Archaeologists have unearthed a massive leather shoe, dating back around 2,000 years, that once belonged to a Roman soldier with remarkably large feet. The leather sole alone measures 32 centimeters (about 12.5 inches) long — roughly equivalent to a modern men’s European size 48 (US size 14).
The discovery was made at the Roman fort of Magna, near Hadrian’s Wall, which dates back to around A.D. 112. The shoe was found inside a deep defensive trap known as an “ankle-breaker ditch” — a narrow, water-filled trench designed to remain hidden and cause unsuspecting enemies to fall and injure themselves.
A Rare Glimpse Into Roman Footwear
Photo: Vindolanda Trust
The giant shoe was found alongside two other exceptionally well-preserved Roman shoes, both of which were nearly intact. One still had part of the heel and a row of iron hobnails embedded in the sole, much like modern military boots.
Yet it was the enormous size 48 shoe that truly stole the spotlight. Rachel Frame, lead archaeologist for the Magna Project, commented:
“Although only one layer of the sole survived, its sheer size made it the talk of the entire team. It could very well be the largest shoe in the entire Vindolanda Trust collection. We can’t wait to confirm it!”
This find is particularly significant because organic materials like leather rarely survive underground. Normally, microorganisms break them down — unless they are preserved in waterlogged, low-oxygen conditions, as at Magna. However, once the soil dries out, decomposition can rapidly accelerate.
Frame added:
“This gives us an amazing look at how Romans crafted their shoes: multiple leather layers for the sole, bound with straps, stitched and reinforced with hobnails. These outer studs made them more durable for long marches — just like modern hiking boots.”
A Fort Full of Secrets
The Magna fort (also known as Carvoran) lies about 11 kilometers west of the more famous Vindolanda and was built to guard the crossroads of two major Roman roads. Until recently, the site had not been extensively excavated, but new digs are already revealing remarkable finds.
However, archaeologists are concerned about the future of such delicate discoveries. This spring’s unusually dry weather threatens their preservation. Franki Gillis, the project’s geoarchaeologist, explained:
“At Magna, the lack of rain has drastically lowered the groundwater level. While pleasant weather is great for visitors, drought can be disastrous for the survival of organic materials like leather and wood — both here at Magna and at Vindolanda.”
Who Had the Biggest Feet in History?
While this Roman soldier’s shoe is impressive, the record for the largest feet in recorded history belongs to Robert Wadlow, the tallest person ever documented. Wadlow’s feet measured an astonishing 47 centimeters long, requiring shoes equivalent to a European size 75 — each pair specially made just for him.
