History Antiquity Americas The oldest known leather shoe, about 5500 years old, found in Armenia Esparto sandals from the 6th or 5th millennium BC found in Spain Roman shoes: a man's, a woman's and a child's shoe from Bar Hill Roman Fort, Scotland. 90% of shoes end up in landfills, because the materials are hard to separate, recycle or otherwise reuse. Globally, the shoe industry is a $200 billion a year industry. Traditionally, shoes have been made from leather, wood or canvas, but are increasingly being made from rubber, plastics, and other petrochemical-derived materials. Some shoes are designed for specific purposes, such as boots designed specifically for mountaineering or skiing, while others have more generalized usage such as sneakers which have transformed from a special purpose sport shoe into a general use shoe. High fashion shoes made by famous designers may be made of expensive materials, use complex construction and sell for large sums of money. Basic sandals may consist of only a thin sole and simple strap and be sold for a low cost. Contemporary footwear varies vastly in style, complexity and cost. Some shoes are worn as safety equipment, such as steel-toe boots, which are required footwear at industrial worksites.Īdditionally, fashion has often evolved into many different designs, such as high heels, which are most commonly worn by women during fancy occasions. Form was originally tied to function but over time shoes also became fashion items. Though the human foot can adapt to varied terrains and climate conditions, it is vulnerable, and shoes provide protection.

A variety of shoes displayed at the Nordic Museum, including models from 1700 to the 1960s.Ī shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot. For other uses, see Insole (disambiguation).

Cat heel shoe with runner sole