History’s Most Fascinating Footwear

By All That's Interesting | Edited By Savannah Cox
Published September 8, 2012
Updated January 11, 2018

The Manchu

The Manchu Shoe

Source: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_C.I.41.110.272a,b.jpg

Deriving its name from the Manchu women who wore them in the 19th century, the impossible heel of these Chinese slippers forced aristocratic women to take tiny, mincing steps much like Chinese women with bound feet. Manchu women were forbidden to bind their feet, though many Manchu men still found the practice exotic and appealing, hence the women’s adoption of footwear that would produce the same effect while walking.

Manchu

Fascinating Footwear: The Armadillo

Fascinating Footwear Armadillo Shoe

Source: Blogspot

Thanks to Lady Gaga, the futuristic oddity known as the armadillo heel is recognizable throughout many parts of the world. A fruit of late designer Alexander McQueen, fashionistas around the world have tried their hand–or rather feet–at strutting around in these sky-high heels.

The Armadillo Shoe

Source: Blogspot

author
All That's Interesting
author
All That's Interesting
Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.
editor
Savannah Cox
editor
Savannah Cox
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.
You might also like