medieval' surfaces - grassy tracks and dirt paths. They aren't very waterproof in wet weather no, most Medieval people probably had to put up with wet feet a lot of the time. Liebe Grüße to you too!
Regarding the waterproof (and lack thereof) issue, would working a load of beeswax into them solve that? It would likely help preserve the leather too. Can't really think of a way of increasing the traction offered by the sole though.
I do rub my shoes with animal fat and beeswax, of course, but that only goes so far. It keeps the feet dry from dew, but any wetter than that and they get soaked through over the course of a day. As the leather is thin, no amount of fat stops the water. I've been making this type of shoe for several years now (replacing every six months or so), and now that I am doing UA-cam full time, I wear them most days, or go barefoot if I want to give them a chance to dry out again! The Romans used hobnails, but there is no evidence for their use in the Early Medieval period, even with hundred of turnshoes having been found. Our medieval ancestors were very nimble! But you do get used to it...I wear these types of shoes almost every day now and I rarely slip anymore. I think there have been found from Viking sites bone and iron crampons, to tie onto your sole. Probably to cope with the ice and snow.
@@gesithasgewissa Interesting... Although it makes me wonder why they 1/ didn't use thicker leather for shoemaking and 2/ didn't make soles in a different way (that we know of, selection bias in archaeological finds being what it is) when it was done previously and the basic technology is available.
@@daveharrison4697 Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these. Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen. Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
You start some series without finishing them. Where is part 2 of the oven or the garment you began in the last video? I think you should finish what you start before beginning another project.
I'm working on Part II of the oven, which is taking a little time because it has to dry out for several weeks. Part II of the kaftan is simply decoration, which will happen as and when I have time. At the moment, shoes are more pressing, and would have been to a Medieval person too. The nature of living a self-sufficient life means that you tend to have several projects on the go at once, which ones you do depends on the weather and what is the highest priority at the moment; food, shelter, warmth and so on. I'd argue this is more historical than blindly pressing on with single projects. If I had to do that, you'd have to wait weeks for the next video, so don't complain too much.
As for remembering to flip the pattern ... **ahem** I have totally pinned, and then sewn, two left halves of a dress. OOPS. I am still not allowed to pin pattern pieces after midnight. Cheers!
So cool! I once heard someone say that leather should be sewn when wet so that when it dries it tightens up the holes. Is there truth to that? I noticed you didn’t wet them until the turning stage.
I did keep the leather damp while sewing, but not soaking. It makes it easier to sew and handle, and you can get tighter seams because the leather is softer. I'm not sure it tightens on drying, as it doesn't shrink all that much (you wouldn't want it to anyway with a pair of shoes). Thanks for watching!
Thank you! Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these. Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen. Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads: 1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching 3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway. When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Hi all! You can check the subtitles and description for more much more detail. Quite a lot going on here, so I recommend it! Thanks for watching! If you like what I do and want to support me further, consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/gesithasgewissa/
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High praise! Thank you
A welcome escape from modern plastic life
Glad to hear it!
Quite
As you say posting from you phone or computer...
Self Reliance is increasingly Important to me. Thanks for sharing.
And to me! Thanks for watching
Your history lessons videos are OUTSTANDING & AMAZING😊
I wish your single hut would grow to a little village with more people like you, in the near future 😊😊
Thank you!
Gods, it would be fantastic to have a little village spring up 😊
me too. it would be the picture of the old ways with a wife and kids running around.
my favourite re-enactment channel ive seen!
Thank you!
It's incredible what one can learn from Anglo-Saxon Cobbler Monthly. My grandfather always joked that I, as a teenager, had the amazing talent of finding enjoyment in watching others work. Now, fifty years later, in retirement, I must say he had the right of it: I could watch you create a pair of shoes for hours - it's truly enjoyably relaxing. Well done, you. And just in time to add these shoes to the Gesipas Gewissa winter collection! What all the fashionable Anglo-Saxon warriors are wearing! Thanks for all that you do (and endure) for this community. Yours in one of the finest channels on UA-cam, and always a joy to watch.
