[Maurizio D'Angelo]

I have never seen this mail to the feet.
Seems to be linked back. You do not see shoes.
Does anyone know if there was a security under the feet of leather, wood, perhaps?
I'd like to know more.

[Hadrian Coffin]

Hello,
Are you asking about the mail on the foot? Or about how the mail does up on the back of the calf and thigh? Chausses (the stocking-like mail you are seeing) are extremely common in medieval art. Chausses (the term hose is also occasionally used to describe this garment, although it is also used to describe tight fitting trousers with integral stockings) were one of the most common garments in medieval history; they were generally worn over braies.
This topic http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...mp;start=0 goes over mail chausses fairly well.
In general if you cant see a shoe it is because they have a leather sole, so your on the right track. Here are some images you might find interesting.

[Hadrian Coffin]

I found these mail chausses online; not the greatest example, but it should suffice.

[Sam Gordon Campbell]

I'd assume that, if they are the type of chausses' you're showing, then they may just strap on, or have a sort of toe holster.
If it were the chausses that cover the whole leg, I'd say they had an inbuilt, tough, leather sole.
That's just my thoughts though.

[Maurizio D'Angelo]

are last photos of Hadrian and Sam.
My question is this:
1) The mail was on his shoes tied with strings under? So, it does not last long.
2) There weren't shoes, but leather underneath?
3) There was nothing underneath?
4) Why tie them behind his leg, leaving a non-protected? Other normal are whole.
For ease in dressing? Or the convenience of movement?

[Eric S]

[Raffaele Vitale]

so... international forum, english speaking but we both are Italian reenactors isn't funny?

well: about chausses de maille... vexata quaestio... but some references can be given:

1) Verone cathedral, half of 12th century, Roland statue. As you can see, there is a lacing system tying the chausses around the foot and a zig zag pattern on the ankle which probably is used for closing a slit (this slit is necessary for wearing the leggings because heels are too big for passing). There is no sole


http://www.randyasplund.com/asplund/cb/chausse5.jpg


2) that's a kneeled statue from Hidelsheim dome... well, we can say that there is a "sole"

http://www.brandenburg1260.de/kettenbeinlinge4.jpg

what is sure is that, wearing opened chainmail leggings, you must wear shoes beneath but it is not sure if, when you wear completely closed chainmail leggings, you have also to wear civilian shoes or if these leggings have themselves a thick leather sole or if, finally, they have a leather sole but beneath you wear you civilian shoes too(you must consider that medieval turnshoes are lighter than those you see in reenactment events with a thick outer sole)



There is the Lindenburg chronicle of 13th century that talks about a knight which, in order to be lighter for running faster on battle field, he put off his chainmail leggings and so he run faster. Running without shoes? mhm i do not think so

[Maurizio D'Angelo]

Thanks, Raphael and all other,
Now, for me it is less... vexata quaestio.