Footwear has always been used to protect and comfort human feet during various activities. Any outfit you wear is incomplete without the proper footwear, which should not only be comfortable for you but also go with your dress.
The oldest surviving footwear dates back by 10,000 years. These handmade sandals were designed with the help of rope. One of the oldest shoes made of leather was found in a cave in Armenia and was 5,500 years old. This kind of shoe was built using a single piece of leather and was the simplest shoe that ever existed.
Some evidence from archeologists suggests that people from East Asia may have worn shoes 42,000 years ago. Some studies of ancient skeletons also reveal major changes in the skeleton feet between 26,000 and 30,000 years ago. Humans who supported their feet with shoes had slimmer and thinner toe bones as compared to those who walked barefoot.
Sandals
Sandals are a common type of ancient footwear consisting of a sole that holds the foot using straps. The strap goes between the wearer’s first (big) toe and the second toe and then around the back of the ankle, helping the sole be firmly attached to the foot while walking. A sandal may or may not have a heel, depending on the comfort of the wearer and the purpose of the sandal.
Sandals can be made from leather, plastic, straw, rubber, metal, rope, and even old tires. They help people walk over surfaces that can be quite unforgiving without using any kind of protection on the feet. They are sturdy and breezy and keep the feet aired and cool in hot climates while you are walking over a sun-scorched pavement. They also protect the feet from mud and stones.
Origin of Sandals Been Revealed
The oldest known sandals were found in Fort Rock Cave located in Oregon. They were constructed using sagebrush bark, and the radiocarbon dating showed that they are older than ten thousand years.
History of Sandals
The word ‘sandal’ has Greek origins. Ancient Greeks used sandals made of twigs, fibers, and willow leaves, which were mostly worn by philosophers of the time. Other types of sandals worn by hunters and men of authority and rank had a sole made with cork slices. This not only made the sole of the sandal thicker but was also a sign of the stature of the wearer.
In ancient Egypt, only important people wore sandals which were only worn outdoors. Egyptian sandals were made of papyrus and palm leaves. Sandals made of papyrus were a part of the required dress worn by priests. Egyptians were also the ones who made different sandals for the left and right foot.
In ancient Greece, the most common footwear for women was sandals made of leather and multiple straps, which they could wear in their homes. The top of the sandals was usually made of colored leather, while the soles were constructed using sheep or cow skin. In the 4th century, when Alexander Great unified Greece, there was an increase in a wealthy and luxurious lifestyle which ultimately led to the creation of expensive and stylish sandals made of leather. Trends started emerging in wearing different sandals for different occasions.
In ancient Rome, people were artistic, so they used to carve shapes and designs into their leather sandals and boots. Ancient Levant sandals, also known as biblical sandals, were made up of unprocessed leather and dry grass, while the straps were made up of cheap materials, but sometimes gold or silver beads and gems were added to make them look better.
When Christianity started becoming popular, the trend of wearing sandals slowly diminished as it was thought by church leaders to be a sign of immodesty, showing the feet and ankles of women.
In modern times, sandals are way more popular than they used to be, especially after the trend set by David Beckham. Men, women, or children, everyone wear leather sandals, especially during summer when they want comfort and style. They are still a fashion staple among both men and women with various styles.