Haha, well I'm happy to hear it! As always, thank you for your support Mark
Hear hear!
My favorite part of each video is ALWAYS seeing the cute house in the intro. Though this was very relaxing. Love the crow sounds in the background.
Glad you enjoyed it!
How that pheasant call at dusk flows into that ambient ending music is just magic.
I heard the phaesant. But my first thought was: were those birds already in Brittain in 662? I had to look it up ... and found: they are introduced by the Romans. So it's okay.
It is isn't it? I'm blessed with the evenings here.
Once again I am amaxed at your skill set. Your channel reminds me to slow down and realize i can be busy without being rushed. Thank you.
I appreciate that! Thank you
As always, Beautiful. Telling a story, no words, just much work that enables you to do that.
Thank you so much!
Even the little things in this channel are fascinating, like the idea of a parsnip and apple stew! The idea of apples in a stew still seems out there to me but clearly, we ate them that way for a long time. Thank you for your continuing efforts!
Parsnips are quite a sweet vegetable in their own right as well! I’m sure that would make a GREAT pie filling!
It's very tasty! Both the apple and the parsnip have a nice sweetness to them
Wow, another incredibly well done video. Thanks for all your hard work, both in cinematography, historical research and historical recreations.
You're welcome, it's a pleasure!
Wonderful video. I do really appreciate the craftmanship as well as all the explanations you provide in the video as well as when you answer questions in the comments. I, of course, had the same question about the thickness of the sole, but saw that you answered that question with historical facts as well as your personal experience in the comments. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, and really pleased you appreciate the extra detail. It's a pleasure to share my knowledge with you all!
This brings back a lot of memories. I used to make all my children's shoes until they went to school.
That's really cool!
Thank you! This channel is a healing balm!
Glad to hear it!
You Sir, are an absolute craftsman.
A joy to be able to watch you working, and sharing your achievements. And they look smart. But how practical would they be?
Anyway, a joy to share some quiet time with you in this troubled world, again.
Thank you!
Barely waterproof, and deathly slippy on wet grass...our Medieval ancestors were some nimble folk haha!
But that's all they had. The Romans used hobnails but they don't appear to have been used in the Early Medieval period. Most common folk likely went barefoot when it was warm enough, but they give some protection from thorns and warmth in winter with some nice wool socks.
In terms of durability, keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
@@gesithasgewissa dry hay inside shoes for insulation.
@@celticdeamon567 quickly becomes wet hay!
@gesithasgewissa it seems to work for the Sami in their moccasins! I wonder if there is a simple solution to waterproof this kind of turnshoe.
Do you know when people started to first wear clogs? They also used hay to keep them on and fit tight.
@@celticdeamon567 For sure, I lived in Sweden for a year and found that these shoes were lovely to wear in the dry and cold winters. In Northern Areas where it is consistently cold enough, the snow doesn't wet the shoes in the same way that a British winter does. In Britain, I find wool works better as it insulates even when wet.
I'm not sure about clogs, but pattens began to be used in the later Medieval period for keeping feet off the wet and mud in the streets of towns.
Truly gorgeous. I havent seen a double needle stitch like that before. It looks very strong
Thank you! 😊 Yes the saddle stitch is almost always used in leather work
9:10 is that a beehive? This is one of the coolest channels - thank you for what you do and for sharing.
It is! Here's the video showing how I made it:
ua-cam.com/video/Vph06C2v1UQ/v-deo.html
No bees yet, but I'm hopeful for this spring!
How is the skep holding up?
@@DoctorMikeReddy Just fine, still nice and tight, the straw hackle kept it well protected from the weather over the summer, and I've brought it indoors for the winter.
I love this channel
Thank you!
All of your videos fascinate me. Thank you for sharing all of the hard work you do.
You're welcome, it's a pleasure to share it with you all!
Truly amazing craftsmanship. I want these beautiful shoes.
Glad you like them!
