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Footwear traces its origins back to 8,000 BC, marking an extensive and fascinating history. Over thousands of years, shoes have been crafted in a myriad of styles and materials. While some designs, like today’s athletic shoes, have stood the test of time, others, such as lotus shoes, have not. This list delves into ten peculiar shoe styles from ancient to contemporary times.
10. Okobo Japan, 18th century – present
Long before platform shoes became a trend in the 1970s, Japanese maiko (apprentice geisha) were already wearing Okobo sandals or clogs. These elevated shoes served both practical and fashionable purposes. Wearing an expensive kimono that drapes to the ground, maiko needed to avoid soiling their garments while walking outdoors. Okobo are crafted from a single block of wood, often left natural or unvarnished, though black lacquered versions are worn in summer. Standing at 5 1/2 inches (14 cm) tall, the hollow wooden sole produces a unique sound when walking, which inspired the name 'Okobo'—an onomatopoeia for the sound they make. The sandals feature a V-shaped cloth thong, with colors indicating the maiko’s status: red for newcomers and yellow for those nearing the end of their training.
9. Men’s high heels Europe, 1700s
In the 1700s, footwear and stockings gained immense significance for men as tailored coats and breeches became fashionable, drawing attention to the lower body. Shapely legs became a focal point, prompting men to don stylish and ornate hose and shoes to highlight them. Louis XIV, in particular, favored high heels with red soles and heels, possibly to compensate for his short stature despite his immense power. Naturally, the king’s preference set a trend, and high heels with red accents became a must-have for the elite. These heels, often adorned with ribbons, rosettes, or buckles, perfectly complemented petticoat breeches, leading to the decline of boots in favor of these elegant designs.
8. Kabkabs Lebanon, 14th-17th century
Wooden stilts adorned with silver studs, known as 'kabkabs' or 'nalins,' were once a practical solution for Middle Eastern women to navigate muddy streets and humid bathhouses. Wealthier individuals owned versions intricately inlaid with mother of pearl. These elevated shoes, standing several inches tall, featured straps made of embroidered leather, silk, or velvet. The name 'kabkab' mimics the sound they produced on marble floors. The uppers were embellished with silver, gold, or pewter wire, and for special events like weddings, the stilts were entirely covered in ornate silver or small silver decorations. Bridal kabkabs could reach up to two feet in height, often compensating for the bride's petite stature. While socially reserved for women, simpler versions with leather straps were also worn by men in bathhouses.
7. Plaited birch bark shoe Finland, mid-20th century
In the early 20th century, bark shoes were a daily staple for women, often paired with cloth foot wraps. They also served as protective overshoes, shielding more expensive leather footwear from rain, mud, and snow. Typically crafted from birch bark, though linden or lime-tree bark was also used, these shoes had a short lifespan of about a week. Similar styles were found in Norway, Sweden, and Russia.
6. Chopines Italy, 1580 – 1620
Today, original chopines are rare, with only a few museums housing examples. These shoes first appeared during the Renaissance and remained popular among Italian women into the early 17th century. Similar to Japanese Okobo, chopines were highly impractical, designed primarily to make a statement. They elevated the wearer by up to 18 cm (5 inches) and were both extravagant and costly.
Crafted from wood and covered in luxurious silk or velvet, these prized shoes were adorned with silver lace, tacks, and silk tassels. Ironically, despite their opulence, chopines were rarely seen, as they were hidden beneath the long dresses worn by women, even in period paintings.
5. Heelless shoes 2007
I included a few modern shoe designs here as well, as they are simply too unusual to overlook. Heelless shoes first appeared on Antonio Berardi’s runway in 2007 and gained fame when Victoria Beckham wore them in 2008. Despite their unconventional and seemingly uncomfortable design, the English-Italian designer claims they cause no pain. He stated, 'They are perfectly balanced. Initially, the models appear hesitant during fittings, but by the end, they say it feels like wearing normal shoes.' However, medical professionals warn that regular use could result in lasting damage to the feet, knees, and spine.
4. Padukas (Toe-knob sandals) India, 1700s
Padukas, or toe-knob sandals, represent India’s most ancient and iconic footwear. These sandals consist of a sole with a post and knob positioned between the big and second toes. They were typically crafted from materials like silver, wood, iron, or ivory. There is even a spiked version used for masochistic practices, where individuals derive pleasure or sexual arousal from pain. Some masochists experience aichmophilia, a fascination with needles and spikes. After 20-40 minutes of pain, the body releases opiate-like chemicals to dull the sensation, creating anesthetic, euphoric, and trance-like effects believed to heighten sexual sensitivity. Indian Hindu Sadhus, or Holy Men, wear spiked padukas for this purpose.
3. Lotus Shoes China, from the 10th century to 2009
The Han Chinese practice of foot binding, aimed at making women’s feet resemble lotus buds, persisted for over a millennium. Northern styles, particularly from Beijing, featured a distinctive 'bow' shape with a curved sole and heel, often reinforced with leather at the toe and heel. In Shanghai, the fashion hub of late 19th and early 20th century China, women favored multi-layered heels, while those in southern regions like Guangdong preferred flat-heeled shoes made of black cotton or silk. Some shoes included iron or wooden studs on the soles to elevate and protect the delicate embroidered silk from street dirt.
A woman’s dowry often included several pairs of handmade shoes, showcasing her needlework skills and the small size of her feet. After marriage, brides would present shoes to their female in-laws during a ceremony called 'dividing the shoes.' The Zhiqiang Shoe Factory, the last to mass-produce lotus shoes, added them to their lineup in 1991 for elderly women with bound feet. Initially selling over 2,000 pairs annually, the factory ceased regular production in 2009, opting to make them only by special order.
2. The Ballet Boot 1980s–present day
The ballet boot is a modern footwear style that originated as a fetish item but has since become a fashion statement, especially in Japan. Combining the appearance of a traditional ballet slipper with an extreme high heel, this shoe forces the wearer’s feet into a near en pointe position, mimicking a ballerina’s stance. Popularized in the 1980s, ballet boots are now sold globally through specialty retailers and online. However, they are not designed for prolonged wear. As evidenced by images on platforms like Google, these shoes remain a favorite among fetish enthusiasts.
1. Wooden Bridal Shoes France, late 19th century
Originating from the Bethmale Valley, south of Saint Girons in the Ariege district, these pointed wooden bridal shoes date back to the 9th century. Legend has it that villagers, after defeating Moorish invaders who had kidnapped local women, celebrated by impaling their enemies’ hearts on the pointed tips of their clogs. Crafted from walnut tree trunks, the shoes were shaped into rectangles using the tree’s roots. Later, branches were bent and warped to pre-form the wood for clog-making. Men in the village created these shoes for their brides-to-be, with the height of the point symbolizing the depth of their love.
+ Armadillo Shoes
In 2010, Alexander McQueen introduced a collection of armadillo-inspired shoes, which gained fame after being worn by celebrities like 'Lady' Gaga and others unbothered by their unconventional appearance. The original design, pictured above, has since inspired numerous variations. However, my recommendation to any discerning women reading this list is to steer clear of these outlandish shoes!
