Viking shoes Haithabu: Reversible & Authentic

Haithabu Viking shoes are made of robust, vegetable-tanned cowhide. Because they have traditional, turn-stitched leather soles, they should only be worn with caution on hard, modern surfaces like asphalt, or with an additional rubber sole, to prevent rapid wear of the sole.

The Haithabu Viking shoes are characterized by a sole that extends up the heel, typical of early medieval North European footwear. The high-cut design features lacing that wraps around the foot both above and below the ankle. Since the authentic reversible soles are sensitive to modern surfaces like asphalt or gravel, the use of insoles and, if necessary, orthotics is recommended for increased durability and comfort.

The archaeological finds of Viking shoes from Haithabu are dated to the period between approximately 900 and 1150 AD. For an optimal fit, it should be noted that the shoes have a form-fitting design that hugs the foot and ankle closely, while the high-quality leather ensures a comfortable feel.

Over 300 leather fragments were found in Haithabu, which can be divided into ten different shoe types. The predominant basic type was the reversible shoe made of goatskin, ranging from simple, one-piece models to ankle-high shoes and more elaborate boots. The models differed in the number of leather pieces, the construction of the heels, and details such as decorative stitching and edge trimming, with more elaborate designs featuring extras serving as status symbols for those with deeper pockets.