Pattens: Medieval Overshoes

source: unknown 

(If you know the source, please let me know!)

So how did you keep your feet dry in the middle ages?

Why, with Pattens of course!

Outdoors, both men and women wore loose pattens or galoches to keep their feet dry. Fishermen used them as did women mopping their floors. They were thick wooden platforms with either buckles to attach them over shoes or they were made with a full overshoe on top. These were usually worn over boots.

Remember, there were no paved roads in the middle ages, and people often threw their garbage and chamber pot contents into the streets. Combined with animal dung, it wasn't a pleasant place to be putting your tootsies.