Handbags? I’ll pick one that I think matches my outfit, I don’t really care. Makeup? Show me some tips and I’ll be grateful! Clothes? I like to look nice, and feel comfortable, and that’s about it. But shoes? Now we’re talking! The humble shoe, an essential part of our daily attire, is an obsession for millions of us, me included. And while I was reorganising the shelves of shoes in my wardrobe that contains multiple pairs of sneakers, boots, Doc Martens, brogues, pumps, sandals (and the rest) I stopped to ask myself just what is my fascination with footwear all about?
My First Obsession
I have been fascinated with footwear for as long as I can remember. As a six year old, I’d tie ribbons to my sandals to make them look like Roman sandals I’d seen pictures of. I still remember the first pair of shoes I obsessed over – a white satin pair of Mary Janes bought from a mail order catalogue that I’d begged my mum to get me. I was five. Were they for a wedding? No, I just liked them and knew I had to have them (thanks Mum)! I remember being nine years old and excitedly waiting for Christmas because I knew a tan pair of boots was waiting under the tree for me. A year later and I was in raptures over my silver ballroom dancing shoes. I pretty much worshipped them. Looking back, I can pretty much recall every single pair of favourite shoes I’ve ever owned. Is that normal?
The first pair of shoes I ever obsessed over
Call me Imelda
In my teens, earning my own money I was free to indulge my passion, and that’s where things really took off. Mum started calling me Imelda after Imelda Marcos, the Filipino politician renowned for her shoe collection (amongst other, less innocuous things). I had so many pairs of shoes and was always on the constant lookout for more. I dragged my poor old Uncle Percy around Australia Fair shopping centre for hours once, looking for a pair of red patent leather shoes just because I wanted ones just like I’d seen in the David Bowie song ‘Let’s Dance.’ Crazy? I call it committed.
A Brief History of Footwear
Footwear goes back millennia where we needed rudimentary coverings to protect our feet from harsh environments. The earliest known shoes, found in Oregon’s Fort Rock Cave, are over 10,000 years old and made from sagebrush bark. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also used what was readily available to them, and wore sandals made from plant fibres and leather. The Roman and Greek styles showcased in museums indicate the beginnings of footwear fashion as well as functionality. Were people obsessing over footwear back then? I bet you they were…
We’ve come a long way since these!
In medieval Europe, shoes were a status symbol. Pointed shoes, known as poulaines, were popular among the aristocracy, while peasants wore simpler, more practical designs. The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements, with mass production making shoes more accessible and diverse. By the 20th century, shoes had become a crucial fashion element, reflecting cultural and social trends.
Footwear holds a special place in women’s fashion and culture. Beyond mere practicality, shoes have become symbols of identity, status, and empowerment for us. I know I think ‘oooh’ when I see a beautiful pump with a red sole. You probably know who I mean.
Shoes are a symbol of identity, status and empowerment
Why Footwear is Important for Women
As well as a status symbol however, there are other key reasons why footwear is particularly significant for us girls:
Expression of Personal Style
Shoes allow us to express our unique sense of style. From elegant heels to trendy sneakers, footwear choices reflect our personality and preferences, just as our clothes do.
Confidence and Empowerment
The right pair of shoes can boost confidence and make a powerful statement. High heels, for example, are often associated with elegance and assertiveness.
High heels are often associated with elegance and assertiveness
Professional Image
In the professional world, footwear is an important aspect of a polished and competent appearance. Well-chosen shoes can enhance a woman’s professional image. For one particular corporate job I held, I bought three pairs of pumps in navy, brown and black so I could slip on a pair to suit whatever I was wearing. They were so smart…and I wore all three pairs to death, I loved them so much.
Comfort and Health
Proper footwear is essential for comfort and health. We women often juggle multiple roles, and unsupportive shoes can cause a slew of problems. It was a sad day when I had to give up wearing high heeled pumps at events. They just hurt way too much being in them for hours on end, but on the bright side I needed to go shoe shopping for an alternative! I’m happy to say I now opt for dancer style shoes with a lower heel and strap, and they are infinitely more comfortable.
Dancer style shoes with a lower heel and strap are infinitely more comfortable than pumps for older feet!
Fashions and Footwear Fads Over the Years
The world of footwear fashion is ever evolving, and each decade brings new trends and iconic styles. Furthermore, it gives us girls more reason to go out and buy more shoes! Here’s a look at some of the most memorable footwear fads:
The 1920s: Flapper Shoes
The Roaring Twenties was the era of the flapper girl, and her T-strap heels were all the rage. They were decorated with beads and sequins, and perfectly complemented the shockingly short hemlines and carefree attitude of the era. These are the dancer style shoes still worn today (and the ones I’ve adopted in my middle age) and I can’t rate them highly enough.
The 1950s: Saddle Shoes
Remember Happy Days? That was the era of saddle shoes, characterised by their distinctive contrasting colour bands. They were popular with both young women and men, embodied the preppy style of the decade.
Saddle shoes embodied the preppy style of the 50’s
The 1970s: Platform Shoes
The 1970s were all about bold statements, and platform shoes were a perfect fit. With their thick soles and high heels, platforms were perfect for disco-goers and fashion-forward women – and men! Mum and all of her friends owned them, and David Bowie rocked them.
The 1990s: Grunge and Doc Martens
The grunge movement of the 1990s brought with it a love for rugged and durable footwear. Doc Martens boots became synonymous with the era, representing rebellion and nonconformity – and comfort!
The 2000s: Ballet Flats
The early 2000s saw a return to simplicity with ballet flats. These versatile shoes became a wardrobe staple, offering us a chic and practical option for day to day use.
The 2010s: Athleisure and Sneakers
The athleisure trend dominated the 2010s, and blurred the lines between sportswear and casual fashion. Sneakers became a fashion must-have, with designer collaborations and limited-edition releases. To this day, they still feature prominently in today’s fashion, and drive a multi-billion dollar industry.
Sneakers are a (fantastically comfortable) fashion must-have
The Psychology of Shoes
Shoes are more than just functional items; they hold significant psychological meaning to us whether we realise it or not. We touched on first impressions and self-expression earlier, but shoes can also reflect other meanings:
Social Status
Historically, shoes were indicators of social status, as we saw with the poulaines in the medieval era. These days, high-end designer shoes signal wealth and prestige, while practical and worn-in shoes might indicate a more modest lifestyle.
Emotional Connection
Many of us shoe lovers have a genuine emotional connection to our shoes. A favourite pair of shoes reminds us of special occasions and achievements, and for that, we cherish them. Also, shoe shopping is fabulous retail therapy and makes us happy! I can safely say I can relate to that, although I prefer to shop alone. It’s best for everyone’s sake. Poor old Uncle Percy taught me that.
Shoe shopping can provide a sense of joy and satisfaction
Not everyone can relate
Not everyone is going to relate to my shoe obsession – but I know there are some of you out there nodding your head, thinking about your own wardrobe that’s bursting at the seams with footwear. Exploring the psychology of shoes has helped me understand that our choices actually reveal deeper insights into our identities and social interactions.
So, ladies, whether you’re a sneakerhead, Doc Marten or a stiletto enthusiast (or all of the above, like me) there’s no denying the powerful role shoes play in our lives – and you’re all welcome here!
Love You. Love Life.
