Jesus’ attire has always piqued the interest of Christians and non-Christians alike. His dress code has been depicted in many art pieces and drawings, and they would not be complete without His iconic sandals. So, what are Jesus’ sandals called?
Jesus sandals are commonly called jandals which is a portmanteau of ‘Jesus’ and ‘sandal.’ They are simple, durable, and comfortable leather sandals that were homemade or custom-made by sandal makers.
What kind of sandals did Jesus wear? Where are His original sandals? What was Jesus’ shoe size? And who made these sandals? This article will explore the answers to these questions and more. We shall also look at jandals in today’s world, i.e., the stigma surrounding them and modern replicas that one can buy.
What Kind of Sandals Did Jesus Wear?
The Bible does not go into descriptive detail about the sandals that Jesus wore, although John the Baptist did say in Mark 1:7 that they had laces or straps. It reads, “And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” Only historical art, such as paintings and statues, can give insight into which specific kind of shoe Jesus wore. Archeologists and historians have deduced that the sandals had a flat sole made of leather or wood. The straps or thongs were also made of leather and passed between the big toe and long toe, made their way around the heel, and went over the top of the foot. They were fantastically designed to walk long distances and through harsh hot weather, which was common during that time since means of transportation were not well developed.
What Happened to Jesus’ Original Sandals?
The original sandals of Jesus are one of the Church’s most precious relics. They were donated to Prüm Abbey, which is in Germany, as a gift from King Pepin III (Pepin the Short). Pepin the Short received them from Pope Zachary (741-752) and Pope Stephen II (752-757). Currently, they are on display in Prüm Abbey which is in the diocese of Trier, Germany.
What Size of Sandals Did Jesus Wear?
Back in the days of Jesus, shoe sizes and measurements did not exist. Instead, sandals were either custom-made or homemade. Jesus’ sandals were most likely custom-made to fit His feet. With that being said, archeologists have estimated that the average height of a Jewish man living in Israel at the time was 5’1” (154cm). Isaiah 53:2 describes Jesus as an average-looking person with nothing outstanding about Him aesthetically. Theologians have concluded, therefore, that Jesus was roughly between 5′ (152cm) and 5’5″ (165cm). The average shoe size of men in that height range is typically between a men’s 7 and 9. It is safe to assume that the size of Jesus’ sandals would have been between 7 and 9 in modern times.
Who Made Jesus’ Sandals?
Again, the Bible is unclear on who made the sandals that Jesus wore, but theologians have a plausible guess. From Biblical Scripture, many believe that Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ parents were very poor. For example, 2 Corinthians 8:9 states, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor so that you through his poverty might become rich.” Another indication of their poverty was how they offered two pigeons for sacrifice when Jesus was being dedicated (Luke 2:22-24). This was typically the offerings of poor people according to Leviticus 12:8 “But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.” With that information, it is assumed that Mary, Jesus’ mother made His sandals as they were too poor to employ the skill of sandal makers. Many people in 1 A.D. either got their sandals custom-made or made them at home.
What Is the Stigma Around Men Who Wear Jesus’ Sandals?
In modern times, Jesus’ shoes would be classified as flip flops or a sort of hippie sandal which is made completely of leather. Interestingly enough, there is a fashion rule among men that they should never wear such shoes! There is a heavy stigma around men that wear open-toe shoes in today’s society. In truth, the main reason that causes the stigma around “Jesus’ sandals” is that they are perceived to be feminine. Men wearing such sandals are seen to lack masculinity or to be homosexual, so many men shy away from them. As well it is commonly believed that men’s feet and toes are not the most pleasant sight, and they are best kept away. Jandals are also not considered cool or in fashion. Instead, they are viewed as shoes for the elderly community.
Where Can I Get Jesus’ Sandals Today?
Despite the bad connotation Jesus sandals may have, you might still want to grab yourself a pair. Although you won’t be able to get Jesus’ original sandals, there are some great copycats in the market. Many stores have capitalized on the shoe design, and there is a wide selection of them online. Here is a curated list of good dupes picked based on durability, price, and just how close they resemble the sandals of Jesus’ time. We hope you get something that you will like!
- Pali Hawaii Unisex Adult Classic Jandals from Amazon
- Biblical Jesus Sandals from Zak’s Jerusalem Gifts
- Holy Land Market Unisex Genuine Leather Biblical Sandals from Amazon
- Thin Strapped Crisscross Ankle Handmade Leather Biblical Sandals (Galilee) from Israel Catalog
- Jesus Sandals Handmade in Genuine Leather from Artigiani Del Cuoio
References
- What Happened to The Sandals of Jesus?
- How Tall Was Jesus?
- Jesus Sandals
- Were Mary and Joseph Poor? How Did They Afford to Travel to Egypt?
- Sandal
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
