Lábszámot

Lábszámot is a traditional Hungarian footwear item. It is a type of leather boot that typically extends to just below the knee. Historically, lábszámot were worn by peasants, shepherds, and horsemen in rural Hungary. The design was practical, offering protection from the elements and rough terrain.

The construction of lábszámot usually involved sturdy, durable leather, often cowhide. They were generally unadorned, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics. Some variations might have featured simple decorative stitching or a fold-over cuff. The soles were typically made of leather as well, sometimes with added hobnails for extra grip and wear resistance, especially for those who worked with livestock or rode horses frequently.

While no longer common as everyday footwear, lábszámot can still be found in folk costume ensembles and are sometimes preserved as historical artifacts. They represent a part of Hungarian cultural heritage, reflecting the agricultural and pastoral lifestyle of past centuries. The term itself is derived from Hungarian words relating to the leg and protection.