BOOKSHELVES & VANITIES

Thankfully, we live in a time with so many shoe variants. I've always thought that the lack of inventive shoes was one of the reasons why Cinderella's glass slippers were so highly coveted (apart from it came with a prince).

The downside is that there's so many shoe types out there that it's hard to keep track. Thank fully we have the internet to fix that ;)

Follow the jump to get shoe-savvy...


Here's a visual on the different types of (modern) shoes.

If the above isn't enough, and you really want to get the nitty-gritty details, you can try searching on the Shoes Glossary & Footwear Terminology. This is also more updated than the above.


For example, the picture on the left is called Ombre Shoes. These shoes have two or more colors that transitions in a gradient. Love the shoes? They're on sale on etsy.com. See the link on the photo credits. 







There are also more traditional shoes that has ceased circulation - thankfully so. On the right is a picture of a pair of miniature Chinese shoes. It made out of fine silk, canvas soles and embroidered satin. These super tiny shoes are actually worn by adults. How? Because of the traditional way of binding one's feet to prevent growth. In fact, the ideal length should be 3 inches, known as the golden lotus, while 4 inches is known as the silver lotus. Anything longer is called the iron lotus and is not very desirable. The girls started binding their feet at a young age and would continue onto adulthood. Walking was a pain so the shoes needed to be as soft as possible. This was practiced in China by the Song Dynasty but was outlawed in the 1911. 





Shoes are bound in culture! It's interesting to see society through them.

Photo Credits:
DICTIONARY SHOES - http://www.wordofthenerdonline.com/its-sew-geeky-upcycling-shoes/
OMBRE SHOES - http://www.etsy.com/listing/99113965/ombregradient-purplepink-heels-size-6-12
LOTUS - http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/museumobjectmonth2?objid%3D179890