Top 5 Most Unique Traditional Shoes in the World

When you see the images below, you might be surprised by how fashionable the Western gentlemen of the past were—sometimes even more so than the women! In the 17th century, European men’s shoes were often decorated with ribbons, embroidery, or prints, and featured high heels that could easily be mistaken for women’s footwear. During this period, shoes were an essential part of a man’s wardrobe, with King Louis XIV of France being one of the first to popularize high heels, making them a fashion trend.

High heels have a long and fascinating history. The earliest examples of this style date back to around the 900s AD, though they weren’t initially worn by women at medieval feasts. Instead, Persian cavalrymen wore them, as the heel helped them secure their feet in the stirrups, making it easier to ride and allowing them to shoot arrows while galloping. High heels were originally designed for battle by the Persian cavalry.

The distinctive shoes in the image below are traditional footwear from Japan. First appearing in the 1970s, these wooden clogs were commonly worn by maiko (apprentice geisha). What sets them apart is their extremely high platform, designed to prevent dirt from staining the kimono. During summer, these Okobo shoes are popular and are made from a single block of wood, creating a tall, sturdy base. Typically, they stand at around 14 cm and produce a characteristic 'clack-clack' sound when worn on wooden or stone floors.

Furthermore, the color of the V-shaped strap on the

Lotus Shoes were traditionally worn by Chinese women who bound their feet to resemble a lotus flower bud. These shoes were delicately crafted from cotton or silk and were incredibly small, often fitting within the palm of a hand. There are various theories surrounding the origins of foot-binding. One popular story tells of a fox disguised as an empress, who, wanting to become human, hid her feet by binding them and wearing shoes. The most commonly told tale, however, is about the imperial consort Zhao Feiyan of Emperor Han Cheng, who wrapped silk ribbons around her feet and danced. The emperor was so impressed by the way she moved in her bound feet that he named it 'Golden Lotus Three Inches' and ordered other concubines to follow suit.

Lotus Shoes first appeared during the 10th century, under the rule of the Han Dynasty, as a way to create smaller feet for women. At the time, it was believed that a beautiful woman had to have small feet, which led to the creation of the Lotus Shoe. These shoes were shaped like a small bowl, with a narrow toe and platform sole often made of leather to tightly bind the foot. The style was common in northern China, especially Beijing, while in the southern regions, like Guangdong, they were typically made of black silk or cotton, with flatter soles. These shoes were so small that most women had to bind their bones to fit them. This practice caused immense pain and difficulty in daily movement. Fortunately, this tradition no longer exists today.

This unique traditional footwear was commonly worn in French weddings during the 19th century. Originating from the Bethmale Valley, south of Saint Girons in the Ariège district, these shoes have a distinctive design featuring a wooden sole and a sharply pointed upward toe. According to tradition, men would gift these shoes to their brides on the wedding day, and the sharper the toe, the deeper the man's love for his bride.

Additionally, the Dutch wooden shoes, known as Clogs, were also popular. In the Netherlands, with its harsh winters and high humidity, farmers needed a way to protect themselves from the cold. They carved wide wooden soles with curved, boat-like toes and added straw inside for warmth and comfort. This is how the iconic Dutch clog was born.

Lebanon has long been a crossroads of civilizations, so it's no surprise that this small country boasts such a rich and diverse culture. With a mix of many ethnic and religious groups, Lebanon has a vibrant cultural scene, including music, literature, festivals, and an extensive culinary tradition. In Beirut, the arts are alive with numerous exhibitions, fashion shows, and music performances held throughout the year in galleries, museums, theaters, and public spaces.

Despite its modern, educated society, Lebanon retains its strong traditional values. Kabkabs are traditional Lebanese shoes made of wood and adorned with silver, designed for women to wear when walking on muddy streets. The more luxurious versions, decorated with gems, silver, and even diamonds, were worn by the elite and the powerful. When walking on marble floors, Kabkabs produce a distinctive sound, which is how the shoes got their name. On important occasions, people would further embellish their Kabkabs with silver to make them more elegant.