From Brogues to Pattens: A Walk Through History Exploring What Shoes Were Called in the Old Days
As we lace up our modern sneakers or slip into stylish loafers, it's fascinating to delve into the linguistic history of footwear. The names of shoes have evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in fashion, culture, and societal norms. This article takes you on a journey through time, uncovering what shoes were called in the old days, from medieval pattens to Renaissance chopines and Victorian brogues.
Footwear in the Medieval Era
Pattens
In medieval times, pattens were elevated platforms worn beneath shoes to protect against mud and uneven terrain. These wooden or metal additions elevated the wearer, providing both practicality and a touch of fashion to footwear.
Crakows
Popular during the 15th century, crakows were shoes with exaggerated, elongated toes, often reaching comically long lengths. This distinctive style reflected the trends of the time and was favored by the fashion-conscious in medieval Europe.
Renaissance Elegance
Chopines
Rising to prominence during the Renaissance, chopines were platform shoes worn by women to elevate them above the ground. These towering structures, sometimes reaching heights of 20 inches, were a symbol of status and elegance.
Pantoufles
In Renaissance France, pantoufles were delicate, slipper-like shoes worn by both men and women. These shoes were characterized by soft soles and were often adorned with decorative elements such as ribbons and embroidery.
Victorian Refinement
Brogues
During the Victorian era, brogues emerged as a popular style of footwear. Originally designed for outdoor activities in Scotland and Ireland, brogues featured decorative perforations and became associated with both formal and casual wear.
Spats
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spats were worn as protective coverings over shoes. These cloth or leather accessories added a touch of formality to men's footwear, covering the ankle and the top of the shoe.
Roaring Twenties to Mid-Century
Mary Janes
Named after the popular comic strip character, Mary Janes gained popularity in the early 20th century. These shoes, characterized by a rounded toe, a strap across the instep, and a low heel, became a staple for women and children alike.
Saddle Shoes
Saddle shoes, recognized by their distinctive contrasting colors and a saddle-shaped panel across the instep, became a fashion statement in the 1950s. Initially worn as sporty footwear, saddle shoes evolved into a symbol of classic American style.
Contemporary Names and Styles
Stilettos
In the mid-20th century, stilettos emerged as a high-fashion footwear choice for women. These ultra-thin, high-heeled shoes became synonymous with glamour and sophistication, transforming the landscape of women's fashion.
Sneakers
Coined in the early 20th century, the term "sneakers" refers to rubber-soled shoes designed for quiet and comfortable walking. Originally associated with sports and leisure, sneakers have evolved into a global fashion phenomenon, embraced by all age groups.
Conclusion: A Walk Through Time
In conclusion, the names of shoes have traversed a fascinating journey through history, reflecting the diverse cultural and fashion influences of each era. From the practicality of medieval pattens to the elegance of Renaissance chopines and the refinement of Victorian brogues, each period has left its imprint on the world of footwear. As we step into the present day with sneakers and stilettos, it's clear that the language of shoes continues to evolve, telling a compelling story of human expression and style across the ages.