They look buttery soft as well! I bet they don’t rub, no wearing in and no blisters. Wonderful work as always. Your whole wardrobe looks so amazing and surprisingly modern for the era. It’s great that you have acquired the skills to make your own collection like this. Perhaps you could market it 😂
Thank you! 😊
What great timing! I just learned about turn shoes today when reading about leather archeological finds, including the shoes at Sutton Hoo mound 1.
Jung would call this synchronicity.
From my limited reading of the subject so far, it would seem that single-piece shoes were most common up until the early 8th century.
Still, these look great!
I'd love to know how they feel.
…and I would call it “Wyrd”……..
Haha, fantastic! I'd be interested to know where you read that, I agree that single piece shoes were common, but there few finds of shoes from the 7th century, with the two pairs at Sutton Hoo being one of the few examples (both with a separate sole).
They're really comfortable! I made them wide at the toe so you don't get that pinching feel that pointy medieval shoes usually give, and the more 'barefoot' style works nicely. Thanks Evan!
Absolutely amazing! I loved watching you make them. Ive just learnt how to cure my kid skin hides so in the spring im going to try and follow your instructions. Thankyou so much for you time and skills. You will also go down in a history 😊
Fantastic! The best of luck with your hides and shoe making - any questions feel free to ask here or by email. That's very kind, thank you.
@@gesithasgewissa. Thankyou! I will use your video to refresh my memory and if I have any problems I will message you.Have a great autumn😊
Wonderful! Funny thing - my leather working kit arrived in the post just yesterday. I’ll start with a belt pouch but intend to work my way up to these. This looks like a simpler pattern than others too. Very much appreciate you showing us the process!
Side note: my hand woven tunic is coming along nicely. About a half a yard still to weave and then the daunting prospect of cutting and sewing. A plain 2-2 twill in natural black. Already chucked together a linen under-tunic (cheated with a sewing machine this time). Also planning to cheat on the hose by buying linen trousers from a shop and tailoring them. Wool trou one day though.
Nice, good luck with the leather work! Pouches are a great place to start.
Wow, that's awesome. 2-2 twill in natural black sounds lovely. Well done!
Amazing - again. Great to find people with real skills these days 🤗
Thank you!!
Very stylish!
Thank you!
I would love to have entire outfits of clothing I made myself. Impressive stuff brother. 👏👏👏
Thank you!!
Your videos make me want to live in a mud and straw house and make turn shoes by the bone fire ☺ One day I will definitively try out this life style! 💖
You should! It's good fun
Boy are we going to actually see you smith and forge a Anglo-Saxon sword at some point and carve out a round shield?
😂😂😂
You're an impeccable craftsman...
You're channel and Imperium Romanum are two of my favorites...
The shield is in the making, for sure! The sword...give me a year or two to practice 😍
Thank you my friend!
Amazing work!
One question however...
Wouldn't there be anything else/extra on the soles? It seems to me that is a lot of time investment to make one of these and as they stand that show would not last more than a couple of months? If that?
Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these.
Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen.
Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Great stuff! I'm always excited to see a new video pop up from you.
Glad to hear it!
Perfect relax mode before bed
Enjoy!
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Also, taking notes. I don't work with leather much but pre-punching it before stitching looks like it saves a whole lot of headache - will definitely be trying it!
It's really great, all the concentration out of the way before hand! Then you can just relax and match up the holes...
@@gesithasgewissa yes, makes quite a meditative job of it. Can't wait to try!
Much like moccasins, awesome. I love my moccasins. Mine are single piece and I can make a pair in 1 hour or less probably less.
1 hour! Fantastic. These take about a day
Hi ... have you seen Nichole Rudolph making turn shoes? She uses Boar bristles for needles ... amazing
Love your work on this chanel fascinating to watch.
Thanks, I'll check it out!
I adore Nicole, her channel is amazing! We wondered here whether boar bristles were going to be used!
Howdy 🤠
Would ya know if similar still used around in 13th century? Since from what I’ve seen it looks like it eh?
