Boots were one of the most expensive parts of an outfit, frequently handed down to the next generation. They were only worn on holidays, on important occasions and in winter. They were  protected from damage with the use of simple maintenance techniques: by smearing with black grease and fat. Even so, boots were used as little as possible though. Even wealthier people would carry their boots on the way to church to put them on just before entering. The most popular boots were made of leather, with a straight or pleated upper, worn both by women and men. The influence of city fashion made various types of low and high, lace-up or button-up chukka boots popular. Boots were tailor-made by shoemakers or sold at fairs as finished products. The latter were usually cheaper and of poorer quality. Bare feet had to do in daily life, on rocky or muddy roads (where horse-drawn carts often got stuck), on forest paths, baulks and even on shepherds’ mountain routes.