Iron leg shackles were worn by convicts to both punish inmates and prevent escape. Combined with physically exhausting labour, they helped control prisoners. The shackles weighed a considerable amount (there were differing sizes) which made it difficult to walk easily, resulting in a shuffling gait.A pair of very heavy leg irons. They are made of iron with holes at each side so they can be bolted around the legs. There is a long iron chain connecting the two D-shaped pieces.leg-irons shackles convicts