Claim: The use tsarouchi, the most common footwear worn by both urban and rural Greeks, was limited to isolated rural areas and nomadic populations after the Greek independence in early 19th century.
Evidence: They were the most common footwear worn by both urban and rural Greeks, mainly men, but also many women. After the Greek independence in early 19th century, their use was limited to isolated rural areas and nomadic populations, seen by westernised urbanites as a sign of uncouthness and backwardness.