Viking shoes
Viking shoes combine historical craftsmanship with the practical demands of re-enactment, medieval fairs and LARP — and once you understand how the Northmen of the early Middle Ages constructed their footwear, you’ll make more informed choices and wear more authentic footwear. This category shows you the different types available, what matters when it comes to sole construction and care, and which model suits your portrayal.
What kind of shoes did the Vikings wear? – Historical model
The Vikings — a Scandinavian people comprising farmers, traders, explorers and warriors who shaped large parts of Europe between around 800 and 1050 AD — wore shoes that were as pragmatically constructed as their entire way of life. The most important material was leather, and leather alone: vegetable-tanned, crafted into simple shapes, often made from a single piece or just a few parts. Fur was occasionally used as an inner lining, but did not significantly alter the outer shape.
The main archaeological sources are two sites: Haithabu (now Schleswig, Germany) and Jorvik (now York, England). Both sites provide concrete evidence regarding shoe shape, sole construction and fastening techniques — and remain the basis for all reputable reconstructions to this day. The range extends from simple low shoes, which cover only the foot, through ankle-high variants to rarer knee-high boots. The latter are found primarily in specific representational contexts such as the Rus-Viking region. Combining them with Viking calf wraps was a common practice to provide protection and warmth for the calf even when wearing low shoes.
Jorvik type vs. Haithabu type – The two main shoe styles
- Characteristic toggle fastening on the side of the shaft
- Closed, ankle-high shaft
- Most common model for re-enactment reconstructions
- Suits British-Norse and general Viking Age portrayals well
- Suitable for both men and women
- Rather flat low-cut shoe without a toggle fastening
- Simpler construction, lower shaft height
- Often made with a turned-in seam
- Well suited for Scandinavian-continental and early medieval re-enactments
- Lighter and more flexible than the Jorvik type
Which type suits your re-enactment depends primarily on the historical context: the Jorvik type is the first choice for markets and re-enactment groups with a British-Nordic focus, whilst the Haithabu type is particularly suitable for early medieval Scandinavian scenarios. Both types are available in our range — as a simple nailed version, as a double sole and as a welted version.
Sole constructions at a glance – nailed, turned or rubber sole
The sole construction is a key factor in determining comfort, durability, price and historical accuracy. A brief overview of the four variants available in the range:
| Construction | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Simple nailed sole | Entry level | A leather sole fixed with wooden nails — the most economical option, sturdy for occasional use |
| Double nailed sole | Mid-range | Two layers of leather soles for greater cushioning and durability, recommended for regular use |
| World-class construction | Historical | The upper leather and sole are sewn together on the inside and then turned out — the most historically accurate method, offering particularly soft comfort |
| Rubber sole | Everyday use | Better grip on modern surfaces, ideal for cobblestones and damp terrain — not historically accurate, but suitable for everyday use |
On the question of water resistance: leather is naturally water-repellent, but these are not rain boots. Regular greasing with leather grease or beeswax significantly extends the lifespan and noticeably improves water resistance. For those who are frequently out and about in the rain, the rubber-soled version is, in practice, more durable.
What colours did Vikings wear? – Brown, black and cordovan red
Natural brown
Vegetable-tanned leather without further dyeing produces the typical natural brown. It is the most common colour historically and looks particularly authentic when combined with woollen garments.
Black
Black was historically achievable through iron mordanting and is now the second most common choice. Hand-dyed shoes with an antique finish can be found in the range alongside industrially dyed variants.
Cordovan red
Corduan red — a historical leather colour from Córdoba — appears in archaeological finds and sources. An interesting option for re-enactors who wish to make their outfit stand out from the standard.
The choice of colour significantly influences the overall effect of Viking clothing. Natural brown harmonises with unbleached linen and woollen textiles, whilst black adds accents and looks cohesive with dark garments. In our range, some leather shoes are dyed by hand in-house to achieve a natural antique look — alongside the industrially dyed versions.
Viking boots and shoes for men and women – which style suits what?
Simple, riveted low shoes in the Jorvik or Haithabu style. Well suited for first-time markets, costume parties and LARP beginners. The leather softens nicely after breaking in — allow for a little break-in time.
Ankle-high boots and low shoes with nailed double soles for men and women. Better grip on uneven terrain, ideal for long markets. Recommended for anyone who is regularly active. Combining them with calf wraps (winingas) makes for a particularly authentic historical addition to low shoes.
Reversed-stitched constructions and boots reaching the calf for specific re-enactments (Rus Vikings, Norman region). The most historically accurate design — the first choice for serious re-enactment and public displays.
As a general rule: Viking shoes are equally suitable for men and women — the Jorvik low shoe, for example, is not a gender-specific design. If you wish to coordinate your Viking outfit completely, you will find matching Viking trousers, Viking tunics and Viking dresses for women made from natural fibres in the shop.
Care and durability – How to make your Viking shoes last longer
After wearing, remove dirt and moisture with a soft cloth. Then apply a thin layer of leather grease or beeswax and allow it to soak in. This keeps the leather supple, prevents cracks and improves its natural water-repellency. You’ll find suitable accessories for shoes, including leather grease and leather care products, in the shop.
Never dry wet Viking shoes directly on a radiator or in direct sunlight — this hardens the sole seam and makes the upper leather brittle. Let the shoes dry slowly at room temperature, ideally with newspaper loosely stuffed inside to maintain their shape. Condition them immediately afterwards.
With nailed soles, individual wooden nails may loosen or come out over time — this is not a defect, but normal wear and tear. Loose nails can be carefully tapped back into place with a hammer. If you’re not confident with DIY, you can take the shoe to a local cobbler.
Regularly maintained leather is water-repellent — but it is not a rain boot. In persistent rain or on wet, puddled ground, water will seep through the seams. Anyone who regularly attends markets in changeable weather should opt for the rubber-soled version: it is more durable for everyday use. For historical authenticity, however, the leather sole remains the first choice.
From simple Jorvik reconstructions to hand-dyed boots with nailed double soles — browse through over 200 Viking shoes for men and women now and find the style that suits your portrayal and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Vikings wore simple leather shoes made from vegetable-tanned cowhide, often crafted from a single piece or just a few parts. The best-known styles are the Jorvik type (found in York, with a toggle fastening) and the Haithabu type (found in Schleswig, a simpler low-cut shoe). Knee-high boots were rare and more relevant for specific historical re-enactments.
Leather Viking shoes are naturally water-repellent, but not waterproof. Regular care with leather grease or beeswax significantly improves water repellency. In persistent rain or on wet ground, water penetrates through the seams — anyone who frequently visits markets in bad weather should opt for the version with a rubber sole.
The Jorvik style features a characteristic side toggle fastening and a closed, ankle-high upper — it is the most common basis for re-enactment reconstructions. The Haithabu style is more of a flat low-top shoe with a simpler construction, often made with a welted seam. Which style is suitable for a re-enactment depends on the historical context.
For occasional markets and beginners, a simple nailed leather sole is sufficient. For those who regularly attend markets, a nailed double sole is recommended for greater cushioning and durability. For modern surfaces and damp terrain, a rubber sole is the most practical choice for everyday use — welted shoes are the most historically accurate, but also the most delicate option.
Yes, most models are suitable for both men and women and are available from size 36 upwards. The Viking low-top shoe is not a gender-specific style — both the Jorvik and Haithabu types are available in a wide range of sizes. The exact size availability is specified for each product.