caliga

Caliga (plural caligae) is the Latin term for a heavy, open-topped sandal worn by Roman soldiers. A caliga typically features a thick leather sole studded with hobnails, with a network of leather straps that wrap over the instep and around the ankle. The design provided ventilation and drainage, while the studs and stout sole offered durability and traction for long marches across varied terrain.

Caligae were standard issue for Roman legionaries from the late Republic through much of the Empire and remained common into late antiquity. They were mass-produced by leatherworkers across the empire and varied somewhat by region, rank, and climate. Common elements include a sturdy sole with nails, an open-toe upper, and several straps secured by lacing.

Etymology and cultural note: The word caliga is the origin of the nickname Caligula, meaning “little boot” in Latin, given to the emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus because, as a child, he wore small boots while accompanying his father’s campaigns.

Archaeological finds and literary references attest to the widespread use of caligae across Roman territory, including military forts and camps throughout Europe and the Near East. This footwear reflects the mobility and long-distance campaigns of the Roman army and its reliance on practical, durable gear designed for marching and endurance.