Guest Post: History of Women’s Iconic Shoes

Today is officially the first day of spring and I’m so happy looking at the playful sunbeams dancing on the bright green leaves of the trees, the birds chirping joyfully everywhere you turn and the ocean waves glistening brighter than ever. I’m already excited for the weekend (even though it’s only Monday) and I just can’t wait for Saturday, to grab my beach towel and soak up some Sun.

Spring is my favorite season, and not only because I am born in spring, but mainly because is the season of new beginnings and waking up to life. So to celebrate together with you, today I am shining the spotlight on Rebecca Kennedy and Shoe Carnival.

Rebecca sent me a wonderfully designed infographic about Women’s Iconic Shoes, boots more specifically – with a focus on their history – and I would love to share her article with you! Read on…

History of Iconic Women’s Shoes

We all wear shoes every day, but rarely take the time to learn the history behind how they came to existence or how they were made. History might seem boring, until you figure out that some of the iconic women’s shoes like Wellington Boots were invented and worn by men first.

Or, heeled shoes – which were equally worn by men and women as early as 1650s, only to be worn almost exclusively by Victorian era women in 1800s. Back in 1600s men wore them to appear taller, a trait that was attributed to masculinity then, as much as it is now.

It should come as no surprise that almost all types of shoes for women were first invented to serve a purpose other than fashion – take cowboy boots for example, worn by cowboys back in the day while they were transporting cattle from Texas to Kansas – which were the perfectly functional, yet comfortable shoes for the occasion.

Riding shoes present another great example of how shoes were made with function and comfort in mind first, and fashion second. Today, the heel is lowered compared to the original riding shoes worn by horse riding warriors in the 10th century, just because it makes the shoes more fashionable.

This infographic made by ShoeCarnival shows us the history behind some of the most iconic women’s shoes that we all have at least a pair of in our closets.

Please enjoy!

Thanks for reading and please share if you find it useful.

Much love <3