Rautasivakoihin

Rautasivakoihin, often translated as "iron teeth" or "iron fangs," is a Finnish term that refers to a type of traditional Finnish footwear. These were essentially clogs or wooden shoes that had metal inserts or entirely metal soles attached to the bottom. The purpose of these metal additions was to provide greater durability and grip, especially on icy or slippery surfaces.

The design of rautasivakoihin varied depending on the region and the specific needs of the wearer. In rural areas, they were often used by farmers and laborers for their robustness and practicality. The metal would prevent the wooden soles from wearing down quickly and offered traction on snow and ice, which is crucial in the harsh Finnish winters. The metal could be in the form of nails, spikes, or a solid metal plate.

While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, rautasivakoihin represent a practical adaptation to the environment and the materials available. They highlight the resourcefulness of Finnish people in creating functional clothing and footwear suited to challenging climatic conditions. Over time, with the advent of more modern footwear, rautasivakoihin have largely become a historical artifact, sometimes seen in museums or reenactments, representing a bygone era of Finnish craftsmanship and daily life.