Take a step back and learn about the fascinating history of shoes

The fascinating history of shoes

It's hard to imagine life without them. Shoes. An inseparable element of every man's wardrobe, which provides effective protection against temperature and injuries, and at the same time allows you to easily express your personality. Although footwear has been performing the same functions since the beginning of time, over the years it has changed a lot in terms of appearance.

If you are interested in the fascinating history of shoes, you've come to the right place. Thinking about you, we have collected the most fascinating facts about it. Let's start!

Step by step, so let's start from the beginning

The shoes have an amazing history. Although their exact origin is not known in detail, archaeologists have no doubt that footwear has existed since prehistoric times. This is evidenced, among others, by the preserved illustrations.

The ancient Egyptians protected their feet with sandals made of papyrus or palm leaves. The Romans, on the other hand, expanded the then assortment and, in addition to sandals, produced shoes covering the heel, as well as fully enclosed footwear. 

In turn, in Ancient Greece, cowhide knee-length boots and wedges reigned supreme. In colder regions, moccasins were the mainstay, and they are still popular today.

Differences and similarities

It is worth remembering that in the past, no particular attention was paid to the creation of women's and men's shoe models. Nevertheless, the footwear differed in terms of the materials used in its production, which was intended to emphasize the contrast between individual social classes.

Interestingly, the regulations in force at the time clearly defined how long the noses of shoes could be depending on income or position in society. This was to prevent the imitation of the elite by the bourgeoisie.

Just after the Renaissance, heavy high-heeled shoes made of leather were the most popular among simple Europeans. Aristocrats, on the other hand, were distinguished by footwear made of wood. During the Enlightenment, shoes made of fabric, such as silk, became extremely fashionable.

The differences between women's and men's footwear began to be visible to the naked eye only at the beginning of the 19th century. It was then that shoes for both sexes stood out in terms of style, heel height and even toe shape. 

While discussing shoe differences and similarities, it is also worth mentioning that the right and left shoes initially looked the same. Footwear was made using the "straight" technique almost until the beginning of the 20th century. Can you imagine how uncomfortable it must have been to move in such shoes? We get goose bumps just thinking about it!

Technological progress and global trends

Although in the past shoes were made by hand, and their production time was at least one day, the technological progress accompanying the following centuries significantly influenced the development of various trends. 

The first shoe factory was founded in 1760 in Massachusetts. Nevertheless, the shoe-making process continued to be time-consuming until the invention of the sewing machine in the 19th century. Eventually, shoemaking became much simpler, faster, and cheaper, making shoe styles more and more diverse.

In the times of capitalism, the American market was dominated by men's oxfords and loafers. Women, on the other hand, loved platform shoes. Shortly after World War II, footwear for the fair sex began to resemble the currently known shapes that allow you to perfectly emphasize the narrow shape of the foot and optically lengthen the legs.

In the 1970s, wedge heels and platforms were very popular among women. It is worth remembering that shoes on the platform appeared in Ancient Greece, where they were worn by actors of the time. In the late 16th century, high heels were synonymous with wealth.

What about sneakers?

Wondering when the first sneakers appeared? We know details that will surprise you! 

Sneakers appeared in the middle of the 19th century. Moving around in rubber-soled shoes was soundless enough to allow for stealth. to sneak) - where the name of these shoes comes from. 

Interestingly, initially the use of sneakers was limited to playing croquet and tennis. Over time, interest in them has increased significantly, and today many people cannot imagine life without them.

A fascinating step back

Nowadays, shoes are not only protection against unfavorable weather conditions or injuries. It is also a great way to express your personality. Taking such a step backwards is very important for every lover of footwear trends. We hope that the presented history of shoes fascinated you immensely! After all, no one can imagine life without them.