Evolution of Shoes

There is much evidence that shows a foot covering was one of the first creations made by our early ancestors The history of human development shows the significance of foot protection was recognized at an early age in time. Records of the Egyptians, Chinese, and other early civilizations reference shoes many times.. Necessity required the early primitive to invent something that protected them against rugged terrain, sharp rocks, and burning sands. The need for foot protection was important for our early ancestors because it provided them with comfort when pursuing food or shelter.

In its first form, the shoe was merely just a simple braided grass or rawhide that was strapped to the feet. The Egyptians were the first to be recognized for their superior artistic design. Sandal making had become a well-recognized form of art in that time and many believe the Egyptians acted as a catalyst in shoe design. The sandal is still the most generally worn type of footwear in many countries today. However, sandals from different countries often have different characteristics and design. The Japanese created shoes that indicated ones social status of the wearer by making certain sandals for the Imperial Household. The shoes often differed in creativity and art; the more detailed and creative the shoe was meant that you had money and power but the more basic and bland shoes meant you were poor and unhealthy. The Greeks on the other hand emphasized beauty and design while the Romans created their shoes military style that enabled them to travel long distances on foot throughout the world. In the more prestigious days of the Greek Empire, the sandals were beautifully crafted with ornaments of gold and precious stone.

Sandals weren't meant for everyone to wear at that time, In fact the creation of the moccasin was due to the lack of protection from sever weather climate such as cold and rain. The people of the North American Indian and Eskimo were the forefront creators of the Moccasin due to the severe winter storms and cold climate. The moccasins. Some of the moccasins displayed extravagant designs and intriguing art designs. Through all of this development, there was very little attention given to comfortability and feel. As late as the 1850's, shoes had no physical difference between the right and the left shoe, which made it difficult to break in the footwear.

Up to 1850, shoemakers were practically making shoes with the same tools and equipment as early as the 14th century. Efforts had been made to create a machine that would produce shoes but all had failed and it was up to the United States to invent the first successful machinery used to produce shoes. In 1845 the first machine had found its pace in the shoe industry. It was the rolling machine that replaced hammer tools previously used by shoemakers. The success of this major invention set up a train reaction of research and development. Today, there are no other alternatives that can create the quality done by machinery.

In 1875, Charles Goodyear Jr. invented a machine that was capable of creating two different types of shoes. Arch support and leather padding were added for comfort and feel. It was during this time that shoes started to take off and newer ideas started to pop up.

We have progressed a long way in the development of shoes. For centuries, it was the shoemakers hand that was his only tool for shaping the form of a shoe. Now, we have machines that are capable of creating shoes with different shape, size, form, comfort, and design.

Throughout the early 1900's and late 1920's men and women predominately wore a leather style boot. Boots were extremely popular at this time due to the popularity of the War. The new comfortable footwear was more suitable for people working in the factories. The shoes were even wide toed, durable, and comfy. During this time, the women's clothing became more scandalous and the demand for style and class of shoes grew rapidly. Women's shoes became more stylistic and decoration was added to give more life. By the end of the 1920's, shoes became lighter and there were infinite colors and design.

Men's shoes during the time of the 1930's didn't see a lot of improvement due to the great depression. Brown and Black