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Determining when humans began wearing shoes relies on the fossil record. One theory based on anatomical changes in feet date the first shoe-wearers to Paleolithic times. Starting with the most primal of shoes, the sandal.
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A British inventor ushers in the era of modern shoelaces. Tying things with strings wasn’t new, but until then, shoes were largely fastened with buckles or buttons.
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Charles Goodyear files a U.S. patent for vulcanization, which processes natural rubber into a durable product. The process paved the way for rubber-soled shoes.
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Lyman Reed Blake patents a sewing machine that can affix shoe uppers to soles. Later improved and called the McKay stitcher, it sped the shoe production process dramatically.
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The United States Rubber Company announces Keds, the first mass-produced shoe marketed as a “sneaker.” They were named the sneaker because they were so quiet you could sneak up on someone while wearing them.
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Nike founder Bill Bowerman patents his waffle-soled running shoe concept. The design provided better traction.
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New Balance and Nike announce the first mass-produced athletic shoes with 3-D printed soles, kicking off a new age in customized footwear.
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Just like the movie "Back to the Future" Nike is now making Marty McFly's Self Lacing Shoes. The shoes will be sold in late 2016 and as soon as your foot enters the shoe, it will lace itself and then your done! Welcome to the future.
