The Evolution of Shoes and Fashion

As per Britannica Encyclopaedias definition, a shoe is "an outer covering for the foot, usually of leather with a stiff or thick sole and heel, and reaching no higher than the ankle." In occasions of gift-giving, shoes traditionally convey a message of "may this take you to the right places." More than the daily basic needs, shoes have become a significant part of our everyday lives.

In the beginning, shoes were made for our feet's protection against cold weather, sharp objects, wet surface and other uncomfortable places. As man's intelligence worked with the improvement of shoes, from being just an everyday sandal form, shoes are being shaped and mold into different ways as to the physical and economic environment of such places. Shoes have become more than an item of necessity than an item of luxury these days.

Throughout the evolution of shoes, fashion has also played since it is innate in the human mind to seek uniqueness in individual identity and the upper classes have seen the opportunity to fulfill this desire through shoes. Because of this, the production and style of shoes become more and more profligate. Leather, cloth, velvet, and tapestries began to be used. This gave birth to what we recognize now as the shoe industry.  Further, shoes were produced according to their uses, so we have now casual shoes, running shoes, basketball shoes, and even those sandals and 5-inched heel stilettos though in general, they fall into the casual category as per characteristics.

Today, shoe design and shoe type comes with a corresponding get up or attire, or just, clothing. For example, formal dresses are matched with either lace less or a laced shoe. These types of shoes often tend to be expensive, but the usage of other alternative materials such as plastics lowered the prices. With the gift of knowledge men of this generation bear, the production and specification of footwear have widened and branched, proof that a human mind is limitless and naturally creative and that the resources we have been enough to fulfil those ideas.

Sure enough, through time, no more foot will be left uncovered and no more idea will be left unfulfilled. Be it out of needs or luxury, with every step, may your decisions in taking shoes bring you to where you always should be.