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Jan 1, 1300
middle ages
Some odd shoe fashions developed in the middle ages. One being thePoulaine or Crakow shoe which began to appear in western Europe in the 12 century. Rumor has it that they were developed and popularized by Count Fuld of Anjou who needed to cover up some kind of deformity but it is more likely a style adopted by the Crusaders who were influenced by the traditional pointed toed -
Aug 3, 1300
middle ages
during the reign of Francois I. Duck’s Bill The pointed toe fad disappeared around 1460-70 being suddenly replaced by a new shoe fad called Duck’s Bill shoes (also called Bear’s Claw) shoes were made of silk, brocade or velvet and were heavily padded, puffed and embroidered with the upper part slashed so that colored hose showed through. -
Feb 2, 1500
1500s
Women basically wore the same type of shoes as the previous century with the added interest of a new crazy shoe fad that originated in Venice and quickly spread to the rest of Europe. Like the patten, the chopinewas a type of over shoe with a raised platform sole meant to be worn over other shoes to give the wearer height. -
1600s
In the 1660s women to pay more attention to their shoes and no longer wanted the same shape as men’s. A variety of exquisitely embroidered shoes in silk, satin and velvet appeared trimmed with lace which fell in a deep flounce over the foot. Slippers had heels often measuring six inches made of colored satin to match the costume -
1700s
And to go along with her overly ornate and over the top gowns, she needed some shapely and richly lavished shoes. High heels were a must, along with rich brocades, embroidered silks and painted leathers. Large showy buckles topped them off along with metallic braid in silver and gold which could be transferred from one shoe to the next depending. -
1800s
WOMEN’S SHOES:
To go with all those breathable less structured dresses during The Regency were breathable, less structured shoes. No more heel. No more discomfort. No more squashing toes into rigid up turned points. Let's talk, slippers. Sure they still had pointed toes but they were made of soft materials and came in romantic pastels. Lavender, pink and robin's egg blue were amongst the colors to choose from. -
1900s
As usual, women’s legs were never shown and feet were only glimpsed once in a while when sitting down so stockings and hose weren’t high up on the fashion must haves. -
1900s
The wealthy women wore silk stockings in dark colors and handmade shoes and boots with pointed toes and a two or three inch heel. Silk or fine kid was used for the dressy styles with buckles or bows as decoration and that completely matched their whole outfit. -
1920s
Women’s shoes became lighter and finer with a pointed toe and the delightful addition of straps. -
1930s
Surprisingly, a variety of shoe styles were available during those trying times; rounded toes with thick heels; pumps, flats, ankle straps with moderate heels; slip-ons, lace ups, buckled; spectator and two tones. -
1940s
When leather became restricted for military use, every imaginable material was incorporated for shoes with reptile skins and mesh as the most successful substitutes. Cork or wood-soled “Wedgies” were worn and all adornment kept to a minimum. -
Antiquity
So the first shoes were developed quite early and they were most likely bag-like wrappings made of fur or skins. Cave Paintings (c.8000 BCE) show these foot bags and some even show images of shoes that look like fur boots.
