Turnshoe
A turnshoe is a type of leather shoe that was used during the Middle Ages. It was so named because it was put together inside out, and then was turned right-side-out once finished: this hides the main seam between the sole and vamp—prolonging the life of the shoe[1] and inhibiting moisture leaking in through the seam.
In the beginning, turnshoes consisted of only one piece of leather sewn on only one side (see
Later turnshoes often have more elaborate seams.
Materials and manufacture
Turnshoes were generally made of cowhide.
Closings includes various forms of lacing and rolled leather toggles, and vary by time period.[1] Topbands (a method of edging at the ankle opening) are also common.[2] More than half of Northern-European turnshoes were embroidered, with the embroidery recessed into the leather. Silk is the most common material for embroidery; linen was also used.[2]
Turnshoes can be made with basic sewing skills but no shoemaking experience, though practice, and using a broken-in, well-worn turnshoe as a pattern, improves fit. Historically, they were often initially roughly-cut, and fine cutting and fitting were done over wooden
See also
- Shoe
- Pattens, the protective overshoe used with turnshoes outdoors
- Poulaines, the pointed shoes in fashion during the 14th & 15th centuries
- Duckbill shoes, the wide shoes in fashion during the late 15th & early 16th century
- Bast shoe, used from prehistory to the 20th century
References
- ^ a b c d e f Campbell, Aidan. "Guide to making replica Viking turnshoes" (PDF). Retrieved 31 October 2021.
- ^ a b c Ferness, Robert. "10th-Century Embroidered Turnshoes & Ice Skates". Stefan's Florilegium. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
External links
- Ferness, Robert. "Projects". www.shoesbyrobert.com. Shoes by Robert. Retrieved 31 October 2021. (reconstructions)
- Campbell, Aidan. "Guide to making replica Viking turnshoes" (PDF). Retrieved 31 October 2021. (includes pattern-drafting)
- Jones, Rhydian. "A beginner's guide to Turnshoes" (PDF). Retrieved 31 October 2021. (pre-drawn patterns)
- An example of turnshoe construction