Why do women have such a fascination for shoes?
Why is it that no matter how many pairs we have it’s never enough? And when a new style appears we just have to have it! There are varying statistics, but it seems that the average number of shoes a woman owns is bet. 20-40 pairs (depending on age of course).
Ok, I had to check my closet. I’m amazed! I’ve got 27 pairs including sandals and boots. Really I only wear about 4-5 pairs regularly, and of all my footwear only 7 pairs are “High Heels”.
Aren’t you a little curious how may pairs you have? I’d love to know if you’d like to comment below.
One woman who had the ultimate shoe obsession (but then she could also afford to) was Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines. Here’s an actual quote from her, “I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty.” Yes, Imelda, that’s important to get the record straight. 🙂
I’ve tried to analyze this fascination we ladies have, and I think I may have figured it out! Let me know if you agree or not, I’d love to hear your perspective.
Could it be the icons we had growing up? For me, growing up in America I remember Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, with her ruby red slippers, that magically transported her to the comfort and safety of her home and family.
Then there was the story of Cinderella, whose glass slippers (with the help of her fairy godmother) transformed her into a princess and won the heart of the handsome Prince Charming.
I find it interesting that “shoes” seem to be the key to happiness in both of these stories! Can you think of any others?
Brief History of Shoes
Ancient shoes (sandals) were mostly made of leather soled bottom. They were originally designed to protect the feet from the harm (remember everyone walked everywhere in ancient times).
Also it’s interesting to note that only the wealthy could afford sandals, everyone else went barefoot. The more wealthy had ornately decorated sandals. You could tell how well off someone was by looking at their feet.
Just imagine a person from ancient times being transported into the modern day and taking a peek into your closet. Upon seeing all your shoes they would think you were a queen!
The popular platform sandal has changed a bit over the years, and depending on the culture:
From the Japanese geta
To the retro 70’s sandal
To the modern high heel sandal
Where did the concept of the High Heel come from?
High heels have been around for centuries. No one is quite sure where they originated, but some have even been found Egyptian tombs.
During the 1500’s high heels became popular in England and France for wealthy women.
It is said that one queen who was vertically challenged had special shoes designed with high heels to increase her stature. This then became a fashion trend for all other high society women, of all heights.
High heels were also popular among men of the French & British Court.
You think the pointed stiletto style shoe is modern?
Take a look at these ancient shoes. Heels were obviously not practical for walking long distances, but doesn’t the shape look familiar?
Here is a picture of a group of ladies trying on some stylish high heels in the 1930’s.
This pair of shoes is from the 1930’s. They look surprisingly similar to some styles today, don’t they?
Shoe styles just keep getting more and more outrageous
We sure have come along way from shoes being worn for protection and comfort, to fashion statements and self inflicted torture!
Lady Gaga is known for her outrageous outfits on stage, but come on this is stupid! Does she have to travel in costume too?
She made an absolute fool out of herself by falling down at an airport, trying to walk in these ridiculous 12″ platform boots. What was she thinking?
It seems she falls quite often. Either she is quite clumsy, always intoxicated or it’s the shoes!
(Or maybe all of the above).
Being fashionable is one thing, but putting your health and well being at risk is another.
Be good to your feet they are the only pair you have, and they need to support you for your whole life!
Just remember styles come and go as fast as the weather changes, so don’t be too concerned with keeping up with the newest trends.
When you do an inventory of your shoes you will notice (like i did) that 80% of the time you only wear 20% of the shoes you own. The 80-20 rule applies to your clothing too! I know for me it is time to do some Spring cleaning!
Now before you go on your next shoe shopping spree do me a favor.
Close your eyes, click your heels together and repeat after me, “There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home!”
🙂
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