Advice on the Caligae (Roman boots)

[Leeham991]

Damn... I just keep posting these threads don't I...

This is the next on my list of things to get. Hopefully something I can get before halloween.

The only trouble is that I know absolutely nothing about the Caligae... I know where to buy a pair in my size, but as for historical accuracy and quality checking, I have no idea.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I think the bottom one is the more authentic...

[Marcus Aemilius Longinus]

The top pair arent even caligae really and yes the bottom pair is far better.There are two places I can recomend for caligae in the UK. They are armamentaria (again) which offer mass produced ones in several sizes, and http://rigorevali.co.uk/footwear.htm made to fit pairs. I have a pair of Rigorevali caligae and so far they have lasted me for 4 years. I am only now going to get a different pair of footwear, Fell boots from armamentaria to be exact. Have you considered some enclosed boots rather than caligae as they completely fine from an authenticity standpoint, (and less likely to get your feet soaking) Would I be right to assumine that the period you are aiming for is late1st to early 2nd century AD?

[MathiasOfAthens]

Did romans wear socks. I could only imagine frostbite if roman soldiers wore these boots in Gaul and Northern Italy.

[Marcus Aemilius Longinus]

Yep. Strangely enough most roman socks have been found in Egypt of all places due to the climate. They used both naalbinded ones(naalbinding is sort of similar to knitting) and woven ones. Even Praetorian guards used them as they are shown wearing ones with open toes and heels on a relief dating from the reign of Domitian. There are records of a soldier asking his father for a pair of felt socks(this man was stationed in the Middle East.)

And then of course there are the famous Vindolanda finds of socks, letters and all kinds of footwear.........except caligae.

[saxdude]

To not feel the scorching hot sand on your feet maybe? i reckon thats a pretty good reason.

[Leeham991]

Aye I am aiming for first or second century AD.
That site seems good. Is a funny thing because I'm gonna be in Carlisle in December, but oh well, need the boots before then xD

Also I decided to make my own socks xD