We often view shoes as simple tools for protection or style. However, Margo DeMello’s encyclopedia reveals they are complex that reflect our status, beliefs, and even our survival. 1. Shoes as Symbols of Status and Gender
Throughout history, footwear has been used to communicate who we are. Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia
While today they are largely a symbol of femininity, in 17th-century Europe, they were originally a sign of masculinity and high social status for men. We often view shoes as simple tools for protection or style
Footwear choices have often been governed by strict social—and sometimes legal—rules. in 17th-century Europe