Tsarouchi

Footwear

Greek freedom fighters
The tsarouchi is a traditional leather shoe from Greece, recognizable by the upward curled toe decorated with a pom pom. During the Greek War of Independence (1821-1832), these shoes were worn by freedom fighters, the kleftes. The sturdy leather protected their feet from the hard, rocky ground. The woolen or silk pompom was originally intended to waterproof the toe of the shoe, but later became mainly a decorative element. The tsarouchia are still proudly worn by the presidential guard in Athens: the Evzonen. Being a member of the Presidential Guard is a great honor, although they only fulfill a ceremonial role nowadays. Their uniform, including the red tsarouchi with a black pompom, is a reference to the clothing of the kleftes.

 

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