Throughout history, shoes have often been worn as fashion accessories, despite their obvious purpose as functional items.
Helping the wearer to make a style and identity statement, shoes were often so much more than a practical necessity, and even some of the best shoe brands for men have played their part in revolutionizing fashion trends. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic shoes throughout history, and determine what made them so popular as fashion accessories:
The high heel
Worn by ancient Egyptians as a social status symbol, high heels became true icons of the fashion industry much later, during Europe’s Renaissance period. Men, attempting to replicate shoes worn by the Persian cavalry, started wearing high heels in order to make them look taller and more imposing. As time passed, however, it was women who wore them the most, and they quickly became associated with glamour and femininity, and remain so to this day.
The sneaker
Although these now iconic shoes were once worn for practical, sporting reasons alone, they have since become popular with people from all walks of life, all ages, and all genders. Their meteoric rise to fame began back in the 1980s, when influential sportspeople, musicians, and celebrities, began wearing them as fashion accessories. Now available in a whole host of different styles and designs, they continue to be worn as symbols of status.
The boot
With their origins rooted in ancient civilizations, boots were once a protective and practical type of footwear, that evolved throughout the centuries to become statements of fashion in their own right. From utilitarian cowboy boots, to elegant knee-high boots of the 60s, every phase of fashion has interpreted the boot in a different way. Now a staple of many a closet, boots come in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles.
The ballet flat
Inspired by the dainty shoes of ballerina’s, the history of ballet flats can be traced back to the 16th century, where they were worn by aristocracy. Elegant and simplistic, Coco Chanel – French fashion designer – made these shoes popular again in the 1950s, when she transformed them from delicate ballet shoes, to a shoe that was more practical to wear, and accessible to more women.
The Platform shoe
With their origins in ancient Greece, actors wore platform shoes on stage to give them more height and gravitas, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that they became popular again, thanks largely to the era of disco. Often decorated with glitter and designed in bright colors, they towered above all other shoes, and quickly became a symbol of glamorous excess. Having made something of a comeback in recent years, platform shoes have been redesigned using modern materials and featuring edgy details.
The classic pump
An enduring symbol of both elegance and sophistication, the classic pump with a low-cut front, and higher heel, helps elongate the leg and can make any outfit look more glamorous. Having been continuously reinvented since its origins in the early 20th century, wearers of the classic pump can seamlessly transition from afternoon to evening, thanks to its classic, enduring style.
Of the top ten shoe brands in the world, there’s bound to be at least one of these iconic shoe designs featured in the list, and no shoe collection would be complete without them.