Also, I appreciate what ya doing, got some miles on that old pair, lol Almost like the walking distance of someone who has self resourced to build a whole house, lol
This is great stuff to show more what life would’ve been like before industrial ages began 😊
Especially how you pretty much do everything as being self reliant was way more a thing back then.
And kudos to you for having the patience & skills to do all of this
They were mostly still using turn-shoes in the 13th century, yes.
Thank you so much!
Yeah,was hoping u would do shoes next.
Well here you go!! 😊
You look like a hundred pounds of silver there Gewissa, bit rich to till your own field. Awesome video as always man, keep on the great content.
Haha, that's the idea my friend. It's in the name; 'Gesith!' means noble warrior. Working to trade the plough for a horse and sword you see 😉 Thanks man!
Outstanding 👍👍👍
Thank you!
Appearing next week on Amazon
These only take a day to make when I'm not filming it...so potentially! Haha!
Absolutely beautiful video and beautiful workmanship! I've made and worn turnshoes myself so I can really appreciate the work that goes into them! I'm more familiar with later Medieval period, so I don't know if they would have used pattens in the 7th century? They might be helpful to get your feet up out of the mud.
Thank you! I'll look into pattens, I'm not sure, but it's worth looking at for sure
I love all your videos, and they leave me with so many questions! Are you an academic/educator in your everyday life, or is this more of a "hobby"? Where do you source your fabrics, threads, rope, etc? I know you had a hunting video before so maybe you create some of your own leather? It's so enthralling to see how everything from the land comes together in every project you do :-)
Thank you! This is my everyday life nowadays, since I am now making videos full time 😊 I didn't study archaeology but used my university resources to collect lots of journals and books on Anglo-Saxons haha. I have tanned hides before, and would like to do more of it, but I did buy this leather.
most people will never know just how slippery these shoes are to walk in. No matter where you go its like walking on ice.
It's true! Though you get used to it, wearing these every day I rarely slip anymore
Very interesting indeed. I'm surprised that they used such thin leather for the soles (3mm) - I guess they had harder, more calloused feet than us due to not wearing shoes much of the time. You say that they were not waterproof, but is it not possible that their shoes were either rubbed with fat, beeswax or a mixture of the two. I have done a little leather working and have used mixtures of beeswax and natural turpentine (which I assume was not in use during the Anglo Saxon period) to finish my projects and confer some water protection (beeswax and Vaseline is also effective) . My guess is a mixture of beeswax with tallow or with lard (mixed while liquid) would be pretty effective at waterproofing.
From the archaeology, it seems that 3-4mm is as thick as they had, perhaps as their animals were smaller, with thinner hide. That said, I have experimented with thicker leather, 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles anyway, so you need to resew them, and as 3mm leather is so much easier to work, I think it works out more efficient in the end.
I do rub my shoes with animal fat and beeswax, of course, but that only goes so far. It keeps the feet dry from dew, but any wetter than that and they get soaked through over the course of a day. As the leather is thin, no amount of fat stops the water. I've been making this type of shoe for several years now (replacing every six months or so), and now that I am doing UA-cam full time, I wear them most days, or go barefoot if I want to give them a chance to dry out again!
@@gesithasgewissa Thank you for your detailed reply.
I had no idea you had captions on your videos. This is the first time I've watched on my computer instead of TV, and happened to have CC on from a video that didn't have English.
Glad you found them! It's a good video to find them on, lots going on haha
I just made a pair of moccasins that look more like medieval shoes. I might just add a sole to turn them into medieval shoes
Cool!
How do you know how to do all this?!? Are you an anthropological archaeologist? Everything you’ve made seems so accurate to how it was probably (or actually) done. Very impressive and very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for the video and looking forward to the next one!
I read a lot of archaeological books and journals, and research beforehand to make sure my depiction and reconstructions are as true to the historical and archaeological evidence as I can make them. I've been making this style of shoe for several years now, so have had lots of practice. My first pair were not this good, haha. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much 👍
Thanks for watching!
