Feet And Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia May 2026

Footwear choices have often been governed by strict social—and sometimes legal—rules.

The 2009 book , by cultural anthropologist Margo DeMello, serves as a comprehensive guide to the historical and social significance of what we wear on our feet. More Than Just a Step: Lessons from Feet and Footwear Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia

Feet and footwear : a cultural encyclopedia - Internet Archive Footwear choices have often been governed by strict

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. Throughout history, footwear has been used to communicate

Throughout history, footwear has been used to communicate who we are.

These backless slippers were favored by ancient Patricians in Rome. By the 17th century, they became highly adorned public fashion statements for wealthy French women. 2. Footwear, Taboos, and the Law