What was the shoe style that Jesus wore?

We don’t know exactly what kind of sandals Jesus wore but we do have some scriptures that say he wore sandals. For example, in the book of Matthew chapter 3 verse 11 when John the Baptist says:

“I, for my part, baptize you with water because of your repentance, but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to take off. That one will baptize you with holy spirit and with fire”

Also Mark 1 verse 7 says:

He was preaching: “Someone stronger than I am is coming after me, the lace of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie”.

John was saying that Jesus was wearing sandals with laces but we don’t know exactly what kind of sandals. The only references come from paintings and statues that were made hundreds years after his death.

Sandals in Bible time

We researched the Biblical accounts on sandals and found many events where sandals were very an important item of the time, used figuratively, and are mentioned by many in a very favored way.

Here are a few scriptures for example:

“How beautiful your feet are in your sandals” (Song of Solomon 7:1)

“I then clothed you with an embroidered garment and gave you fine leather sandals and wrapped you in fine linen, and I clothed you with costly garments.” (Ezekiel 16:10)

He now summoned the Twelve and started sending them out two by two, and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.  Also, he gave them orders to carry nothing for the trip except a staff—no bread, no food pouch, no money in their belts—   but to put on sandals and not to wear two garments (Mark 6 7-9).

“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet” (Luke 15:22)

“The angel said to him: “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” He did so. Finally he said to him: “Put your outer garment on, and keep following me.”(Acts 12:8)

“While I kept guiding you for 40 years in the wilderness, your garments did not wear out on you and your sandals did not wear out on your feet” (Deuteronomy 29:5)

From Bible research, ancient art and artifacts found in archeological digs we discovered that the ancient sandals were made from flat sole of leather, wood or other fibrous material strapped to the foot by laces usually made from natural leather thongs passing between the big toe and second toe, around the heel and over the top of the foot.

We decided to take our research and design sandals that completely resemble the ancient sandals of the Bible times with the durability and comfort of the modern world. Our sandals are made in a traditional way completely by natural leather sources locally, dipped in vegetable stain with a polyurethane sole molded to the leather upper sole. This creates a sandal that has all the features of a well made leather sandal with better durability and comfort.

From our research of that time sandals were essential for living. Without modern transportation the most common way to travel was by walking. People walked for days, months and even years. The Israelites walked 40 years in the desert. Later, all of God’s people had to travel by foot to Jerusalem 3 times a year and Jesus’ disciples traveled the all over the ancient world to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom, so well made leather sandals were very important. The resources were limited. The leather was sourced locally and processed in natural environments.

The leather crafted sandals were an art, and because they were made from natural leather and vegetable stain, they mold to the shape of your feet, are healthy and breathable and will act as a second skin.

Sandals were definitely a unique part of ancient life. A good pair of leather sandals were a very desirable item and people loved their sandals.

Since our sandals are inspired by the ancient sandal making heritage, each sandal is made by hand and only gets more comfortable with wear. We pride ourselves on using only the finest leather that molds to the insoles and then customize to your feet.

Some manufacturers cut corners. We choose to take the long road, using only vegetable-based stains and quality leather, creating each sandal by hand, because the end result is a stronger, more resilient sandal that we can stand for.

Check our Biblical sandals collection @ JerusalemSandals.com