@gesithasgewissa greettings from Germany. I am looking for some Inspiration for my early Medieval Character
Have you tried different kinds of woods burning in the fire? Ive heard when you use dried birch or ash, cut in 2x2 inch pieces, that it creates only very little smoke.
Dried birch is really lovely, I've tried that and use it a lot. I'm really excited to try my own cut and dried hazel too, when it's ready next autumn! At the moment I usually use hedgerow and foraged dead wood, or dried birch when I can get it. Splitting small is definitely the key to reducing smoke.
Those turned our really nice! I like the way they conform to the shape of your foot and the design of the shoes is pleasant while being simple. How cold do your feet get now in late fall and winter? Those wool socks sure must help, but I wonder how warm the shoes will keep your feet. At the very least they'll stay dry though! Cheers
Thank you, I like that too, I wanted a nice 'barefoot' style which allowed nice wide toes. Not that cold, Britain rarely drops below 0 degrees C these days, and the wool socks help a lot. With this slightly larger pair I can double them up too. The shoes are really just for protection from thorns and to keep the socks a little drier.
Im currently bark tanning some leather, but its not enough for a pair of shoes...Great video
Cool! Bark tanning is on my list too
Very nice work; probably would have biased towards a thicker sole, but that’s just me. Have you considered a more built up sole with hobnails given your site, or do you just not have issues because of the thin sole?
Also those needles look so much better for this than the fragile stitching needles Tandy’s sells; I swear I break multiple of them on every leather project because their eyelet is so large and thin. Is that a particular type or brand?
Also love the tunic and pants materials we see in the closeups, I hope I can afford to get some of those some day 😅
Thank you! I can't remember about the needles, they're hand forged from a medieval market.
Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these.
Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen.
Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Nice work 👍. Maybe show how they made beer
Thanks for the idea!
Perhaps next a pair a pattens to wear over them in mud. Or a woolen cloak for the cold weather.
I do have a cloak, it's just not that cold yet. Once winter truly hits!
Those must be terribly slippery when you are trying to walk through mud. Either way, it's a really nice pair of shoes! I think a video of you tanning hide would be interesting
Deathly slippery 😁
Our Medieval ancestors were nimble folk! But you do get used to it actually, I rarely slip in them nowadays
I'd like to do tanning - I have a couple of friends who are very good at it, so maybe featuring them, or I'll learn from them. I've only egg-tanned a fox fur so far (road kill of course, would never hunt a fox!)
@@gesithasgewissa naturally. And other hide is always an option, I'm sure a butcher wouldn't mind giving you one or two, then you can make a hat!
Without the initial turning inside out they are exactly the same thing as what were known in 18th century North America as shoepacs .
Nice. Thanks for sharing!
How long would a pair of shoes like this last with general wear and tear? Do they offer much (if any comfort) on anything other than grass? How slippery are they?
Thanks for a great and informative video!
Most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
They are comfortable to wear on modern roads and paved and cobbled surfaces, but wouldn't last very long!
They protect well against all thorns except for blackthorn and are pretty damn slippery, but it's something you get used to when wearing them all the time. Our ancestors were nimble folk!
interesting, i just tanned my first deerskin and was not sure what to do with it. first idea was to make a sporran, but shoes might be worth a thought
Deerskin shoes would be reeally cool! Though a sporran might be a longer lasting option for your first tanned deerskin...in case you're sentimental about such things 😊
Can you comment on the grip and durability of the sole? From a modern point of view, one layer of smooth leather seems like it would wear through pretty fast, but maybe it's surprisingly sturdy?
Grip? Never heard of it. Haha! They are as slippy as you can get...but you get used to it, moving with the lay of the land as such.
Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these.
Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen.
Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Well done
Thank you!
Soon I will learn how to do a good old Anglo-Saxon outfit for myself :D
Thank you for sharing!
I wonder though, can I use a karambit instead of an awl? Or for the decoration?
