I have a couple questions. Is this a mid 1500s-1600 welted shoe? Why did you use a needle instead of boar bristle, and is there a reason you chose against period appropriate edge-edge or edge-flesh stitching. I’m just a bit confused….is this supposed to be a re-creation inspired by 15th century shoe making? Either way, your stitching is stunning and everything looks absolutely beautiful. I’m asking these questions as I’m currently making my first pair of medieval shoes, and have been experimenting with different methods. I’m learning as I go, and trying to ask as many questions as I can. Thanks love, cheers!
Thank you for your questions, no worries, I'll try to answer them. They sre based on the Jorvik viking shoes, so it is 10th century if I remember correctly. I used needles because it was faster for me, as I do not really know where to find a boar bristle nowadays! Regarding the sole, this shoes were made to be used on medieval combat (HMB, Battle of the Nations), so I needed them to durable. I have many tournaments each year, so a single sole would wear off pretty quickly, especially on stone floors. I was looking for something historical, but not a 100% as it can compromise its usage. Regarding the stitching, historically it was made "diagonally" on the sole leather, but this requires a lot of expertise too, that's why I kind of replicate it making the holes just on one sole and gluing it to the other. I hope I have answered your questions, if you have any more just let me know!
