Indigenous moccasins

The term “moccasin” comes from the Algonquian language Powhatan, and was first used to describe any kind of Native-sewn footwear. Now, the term encompasses just about any shoe that has an Indigenous design or was worn by Indigenous people. Most Native Americans wore moccasins made from deer-hide, with a U-shaped toe. However, Native Americans who inhabited areas with extreme climates, like deserts and plains, often wore moccasins with hard soles that were made from pieces of rawhide or soft leather, with a turned-up toe. For tribes who lived in colder climates, moccasins referred to heavy-duty boots that were lined with fur. In the 19th century, moccasins became a popular footwear choice in Europe, due to their ability to protect the feet from plants and landscapes.

Dutch wooden clogs

Dutch wooden clogs are a well-known symbol of the Netherlands. It is believed that the oldest pair of these shoes were made around 1230. They were first crafted by hand, taking a day to create two pairs. Now, factories produce more than 2,000 of these shoes a day. These clogs were made out of necessity rather than for fashion. They are naturally water resistant to protect feet from the Dutch climate, and provide the needed support to move on land comfortably and easily. They symbolize practicality, craftsmanship, and resilience. Farmers, garden enthusiasts, and tourists in rural areas of the Netherlands still wear them.

Manchu platform shoes

Manchu platform shoes became a fashion staple for the Manchu people during the late Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Platform shoes, found in various cultures globally, are typically characterized by thick soles resulting in an elevated style. The Manchu platforms, nicknamed horse hoof shoes, emphasized maintaining “natural feet.” This was largely in contrast to another group under the Qing dynasty, the Han Chinese, who practiced foot binding to create smaller feet to fit far smaller shoes. The platforms included detailed fabric upper sections and had a slightly curved, tilt-like wooden pole, hence the nickname “horse shoe.” Not many people are aware of the Manchu people and their culture due to the rapid modernization of the areas they inhabited, along with their decreased cultural presence. However, the Manchu people’s platform shoes were an important component of dress among Manchu women for centuries.