Materials and Functions


Footwear has evolved significantly over the centuries as materials and manufacturing techniques advanced. Early shoes were made from natural materials like leather, wood or plant fibers that were shaped to protect the feet. As civilizations developed, so did shoemaking into an craft. By the ancient Egyptians and Greeks eras, shoes became diverse in styles and served practical and fashionable purposes. Romans created the basis for modern shoe construction by using multiple leather layers and nails. During the Middle Ages, the arrival of machinery allowed for mass production of basic footwear.

The industrial revolution of the 18th-19th centuries revolutionized Footwear  Making. Advances like leather tanning, sewing machines and mechanical lasts automated production and lowered costs. This fueled demand for shoes among the working classes and standardized sizing.

New synthetic and chemical materials also emerged, expanding options beyond traditional leathers. In the late 19th century, Goodyear developed the vulcanization process for rubber soles and heels, making boots and shoes weather resistant.

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