ON SANDALS AND SLIPPERS
The History of Sandals
Sandals are probably the first shoes ever made. At least according to scientists’ findings.
In pharaonic Egypt simple workers had sandals with soles made of papyrus. In King Tutankhamun’s grav on the other hand archaeologists found sandals that bore soldiers of Egypt’s rival army engraved in their sole. This literally enabled Tutankhamun to kick his enemies with every step. The young king also possessed a pair with golden ponds on the top in which ducks made of lapis lazuli «swim». The author has seen them in Egyptian National Museum. Amazing artworks.
Roman soldiers wore sandals that were made of a single piece of leather while their empresses could only be satisfied with soles made of solid gold and straps decorated with jewels.
In Europe poor people wore wooden sandals until about 1200 AC. After this sandals disappeared for centuries.
Slippers
Unlike sandals, slippers were originally not made for walking; just to be worn.
Typically made of embroidered silk or brocade and decorated with precious jewels they clearly were status symbols. The soles of slippers were often also made of textile or thin leather which means the feet would get wet from a single raindrop.
Only the working class had «real» shoes and legend has it that Marie Antoinette had a servant whose only job it was to look after her 700 pairs of slippers.
The Comeback of Sandals
In the roaring 20s sandals came back; in a VERY different look and meaning. They were regarded as sexy and coquettish.
Nowadays, slippers are mostly practical and used for the beach as house shoes or sometimes as a summer shoe.
And, we think that sandals are still sexy and a very nice accessory for summer.
