Canada Global (Web News) A rare wooden shoe, estimated to be 500 years old, has been discovered during construction work in the Dutch city of Alkmaar. Unearthed in a cesspit, the find sheds new light on the use of clogs in everyday life during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
The shoe, made from birch wood, is a European size 36 (UK size 3.5) and is the first of its kind found in the Netherlands.
The cesspit, uncovered last month during the installation of an underground waste container, dates back to between 1450 and 1558. Archaeologists noted that the pit served as both a toilet and a waste disposal site, preserving the wooden shoe in remarkable condition.
“This discovery is exceptional because it was found in an urban context,” said archaeologist Silke Lange. “Wooden shoes are often associated with farmers, but this find shows they were also used in towns for daily activities.” The shoe challenges traditional views of clogs being limited to agricultural use.
With only 44 wooden shoes discovered during excavations in the Netherlands and Belgium, this find is a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and daily lives of people from centuries ago. It highlights the widespread use of clogs as practical and versatile footwear across different social settings.
