The History of Shoes

In the 18th Century, women's shoes reflect the elaborate patterns of their dresses and have similar embroidery and trimming. Bands of metallic braid were popular as decoration on shoes. The silver or gold braid was transferred from one pair of shoes to another. Other characteristics include pointed toes, ribbon and buckle latchet ties, a white kid leather round between the shoe sole and upper and high covered wooden heel. Men's shoes became quite plain made of black leather with pointed toes and low heels.

By the end of the 1760s, thick heels begin to thin down but became not very strong, the top becomes wider and more wedged like, producing in the 1770s, the 'Italian Heel' for women's shoes. Towards the end of the 18th Century and beginning of the 19th Century women's shoes became lower and lower cut, heels became lower until they disappear altogether and the pointed toe is replaced by first narrow oval toes and then square toes. Shoes became so dainty made from satin and silks that ribbon ties are added to keep the shoe on the foot.

Date Last reviewed 09/02/2009