The history of footwear – do the first barefoot shoes date back to the 19th cent

Have you ever wondered why we actually wear shoes? How did it all begin? Since walking barefoot is healthy, natural, and safe, how did we end up creating shoes that limit the proper development of our feet? We’ll try to bring you closer to this story.

First Footwear

It’s not hard to imagine what the first shoes looked like. It was simply a piece of animal skin tied to the foot with a grass cord and filled with hay. Such shoes served their purpose: protection from the cold, sharp stones, thorns piercing the soles of the feet, and hot ground from the sun. In the Neolithic period (about 5,000 years ago), such shoes were used during numerous expeditions in search of food or shelter.

The oldest depictions of shoes date back to around 2000 BCE. These are wall paintings in Egyptian tombs, depicting sandals made from papyrus. In Ancient Greece, people wore sandals made from leather or specially prepared palm leaves on thick soles made of cork and wood. Around 1600 BCE, the first moccasins were worn in Ancient Babylon. The right and left shoes looked identical – it may be hard to believe, but that was the case until the first half of the 17th century. More on that soon.

In the 5th century BCE, the first shoes with high uppers were created. They were used by hunters and pilgrims who traveled long distances and needed additional protection for the lower parts of their legs. Winter boots were lined with fur. Peasants, on the other hand, wore footwear with cowhide soles, fastened with leather straps around their calves.

The Rise of Footwear Craftsmanship

Over the centuries, shoes were gradually changed and improved, but the real boom in this field occurred during the Middle Ages, a time when any form of nudity was condemned. It was then that boots, loafers, slippers, clogs, and other types of footwear were created – some of which are still known today. They were made from cowhide, lambskin, or sheepskin, with decorations such as various buckles, clasps, and ornaments. At that time, comfort or foot protection was not a concern; the focus was on extravagance and excellent craftsmanship.

Modern Times – Women's and Men's Shoes

In the 14th century, shoes with pointed toes (court shoes and wooden clogs) were popular. In the 17th century, the invention of the footwear "evil" occurred – high heels. They became a symbol of high social status and were worn by both women and men. A fashionable type of men's footwear at the time was ankle boots.

In 1772, a shift in beliefs among the upper classes led to the removal of high heels from court fashion. Silk was replaced once again by the more comfortable and accessible leather. Comfort was prioritized, and shoes were designed to be wider in the front.

(Could this be the beginning of barefoot shoes? Perhaps. However, the material used for 18th-century shoes was too hard and heavy to be considered the first minimalist shoes. These would come much later.)

In the 1860s, the curse for feet returned. Fashion once again favored high heels, which were intended to slim the figures of women wearing short skirts. Unfortunately, this type of footwear still exists today, deforming the feet of thousands of people around the world.

Shoe Production – Handmade Shoes

Shoemaking is one of the oldest crafts. Until the 19th century, shoes were made entirely by hand, and a new pair could only be ordered at a cobbler's workshop.

Various tools were used in shoe production, which were also improved over the years. Producing one pair of shoes often took the entire day. In 1845, the first rolling machine was invented, replacing the anvil and hammer. The next advancement came with the invention of the pegging machine, which was used to attach the sole to the upper. Both of these inventions significantly shortened the shoe production time.

Thanks to these innovations, the early 20th century marked a true boom in the history of footwear. New patterns, models, trends, and additions emerged. Now, in just 8 hours, it was possible to produce as many as 1,200 pairs of shoes!

However, today consumers increasingly value handmade shoes. Products made with passion and by human hands are gaining higher value in the market. They are unique, have character, and often feature perfect craftsmanship. Many small businesses now focus on this type of production. If you're looking for comfortable, healthy, handmade shoes, check out Magical Shoes. If you're interested in the history of footwear – styles, designs, and phases of shoe improvement throughout history – there are several museums (many of which probably also have online exhibitions) you can visit. One of the largest (with over 10,000 pairs of shoes) is the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.