World’s oldest leather shoe uncovered
A soft-soled plain leather moccasin believed to be 5,500 years old has been found, complete with its lace, in a cave in Armenia. The shoe is in good condition and experts suggest it was preserved by the cool, dry cave and a layer of sheep dung that sealed it from the air. It was stuffed with grass, apparently in a bid to maintain its shape, and is thought to have belonged to a farmer.
The moccasin was made from a single piece of cow hide and stitched together with leather thread. It was discovered by Armenian PhD student, Diana Zardaryan
According to Ron Pinhasi, of University College Cork, the shoe was initially thought to be about 600 to 700 years old because they were in such good condition. He said it was a very exciting discovery indeed.
