Historically shoes were worn primarily for protection. According to archaeological evidence, experts believe that shoes were invented about 40,000 years ago. However, It was not until sometime later that footwear was worn by people frequently.
It is hard to imagine a time before the invention of shoes. Yet, what started as a practical venture grew into a varied, booming industry. Though all shoes share basic characteristics, their colouring, materials and designs have transformed drastically over thousands of years.
The earliest shoes were made of soft leather. They resembled either sandals or moccasins. In the early 19th century, women’s and men’s shoes finally began to differ from one another in style, colour, heel and shape. During this era, shoes were made straight meaning that there was no differentiation between left and right shoes.
As the 20th century approached, shoe makers improved comfort by making foot-specific shoes. The face of the footwear changed drastically from decade to decade. This was due to the technological advances that made the shoe making process simpler.
In the early seventies, platform shoes and wedges were popular among women, though they became less so in the eighties and nineties. Men’s shoe trends, however, were mostly static as the types such as Oxfords and Loafers remained the dominant styles.
Though men’s shoe styles remained relatively unchanged, women’s shoes made dramatic changes in their appearance.
Women’s shoes became arched sophisticated and were made to highlight the foot. The heels grew narrower and narrower as time progressed.
At present, the footwear industry has become a thriving business. If footwear trends continue in this fashion, we can expect the shoes of the future to be even more out-of-this-world.
S. Jadhoorshanan,
Grade 9B,
St. Joseph’s College,
Maskeliya.