Home | Editorial  |  Aboutus | Contactus | Media Details   

Welcome to LeatherSpan Journal 

Footwear has a history which goes back many thousands of years, and has long been an article of prestige. The earliest footwear, probably made of plaited grass or rawhide held to the foot with thongs was undoubtedly born of the necessity to provide some protection when moving over rough terrain in varying weather conditions, and there still exist examples of footwear from ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Chinese and Vikings. Soon, however, the rich and influential began distinguishing themselves by the craftsmanship and decoration which characterized their shoes.

Throughout history, too, footwear has figured widely in mythology folk stories and superstition. The Greek god Mercury wore winged sandals, and there are very few Europeans who do not remember childhood tales of puss in Boots, the Seven League Boots, Cinderella stories where shoes play a starring role. The cobbler has always been a romantic figure, and even today it is traditional to tie a boot or shoe to the back of the newlyweds car as a good luck token.

In ancient times, as today, the basic type of shoe worn depended on the climate. In warmer areas, the sandal was, and still is, the most popular form of footwear. It varied from the primitive form worn thousands of years before christ,to beautifully finished versions derives from the original shoe adopted in cold climates by races as different as North American Indians, Eskimos, Laplanders. The distinctive seam on the upper of a modern moccasin is all that remains, however of the puckering string that was gathered and tied about the ankles to give all over protection to the feet.

More>>