Poulaine
The medieval shoe with a long pointed toe that was a mark of status.
The poulaine, or crakow, had a toe that could be as long as half a foot or more. The longer the toe, the higher the status of the wearer, and laws tried to limit the length according to social class.
The fashion was common in the 14th and 15th centuries across Europe. The shoe is a clear example of how clothing showed rank.
Materials: Leather, sometimes with moss or wool stuffing in the toe
Manufacture: Sewn from leather by a shoemaker, with the toe extended and sometimes supported with stuffing.
The very long, pointed toe.
The thin sole.
The shoe fitting tightly round the foot.