Sabots are traditional wooden shoes that originated in Europe, particularly in France and Belgium. They were commonly worn by farmers and laborers due to their durability and ease of use. Made from a single piece of wood, sabots provided protection for the feet while working in fields or factories. The term "sabotage" is derived from these shoes, as workers would sometimes throw their sabots into machinery to disrupt production. Today, sabots are often seen as cultural artifacts and are sometimes used in folk performances or as decorative items, reflecting their historical significance in European culture.