Greek Sandals, 5th-2nd Century BC
Among the most common footwear were sandals.
Given that numerous Roman variations of this type of footwear have been discovered, we can assume that the Greeks had similar examples in common use.
Greek sandals did not restrict the natural movement of the foot, had elastic soles, and were specifically designed for the right and left foot.
The sandals’ comfort was achieved thanks to the specific arrangement of the straps and loops that made up the upper. The sides of the perforated upper crossed, strengthening the ankle joint. From the 5th century BC, the loops increased to as many as nine. The main fastening lace passed through these loops, encircling the calf.
Some types of leather sandals were expensive, so those of limited means wore simpler models or sandals with wooden soles.
The soles of the sandals of the wealthy were made from multiple layers of cowhide, and the upper straps were dyed in different colors, likely made from goatskin. Ancient literary works show that the wealthy citizens of Athens, Alcibiades and Iphicrates, were influential precursors of the sandal fashion.
The Romans also used shoes of this type. From iconographic sources, we know that in addition to the perones (a shoe also widely used in Greece), this type of sandal, even studded, was used before the much more famous caliga, until around the 2nd century BC.
If you’re evoking a Greek hoplite, or an Italic or Roman warrior up until the 2nd century BC, these are the shoes for you.
