The Fascinating History of Sandals: From Ancient Times to Modern Fashion
Posted by Christal Duncan on 2024 Jun 21st
Sandals, one of the oldest forms of footwear, have a rich history that spans thousands of years and multiple civilizations. And that's why we love them so much!
Whether you're slipping into flip-flops for the beach or donning high-fashion sandals for a night out, you're participating in a tradition that spans millennia. In fact, some of the styles have endured and outlived empires and civilizations around the world. And we think the reason is obvious: because they work and look great!
Here is a brief tour of sandals through the past 5000 plus years of global history...
Early Beginnings: Practicality and Symbolism
- In Ancient Mesopotamia (circa 3000 BCE) leather sandals had intricate designs, indicating social status and how they were used in ceremonies.
- In Ancient Greece (circa 1200 BCE), leather sandals were called "crepida" and they were worn by men and women. We can see these depicted in mythology and art.
- In Ancient Rome (circa 750 BCE), a style of sandals called "Caligae" were worn by soldiers for durability. They were worn by soldiers of all ranks, and were heavy soled and durable. The Romans had different styles of sandals with different doles, and one of them was the decorative "soleae", which were slippers that were worn in the home.
Middle Ages and Renaissance: A Shift in Popularity
- In the Byzantine Empire, ornate sandals with jewels and gold were worn out on the streets, blending Roman and Eastern influences
- In Medieval Europe, sandals had become less popular for a time and were worn mostly indoors or by monks, as closed shoes became more common.
Sandals in Asia and Africa: Adaptation to Climate
Warm climates in Asia and Africa kept sandals popular through the ages!
- In India, wooden "padukas" were worn. They have long been a symbol of spirituality and asceticism.
- In Japan, the "zori" and "geta" sandals, made from rice straw or wood, are timeless
- And throughout the continent of Africa, sandals have endured. They are have made from leather, reeds, and palm leaves, and are still often decorated with beads.
Modern Evolution: From Beachwear to Fashion Icons
The 20th century brought significant changes to sandal design, but we can still see the ties back to what our global ancestors wore.
In Early 1900s, sandals began to appear as beachwear in western fashion. In the Mid-1900s, it was the start of the casual fashion rise, with iconic brands like "Birkenstock" gaining popularity.
And by the late 1900s and early 2000s, sandals once again became fashion staples. They have included everything from high-end designs and the natural "Jesus sandal" that was popularized by the hippie movement.
Contemporary Sandals: Merging Comfort AND Style
Today, sandals range from everyday wear to luxury fashion, made from diverse materials with ergonomic designs for comfort and style.
From ancient civilizations to modern runways, sandals have played a significant role in human history, reflecting cultural, technological, and fashion changes. As one of the most enduring forms of footwear, sandals symbolize both practicality and elegance.