Women's shoe trends are highly sensitive to cultural shifts. Women's footwear has evolved over time in response to shifting cultural and societal norms in terms of both form and function.
Shoes in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome
In ancient cultures such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, women played a significant but often limited role in society. In Egypt, women had more rights than in other ancient cultures, with some women holding positions of power and influence. On the other hand, Greek women had limited rights and were primarily confined to the home. Roman women had more freedom than their Greek counterparts but were still largely confined to domestic roles.
1. Egyptian sandals, vegetable fiber - Bata Shoe Museum
2. Reconstruction of a Roman woman's sandal from the fort at Saalburg after a mid-3rd century archaeological find.Shoe Museum Lausanne
3. Attribution: 7579 - Piraeus Arch. Museum, Athens - Woman and her slave - Photo by Giovanni Dall'Orto, Nov 14 2009.jpg
The shoes women wore in these ancient cultures reflected their social status and influence. For example, in Egypt, high-ranking women would wear sandals with gold and precious stone embellishments, while lower-ranking women wore simpler sandals. In Greece and Rome, rich women wore sandals similar to men but with more delicate designs and decorations. In Rome, women's shoes were often simple and practical, reflecting their domestic roles. Women's shoes in these cultures were often crafted from organic materials like skins and fibers until about 500 CE. They're more about style than they are about foot protection and support.
Shoes in Ancient China
In ancient China, women's feet were shackled, making them appear smaller and more delicate. The reasons behind foot binding are complex and multifaceted. One theory is that it originated to restrict women's movements and make them more dependent on men, as women with bound feet could not work outside the home or travel long distances. Many men favored women with shackled feet because they thought it was a symbol of beauty and sophistication. This practice was abolished in 1920, and still, there are a few survivors of this painful tradition.
Women's Shoes in the Middle Ages
Shoe decoration and more luxurious materials such as leather, silk, and velvet increased during the Middle Ages (about 500-1500 CE). In particular, embellishments such as rhinestones, embroidery, and other embellishments were frequently found on women's footwear.
16th Century lady's clogs. Illustration by Percy Anderson. Public Domain.
Middle Ages women were restricted to roles within the home. There were, however, a few prominent female exceptions, such as queens and regents. For higher classes, shoes were a symbol of a woman's place in society. The ladies of the nobility wore elaborate shoes crafted from luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk. In contrast, the ladies of the lower classes and poor people wore plain, functional shoes made of leather. Shoes were also styled differently depending on the event, with pointed-toe shoes reserved for formal occasions and flats worn on a daily basis. In general, women's footwear during the Middle Ages was a reflection of their rank in society and their lack of freedom of expression. However, practical concerns, including protecting the foot from the elements, remained at the forefront of shoe design for the masses.
Shoes of the Renaissance - Beauty vs. Practicality
During the Renaissance, women's footwear likewise got more elaborate and refined. (1400-1600 CE). The first high heels were designed to give ladies the appearance of being taller and more sophisticated. Although males wore high heels first, women quickly adopted them as well.
CC.Public Domain. From a Courtly Perspective: The Elevation of Self from Renaissance to Baroque. (2009-2010)."100 innovationer" (2012-2015) Tekniska museet, Stockholm
Shoes in Asia and Africa
The footwear worn by women in several nations, including India and Pakistan, is renowned for its ornate design and vivid hues. Women in Japan traditionally wear geta, which are raised wooden sandals, to protect their kimonos. Geta, traditional wooden sandals with elevated platforms popular in certain cultures like Japan, were once worn by both sexes. Women's footwear in Africa is typically woven or beaded, and it often features patterns and colors that speak to the region's cultural richness.
Western Shoes -18th, 19th and 20th centuries
In the 18th century, western women's footwear became increasingly refined and elaborate. High-heeled shoes, often adorned with ritzy details like silk bows and lace, were all the rage. Women's shoes were an essential part of their wardrobes and were often designed specifically for them.
As expectations for women's roles in society shifted throughout the 19th century, so did their footwear. With more prominent soles and lower heels, women's shoes were made to ease everyday tasks. During this period, women began wearing boots as they participated in more outside activities.
Moving to the 20th century, we find that in the decade of the 1920s, women's shoes took a more adventurous turn with the introduction of the Mary Jane and the T-strap sandal. Women's footwear in the 1930s shifted back toward functionality with lower heels and more comfortable styles. Stiletto heels and vivid colors were commonplace in women's footwear during the '50s and '60s. Platform shoes, popularized in the '70s thanks to disco, were a fashion staple in the '80s. For more extensive information, check our blog Brief history of women's shoes: From ancient times to modern day (myshoejourney.com)
Western Shoes in the 21st. Century
In the twenty-first century, ladies can access a wider variety of shoe styles and patterns than ever before. At this point in time, woman's role and their life experience have experienced a radical change, which has also been reflected in shoe fashion. The growing popularity of sneakers and other athletic footwear is a consequence of the shift toward a more relaxed and practical lifestyle. But formal gatherings and occasions still favor high heels and other dressier footwear.
There have been many new developments in women's shoe fashion during the past several years. High-end designer sneakers have become a fashion statement as sneaker culture has exploded in popularity. Athletic footwear manufacturers now consider women's needs and are creating sneakers specially designed for women's feet.
Comfortable loafers and ballet flats have also seen a resurgence in favor as a go-to for everyday use. This year sees a comeback of the chunky heel and platform sandals that were all the rage in the '90s. Many modern ladies now favor more minimalist and environmentally friendly styles. Looking towards the future, more and more women are looking for eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods while purchasing footwear, indicating a growing trend toward sustainability and ethical fashion.
The evolution of women's footwear reflects women's shifting social roles and values throughout time. Shoes have progressed from being purely utilitarian items to highly desirable fashion accessories. Additionally, different cultures have contributed to the evolution of women's shoe fashion by creating their own unique styles and patterns, and ethnic shoes continue to serve as an inspiration source for shoe designers. Today we have a wide variety of shoes for women that reflects the inclusive and diversified nature of modern fashion. However, fashion and shoe technology have a broad space to surprise us in the future.