Armor Type:  Leg armor

Brief Description:  Medieval greaves (also known as jambeaux) are specialized leg armor designed to protect the vulnerable shinbone and calf. Worn from the 14th to the 16th centuries, they ranged from simple metal plates strapped to the leg to fully articulating steel greaves that offered unmatched, anatomical protection.

Key characteristics and structural details of medieval greaves include:

Half-Greaves (or demi-greaves / shinbalds): Gutter-shaped plates protecting only the front of the shin, strapped at the back.

Closed Greaves: Complex, tubular constructions wrapping entirely around the lower leg, often fitted with internal hinges or interlocking seams.

Materials: Typically crafted from 1.0mm to 1.5mm steel, brass, or boiled leather. The exteriors could be fluted (like Maximilian armor) or intricately decorated with etched engravings.

Padding: Because the tibia is so close to the skin, greaves were almost always worn over thick, padded stockings (often called a gambeson or arming wear) to absorb and dissipate the shock of heavy blows.

Fastening: They were secured tightly using adjustable leather straps with steel or brass buckles. Proper closed greaves were designed to fit the calf almost like a glove so that their weight rested naturally on the leg by friction, rather than putting uncomfortable pressure on the foot and ankle.

Integration: When used as full leg armor, they were paired with poleyns (kneecaps) and cuisses (thigh armor) to protect the entire lower extremity.