Patten (shoe)

Pattens, also known by other names, are protective overshoes that were worn in Europe from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century. In appearance, they sometimes resembled contemporary clogs or sandals. Pattens were worn outdoors over a normal shoe, had a wooden or later wood and metal sole, and were held in place by leather or cloth bands. Pattens functioned to elevate the foot above the ground, to protect leather shoes from water, snow or mud. Women continued to wear pattens in muddy conditions until the 19th or even early 20th century.