Black Forest Straw Shoes

In the earlier days, straw shoes were worn by young and old: in the house, on the farm and in the lanes.  During the war, they were happy to have them because they were running out of shoe leather.  They were comfortable, warm and light. 

Today, the straw shoes are very popular at Fasnetzeit (Fasching), they are a part of almost every Narrenhaes (Fasching costumes).  They are still very popular house shoes in the winter as it keeps you warm.

The Black Forest women understand very well to line out these shoes.  There are still a few women who know how to make straw shoes.  You will find them every Friday at the Farmers Market in Freiburg where they offer them for sale  Some souvenir shops also sell them.      However, most of these are imported goods from Asia.  They are nice to look at, but not very suitable, because they are neither warm or comfortable.

If you want to buy real straw shoes, it is better to find a woman in the village who is using corn husk or rye straw to make them. Then all you need is a little bit of patience, but you will get a pair of house shoes that will satisfy you.

To make the straw workable, it needs to be soaked in water.  Only then it will be braided in ropes.  An 8 meter long braided rope is just enough for one shoe.  While braiding the rope, it needs to be pulled hard so it doesn't bulge.  The warm linen will be sewn tight around the 'Schusterleisten (wooden shoe) and then the straw shoemaker will sew the rope with a piece of string onto the linen covered wooden shoe.  Made out of leather (or a tube of a care time) she is cutting the shape of the soles and is sewing it on.  At last, she is sewing a colored ribbon on the top edge of the straw shoes.

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