03-13-2016, 07:54 PM
(03-13-2016, 12:34 PM)richsc Wrote: I would think fitness for purpose counts into the equation. A short sword is cheaper to make than a long one, but that isn't why they used short swords. The caligae were cut out, a time consuming process, where they could more easily have left them uncut.
So what made them desirable as an all purpose military footwear? I don't buy the open boot for foot breathing argument, I've done ample marching in boot and sandals and nothing is worse than having a rock or something jammed under between the skin and sole of shoe. Most boot marching in history was not done with sandal like footwear.
Caligae use less stitching than a normal calcei or perone boot, correct? So does that mean less time to manufacturer (cutting from a stencil is easier than sewing), or less skilled individuals can make them?
Was size a factor? Are caligae a more one size fits all boot where the lacing method makes up for differences in foot size, as compared to wrap around boots which are more size dependent?
Its all conjecture of course, but its still a series of questions that I think should be asked.
