The Haferlschuh (pronounced as /de/) is the traditional Bavarian shoe. It was designed originally as a work shoe for alpine terrain, but it can now be worn in a more general setting. In Bavaria it may also be called a Bundschuh. In Austria, it is known as a Schützenschuh.
According to legend, in 1803 Franz Schratt, an alpine shoemaker from Oberstdorf (located in the Allgäu region of the Bavarian Alps), developed the Haferlschuh inspired by the goat hoof.[1] However, Sternke asserts that the Haferlschuh is much older. With a boatlike front and hobnailed sole, the shoes gave the wearer stability.
Since 1900, the Haferlschuh has become a part of many alpine Trachten. Nonetheless, the Haferlschuh is still worn as an everyday shoe, and not just for special occasions like Oktoberfest.