Cool! Have fun! Yeah for sure, I used to use a knife...just be bloody careful, probably don't need to tell you 😊
@@gesithasgewissa Of course, I'll be careful like you in the video :D
Wonderful video! Such a great peek into that life! Would they have used beeswax to cover the uppers a bit to protect from the damp? Also, any chance you next sharpen your knives that you could show how you do it? I have been watching videos & I'm just not doing it well enough. Local shoppe charges too & it doesn't last that long. Thanks so much for sharing this interesting history.
Yes, I do put animal fat or beeswax on mine for a bit of water-resistance. For sure, I can show some knife sharpening next video, but I have to admit, I'm no expert either, haha!
@@gesithasgewissa Any help will be wonderful. I can't help notice how sharp the tools you use are. Fab! Thanks!
Heill Odinn! Linen twine rots after some time. I recommended that You sew shoes using animal tendons. They never rot. For shoe maintenance, I recommended a paste made of beeswax and linseed oil. 1 part wax and two parts linseed oil. Mixed hot.
Stay healthy and happy.
Thank you! I'd like to try using sinew, just haven't found a source, (or roadkill deer) yet
Great video! Question for you. How long did it take to make the shoes and what would estimate their lifespan is? Considering the effort taken to make one pair, I would hope they would hold up for a while, but life in ye olden days was a ton of work with little time for leasure and I feel like leather shoes would wear out pretty quickly from the constant use.
Thank you!
Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these.
Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen.
Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
@@gesithasgewissa Whoa, above and beyond the call of duty on that reply, thank you for the information! I guess if you can churn one of these out in a day or so without filming, then that isn't a bad time investment for a few months of use.
The arch support looks like it leaves something to be desired though. 🤣
@@vsGoliath96 You're welcome ☺ yeah and they're nice to have in thorny areas, definitely worth the effort.
Nope, no arch support here 😆 barefoot life is the best life 😄
Interesting. My question is how did they cope with winter? Did they make shoes big enough to stuff grass, or whatever insulation, into them when summer ended? Or was a second pair made for winter with this oversize purpose built in? Anywho, thanx, this "living archeology" is most appreciated.
Nice wooly socks! Or felt booties...that's the next project. Yes, oversize winter shoes, that's a good idea.
@@gesithasgewissa 👍
As for the source of access to deer tendons, I recommended contacting deer hunters, In a previous message , I added a recipe for a good shoe preservative.
Thanks!
New Anglo Saxon zero-drop trainer just dropped!
How do they feel to wear? Do they slip much? Breathe well? How does the sole hold up?
They're very comfortable and breathable...but not very waterproof, even when oiled with animal fat!
I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
@gesithasgewissa damn they last longer than my last pair of trainers from Amazon. 😅
They look very cozy and pliable. A shame about the waterproofing, though I did wonder how they would hold up under wet conditions. I assume it gets in via the seams and doesn't permeate the leather? Would some kind of pitch glue do the trick do you think? Mind you I'm sure these things are easy enough to dry in front of a fire!
Thanks!
Thank you!!
Really great! Is the soft leather a good idea though? I've made some traditional Romanian shoes once (opinci) out of thin soft leather and they wore out quite quickly. Or it could be that they're not good in an urban environment.
The thin leather is historical, most archaeological examples have 1-2mm uppers with 3mm soles, or thereabouts. They only had dirt paths and grass to walk on back then though. I do the same with mine, and they last 4-6 months. Would probably only last a month on modern surfaces, I agree!
Very fetching.
I noticed that you patterned the uppers (?) from an existing pair (split open). How would you go about making a pattern from scratch? I'm guessing it wouldn't be easy holding a piece of leather up to your own foot and trying to scribe it yourself. Also, you seemed not to be trying to make best use of the sheet of leather you cut the pieces out of (or did that just end up on the cutting room floor, so to speak)?
You can get the pattern for the uppers by measuring around your foot at different points - around the toe, around the mid-foot, and around the foot at its 'highest point' where that little bone sticks up. The height of the shoes are up to you, and the length of the upper pattern you take from the circumference of the sole (divided by two to get the length for each half of the upper).
