CALCANEUS

Calceus was a simple soft, shoe with side slits and straps lacing up the front. This was accompanied by complex thonging extending up to the calf. The sole of the calceus followed the shape of the foot and the upper fitted neatly over the instep and was bound into place with thongs fastened to the back and tied round the ankle; a second pair of straps was attached at each side of the sole and tied to the instep. Often made from coloured leather red was preferred by the nobility (black by politicians). Often the low shoes strapped high on leg, and these were reserved for Roman senators wear (calceus particus). The calceus was probably the most common outdoor shoe and would be worn by men and women. This form of footwear was forbidden to slaves. A variation of the calceus had pointed toes which bent upwards. These were widespread in the Mediterranean countries, particularly Etruria, from where it passed to Rome. It was worn in the East during the greater part of the Middle Ages.