A while ago I received a request to make a pair of carbatinae (ghillie shoes) for a reenactor. It was the first time I have done this long-distance without being able to measure the foot directly. Luckily, we had good communication and I had a shoe last in his size so with these factors and the fact that this style is a fairly forgiving fit, I was able to create something he was happy with.
Being constructed from 12 oz Hermann-Oak harness leather, these should last for a very long time if not worn extensively on wet concrete.
I really love the simplicity of this design and continue to learn and modify my technique with each new pair. With high quality commercially tanned leather, they can’t be made particularly cheap, but with high quality materials you certainly get what you pay for.
Very little sewing makes this shoe a fairly quick project to complete once the cutting is done.
This was the first time I used a last to make this type shoe but it was a big help in the forming stage.
Setting the pattern and cutting them out is most of the battle.
Once they’re broken in, they fit your foot like a leather stocking, allowing for a barefoot, but well-protected feel. I certainly like this shoe.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 
Very clever, nice shoes 👍
Nice!!!