As the upper pieces have to positioned opposite each other, four pieces filled out the leather pretty much entirely, with just a few scraps here and there, so I didn't bother trying to save it. Usually I do, if there's a nice sizeable bit worth saving 😊
Are your feet cold? I know you are wearing socks, but still, there really is no insulation in the pair you’ve made. Do you have a warmer pair for snow? Also what do you do about water proofing? I love your channel, thank you for your hard work and research. (And calm ambient sounds and beautiful cinematography).
Not really, it doesn't get that cold here in Britain, and rarely snows these days, and I'm always working doing something which keeps me warm but you could make a larger pair with room for more socks or a felt lining. I oil the leather with animal fat, which waterproofs a little. Thanks for watching!
Did they ever make boots with thicket soles or warm linings for the winter?
Linings don't survive, but I imagine they did have thick wool socks or felted linings too.
It truly surprises me that so many people who are supposed to be intelligent think primitive means that our ancestors were stupid or lived without comfort
Indeed!
Does the stitch at the heel bother you? Did you have to polish it somehow or the thickness of the sock is enough to buffer it?
It doesn't, because the leather is very soft, but you could always do a flat seam with thicker leather.
Really nice man!!!!! :D
Glad you like it!
@@gesithasgewissa How can i not!!! First you proove youre a great craftsman, then a farmer and cook and now a bloody cobbler!!!! :D
Tolle Schuhe zwei Fragen wie lange halten sie und wenn es sehr nass wird Schnee oder Regen bleiben sie dicht und warm und zum Eintopf Äpfel reingehen ist echt lecker zu ich auch LG Christina aus Österreich
Thank you! About six months of every day wear on 'medieval' surfaces - grassy tracks and dirt paths. They aren't very waterproof in wet weather no, most Medieval people probably had to put up with wet feet a lot of the time. Liebe Grüße to you too!
Awesome!
Thanks!
Regarding the waterproof (and lack thereof) issue, would working a load of beeswax into them solve that? It would likely help preserve the leather too. Can't really think of a way of increasing the traction offered by the sole though.
I do rub my shoes with animal fat and beeswax, of course, but that only goes so far. It keeps the feet dry from dew, but any wetter than that and they get soaked through over the course of a day. As the leather is thin, no amount of fat stops the water. I've been making this type of shoe for several years now (replacing every six months or so), and now that I am doing UA-cam full time, I wear them most days, or go barefoot if I want to give them a chance to dry out again!
The Romans used hobnails, but there is no evidence for their use in the Early Medieval period, even with hundred of turnshoes having been found. Our medieval ancestors were very nimble! But you do get used to it...I wear these types of shoes almost every day now and I rarely slip anymore. I think there have been found from Viking sites bone and iron crampons, to tie onto your sole. Probably to cope with the ice and snow.
@@gesithasgewissa Interesting... Although it makes me wonder why they 1/ didn't use thicker leather for shoemaking and 2/ didn't make soles in a different way (that we know of, selection bias in archaeological finds being what it is) when it was done previously and the basic technology is available.
@@daveharrison4697 Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these.
Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen.
Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
You start some series without finishing them. Where is part 2 of the oven or the garment you began in the last video? I think you should finish what you start before beginning another project.
I'm working on Part II of the oven, which is taking a little time because it has to dry out for several weeks. Part II of the kaftan is simply decoration, which will happen as and when I have time. At the moment, shoes are more pressing, and would have been to a Medieval person too.
The nature of living a self-sufficient life means that you tend to have several projects on the go at once, which ones you do depends on the weather and what is the highest priority at the moment; food, shelter, warmth and so on.
I'd argue this is more historical than blindly pressing on with single projects. If I had to do that, you'd have to wait weeks for the next video, so don't complain too much.
How are we getting this footage who's a time traveler
Secrets, secrets... 😉
That felt cold through the whole video. 🥶
Yeah, it's getting chilly!
