Saami Shoes


This is a traditional pair of woman’s shoes from the Saami people. The Saami come from the extreme north of Europe, in the upper parts of modern-day Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Russia. Their culture is unique in that it is designed to thrive in an intensely cold climate. These shoes are made from wool and thick black fur, possibly bear. While they are designed for warmth, they are also fashionable, with colorful cotton trim, orange laces, and a characteristic upward-pointed toe. A whole traditional Saami outfit is called Gatki, and the shoes by themselves are called Lad’ de Gabmagat.