Caligae

Caligae are a form of heavy military sandal worn by Roman soldiers, especially legionaries and auxiliaries. They were open-toed footwear with a thick leather sole studded with hobnails and a lattice of leather straps that crossed the top of the foot and often wrapped around the ankle or lower leg. The hobnails provided traction and durability for long marches, while the open design offered ventilation in hot climates.

Construction and design: A caliga typically featured a sole reinforced with nails or hobnails and a network of leather thongs that formed a secure upper. The straps could be arranged in a lattice across the foot and, depending on unit preference, extended higher up the leg. The exact arrangement varied by era, unit, and regional fashion.

Use and context: Caligae are closely associated with Roman military life from the Republic through late antiquity. They are well attested in literary references, inscriptions, reliefs, and archaeological finds, particularly in frontier provinces and urban centers. They were worn during campaigns, in garrison, and for daily service, valued for their balance of protection, weight, and ventilation.

Etymology and relations: Caligae is the plural form of caliga; the term contrasts with calcei, the closed leather shoes worn by officials and civilians. While most soldiers wore caligae, later periods and different climates saw variants and substitutions, reflecting adaptability in Roman military footwear.