As for remembering to flip the pattern ... **ahem** I have totally pinned, and then sewn, two left halves of a dress. OOPS. I am still not allowed to pin pattern pieces after midnight. Cheers!
I've been there!!
So cool! I once heard someone say that leather should be sewn when wet so that when it dries it tightens up the holes. Is there truth to that? I noticed you didn’t wet them until the turning stage.
I did keep the leather damp while sewing, but not soaking. It makes it easier to sew and handle, and you can get tighter seams because the leather is softer. I'm not sure it tightens on drying, as it doesn't shrink all that much (you wouldn't want it to anyway with a pair of shoes). Thanks for watching!
@ OH! Then I apologize for not noticing! It’s good to have that knowledge confirmed. Thank you as always! ❤️
Those shoes look like the Roman's Calceus/Calcei
shoes in Britannia...... or am I wrong??
You're very right! It's in the description - inspired by Roman cavalry calcei! Good spot.
Beautiful. Are you going to paint the walls of your home?
I'd like to some decoration and painting, after I have a few more layers of limewash, yes!
Were people constantly wet on their feet in medieval times? How effective are shoes like this in moist and wet conditions?
Not very waterproof at all, in anything more than dewy grass! Wet feet, or barefoot haha!
I assume you didnt use hay as isolation or dried grass, leafs - Modern socks kinda nono but wool socks or linen cloth wrapped around the feet
The socks I'm wearing here are hand sewn wool socks, based on Late Roman finds
nice job. :) wouldn't you want to add a second layer of leather to the sole? or do you do that when that one wears out.
Thank you!
Most, if not all, Early Medieval shoes have a single sole of thin leather, 3-4mm thick at most. While the Romans used layered soles and hobnails, that doesn't seemed to have been used in the Early Medieval period. I'm following the archaeology with these.
Although less historical, I have tried using soles with very thick leather; 5-6mm, and the stitching wears out before the soles. So, as you need to do all the sewing again anyway, you may as well sew on a fresh sole. It seems 3mm is most efficient. Iron was very valuable in the Anglo-Saxon period, which is probably why hobnails don't appear to have been used. Most glues were water-soluble. So the only other method is sewing; with linen, sinew or leather thong, all of which have a similar lifespan. I'd like to try sinew as I suspect it might last longer than linen.
Keep in mind there were very few paved surfaces - most Early Medieval roads were dirt tracks and paths. I've made many pairs of these shoes over the years, at different thicknesses, so I can give you an idea how long these last, used only on grass and dirt paths, and very rarely on roads:
1-2mm sole; lasts three months, and the soles wear out before the stitching
3mm sole; four to six months, and the stitching wears out before the soles, so they need to be re-sewn anyway.
When I'm not filming, I can make a pair of these in just over a day, so that's not bad for several months of 'shoe life'. In the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon town at Coppergate, York, they found vast refuse pits filled with hundreds of discarded shoe soles and uppers. So they were probably produced in large numbers and 'disposable' to those who could afford it. Those who couldn't would have gone barefoot a lot of the time to save their shoes, as can be seen in historical depictions.
Are leather scraps used as a fuel for fire or used for something else?
They can be used to make animal-based charcoal for making hearth steel
I would pay him to make shoes for me. In fact maybe even a whole set of clothes.
Glad you like them!
Accidentally clicked the notification while typing but always best to be first 🎉🎉
Sweet!
If the shoe fits...
😄
How long do you generally spend at your "camp/cottage"? you seem to be able to really crack videos out and at a high quality
I'm doing this full time now, so I'm there most days!
Aah. The origional barefoot show. Where doth thee gain thy newbuck fir thyne footwear? Do you tan your own?
I bought this leather, but I'd like to tan my own eventually!
I used a hefty cork topped board for awl punching... just saying...
uh huh, and you think cork was widely available in Early Medieval Britain? 😄
👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Ein Genie der Mann (: Really well done, Alec!
Einfach klasse 💪
Thank you Sina! ❤️
Would shoes have been coated in beeswax to waterproof them?
Yes, I coat mine in animal fat or beeswax