Sandals Over Socks Roman Style
by Ancient Romans, it seems, wore sandals over socks.
Image via Wikipedia
Have you ever worn sandals over socks? (Would you admit it if you had?) Well, if you are one of those people who would rather not sacrifice that extra bit of comfort on the altar of fashion and feel the need to justify your choice, I have good news for you. When you wear sandals over socks you are quite likely following an ancient Roman tradition.
Excavations in the North Yorkshire found that rust on the nail of a Roman shoe seem to have the impressions of fibers—leading archaeologists to the conclusion that ancient Romans wore their sandals over sock-like garments. Harry Mount, a writer for the British Telegraph, can readily believe that the Romans committed this grievous fashion faux pas. He points out that letters from legionaries stationed at Hadrian’s Wall provide ample evidence of how the cold English weather was getting the Romans down. More, there is evidence that their families back home were sympathetic to their plight. One poor chap received a most welcome parcel from someone containing socks, two pairs of sandals, and two pairs of underpants.
Blaise Vyner, the archaeologist in charge of the dig, defends the ancient Romans lack of fashion sense. She thinks the Romans would have been pretty keen to get hold of some socks as soon as autumn came along. Fashion blogs are having none of that.
Stylelist, for example, informs its readers that they’re putting their toga party on ice until the Romans (lack of fashion) gets sorted out. The rest of us though may just have to get used to the idea that ancient Romans preferred comfort to fashion.
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Post Commentpattiann
On March 8, 2011 at 1:31 am
I never did this, but it sounds uncomfortable. Thanks for the great article
Terrie Schultz
On March 8, 2011 at 1:34 am
Haha, this is great! I’ve worn sandals with socks many times. Comfort always trumps style as far as I’m concerned.
Ukrainian
On March 8, 2011 at 1:45 am
This is what I usually do – socks and sandals. I feel comfortable, and I don’t care much that I am out fashion.
Tiki33
On March 8, 2011 at 2:05 am
Socks and sandals, no thanks. But if it works for others than i’m fine with that lol! Thanks for this post!
Mr fix
On March 8, 2011 at 3:07 am
Interesting Read
Val Mills
On March 8, 2011 at 4:27 am
Good on them. Who decided it was unfashionable anyway? Sock companies will no doubt promote this idea!
wanlidf
On March 8, 2011 at 6:01 am
very good， I like your article.
webseowriters
On March 8, 2011 at 7:02 am
I like the way you write this post
Dee Gold
On March 8, 2011 at 8:19 am
It’s good to go for comfort rather than fashion
anndavey650
On March 8, 2011 at 8:52 am
If it stops blisters, I’m with socks. But I’m not wearing ‘em with my stilettos
Eldridge
On March 8, 2011 at 3:14 pm
ha, i used to have sandals. Perhaps I should do that again!
youthinksokiddo
On March 8, 2011 at 4:50 pm
i often wear sandals over socks because I live in a warm area where it rarely gets cold. any time there is a random cold day, i wear my socks with sandals because id rather not buy boots just to wear them occasionally.
overwings
On March 8, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Surprising. I always thought it was German tourists who invented that.
galore
On March 8, 2011 at 9:22 pm
interesting to know Roman did this, I’m also doing it
LewSethics
On March 8, 2011 at 10:23 pm
I hear they also wore stripes with plaid while they were in North Yorkshire too. Those Romans!
yes me
On March 20, 2011 at 11:32 am
Ah but the Scott’s and their bare bums sorted them out cheers