what were shoes made of in ancient rome

In ancient Rome, shoes were primarily made from leather. The leather was usually sourced from animals such as cows and goats. The Romans utilized various tanning processes to make the leather durable and suitable for different types of footwear. Common styles included the **calceus**, a shoe worn indoors and outdoors, and the **caliga**, a military boot with hobnails for soldiers. Wealthier Romans could afford more elaborately designed and decorated shoes, sometimes with dyed leather or intricate stitching. Sandals, known as **soleae**, were also prevalent, often featuring straps and thongs.

The craftsmanship of Roman shoes reflects their societal status, practical needs, and the advanced techniques of leatherworking available at the time.