Changing Trends in Footwear

The Highs and Lows of Shoe Fashion

Shoes have always been attributed as a fashion statement. With time, they became more of a fashion accessory than a necessity. In this article, I will provide you with a resourceful insight on the changing trends and fashions of footwear throughout history.  

It was not until the 19th century that shoes became a symbol of fashion and style. Before that, they were nothing more than a tool for the protection of feet.

• The first drastic development that changed the footwear fashion was the French Revolution (1792) when shoe heels all but disappeared. Their demise was motivated by politics and the desire to suggest that everyone was born on the same level.
• in 1810's a new fashion emerged in men that was again high heels. The men started wearing trousers that anchored stirrup straps under the foot. high heels held these straps in place.
• By 1830 the square toed shoes had come into fashion which were especially popular among women and children.

• The 1850's saw the trend of boots in women. These boots protected the women's modesty by covering up their ankles. As this era was famous for long long full skirts, so not much attention was paid towards the beautification of shoes.

• the 1870's saw the rise of "Louis" (hour-shaped glass heels).
• The famous 18th century styled bows and buckles became popular in shows in the 1880s. It was during the same time that embroidered shoes became popular especially the toe front as skirt lengths decreased.

The start of 20th century catered to the needs of active women. The change of the century resulted in a drastic development in the are of shoes.

• From the 1920s to the 1960s, shoes started to use colourful leather and decorations as their core material. The high heels gained favor as they enhanced the calf muscles which were no longer hidden by long skirts.

• By 1940's skirt lengths had begun to shorten till they became about mid shin. The boots which hid the ankles of the women had now lost their purpose as there was now a small unsightly gap between the boots and the skirt. Thus the boots were discarded altogether as the society opened up to women liberation. 
• In 1939, open toed, sling back pumps were introduced for the first time.
• After the 1940,s, platform shoes were introduced which were made from cork. these became increasingly popular as they were light in weight and were a break from the traditional leather.

• By the 1950's the platform heels had worn out. The high heeled pumps again gained prominence but now they were more focused on the structure of the shoes rather than the ornaments.
• In the mid mid 50's the heels were slimmed down and gave rise to stilettos.

• The 60's with their theme of "back to nature" gave rise to flat footed sandals.
• By 1970 the low heel was on the rise again. It included both blocky square shapes and tall and lean shapes.
• With the 1990s came a series of revivals. Late 1960s styled low heeled, square-toed shoes were available alongside 1970s style platforms. 

Today, fashion footwear is less about being “au courante” and more about the design, the designer and recognition. An oxymoronic footwear fashion twist has emerged which means that almost every style is acceptable now and is considered a part of fashion.