The shoe - a history

Footwear has existed in some form or another since the beginning of time. The only thing that has changed is the style and materials used to make them.

Women have always needed a way to protect their feet from the elements, which is why there are so many different types of women’s shoes available today. This article gives you a brief overview of how footwear has evolved from its prehistoric origins until now. Keep reading to discover more about these different periods in history where it comes to accessories for your feet!

The Prehistoric Era

Humans have been wearing footwear since prehistoric times. They used natural materials like leaves, bark, vines, and animal hides to create foot coverings and protect their feet from the harsh elements. There are even traces of some early civilizations wearing sandals made from tree bark!

There are several types of footwear from this period that are still used today, including the moccasin and slipper. The moccasin type of shoe has been around for thousands of years. They were originally made from the skins of animals and often used for ceremonial purposes. Slippers were made from leather and often worn inside the house.

Ancient Egypt

People in Ancient Egypt wore sandals with wooden or reed soles that were tied together with strips of rawhide. The tops of the sandals were made from woven palm leaves or reed mats that were held together with strings and straps. The tops of the sandals were held together with a buckle or string that wrapped around the ankle.

Ancient Egyptian women’s footwear was more complex than men’s. They liked to keep their feet as covered up as possible, wearing a type of open-toed sandal that opened at the front. Women wore sandals as a sign of status and wealth, as they were made from expensive materials such as linen. Ancient Egyptian women’s sandals often had a lot of decoration and embellishments, as well as a thick sole to protect their feet from the heat of the desert floor.

During the reign of Ramses II cotton was introduced to Egypt, which allowed women to make more colorful and comfortable sandals. Egyptian women were also known for wearing ornate slippers made from fabric with ornamental beadwork. Slippers were often worn indoors as a symbol of wealth and status.

Rome and the Dark Ages

Roman women were not allowed to go outside without shoes on their feet. This was considered a sign of respect for the gods, rulers and others, as well as for themselves.

During the rise of the Roman Empire, clothing became more luxurious and ornate. Heels were often added to shoes to make the wearer appear taller or give the outfit a more elegant look. It was also common to see Roman women wear open-toed sandals during this time.

There is some evidence that Celtic women wore closed-toe shoes made out of animal hide. This was likely due to the colder weather during this era and the need for warmth during colder weather.

Renaissance to Victorian Era

During the Renaissance era, women’s footwear was quite ornate. Women from wealthy families often decorated their shoes with pearls and precious gems. These expensive materials were meant to show off their wealth and status.

High heels were also widely worn during this period and were sometimes exaggerated to as much as 8 inches! They were often decorated with jewels or ornate stitching. The high heel would become more widely used as the centuries went on.

20th Century to Present Day

The 20th century saw women’s footwear change drastically. More styles of footwear became available, including athletic and casual styles that did not exist before. During the First and Second World Wars, women’s footwear became a symbol of empowerment and liberation. Women were able to take control of the workplace, which included designing and making their own shoes. During the 1960s, women’s footwear was focused on standing out from the crowd and making a statement. Platform sandals, jelly sandals and buckled shoes were just a few of the styles that were worn during this time. During the 1980s, women’s footwear became more functional and simple. The focus was on being comfortable and practical, as well as being easy to wear.

Conclusion

Footwear has existed in some form or another since the beginning of time. The only thing that has changed is the style and materials used to make them. Women have always needed a way to protect their feet from the elements, which is why there are so many different types of women’s shoes available today. No matter what era or time you look back to, you will find that women have always needed to protect their feet and have always wanted footwear that makes them feel beautiful.