I've been practicing historical shoemaking since 2012, but have never worked so far back in time as this pair of shoes. However, it turns out that the 15th century isn't that different than the 18th century in terms of construction techniques! The trade of shoemaking is one of the oldest official trades and its methods of hand sewing were well established and refined even by this point in history.
Shoemaking is its own distinct trade which depending on numerous other trades to exist. Historically some one else would have been making the wooden lasts, providing the supplies, making the tools, etc. It's also a separate thing from Cobblers, as they work to repair old shoes (not make new ones) and were never an established trade. In fact, it was considered "unskilled work" at the time.
It would be another 400 years before a shift occurred in how shoes were being made, but even now we still use the same stitching techniques for hand made shoes. It wasn't until the 19th century that using various forms of rubber based cements became a standard shoemaking method. Instead, heavy waxed threads wound onto boar bristle needs are used in conjunction with awls and knives. The stitching is incredibly strong and durable.
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🖼 Upper fragment: collections.museumoflondon.or...
🖼 Poulaine: collections.museumoflondon.or...
Book: www.amazon.com/Shoes-Pattens-...
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