Patten

• 1st third of 15th century
• wood
• length: 28.9 cm
• archaeological find

Pattens were worn under footwear and acted as protection against mud and water on earth roads. The patten with a long peak protected narrow poulaines. By the end of the 15^th century it was not only the nobility who wore poulaines. The bourgeoisie, artisans and farmers also started to wear this trend. The length of the peak was specified in dress regulations.

The degree of nobility of the person wearing the shoes could be seen in the length of the shoe; for normal people the length was restricted to one foot. The functional patten also became a decorative long shape.