Patten (shoe) Patten (shoe) Pattens are protective overshoes that were worn in Europe from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century. Pattens were worn outdoors over a normal shoe, had a wooden or later wood and metal sole, and were held in place by leather or cloth bands. Pattens functioned to elevate the foot above the mud and dirt (including human effluent and animal dung) of the street, in a period when road and urban paving was minimal. The word "patten" probably derives from the Old French "pate" meaning hoof or paw. Women continued to wear pattens in muddy conditions until
Eric Patten and Wayne, also known as Jack, and a daughter Jenny Lee. Patten joined the Toodyay Volunteer Fire Brigade in around 1941 and continued to serve in one capacity or another for the next 60 years. He continued his interest and attendance at the Toodyay Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service meetings until about six months before he died. On 13 March 1983 he was honoured with the naming of the Eric Patten Running Track for 40 years dedicated service. The track ran between Duke and Clinton Streets along what is now known as Charcoal Lane. This was a section of the