There is something special about the spring in your step. Could it be your shoes? Shoes can be a pretty good indicator on how people feel that particular day. Every shoe has it’s own story. Sometimes it’s just about comfort but other times it’s about style. If you’re lucky enough, you can find a shoe that melds the two together. Shoes can also tell a story about where you are from or where you are going. Flying to a warm climate in the middle of winter? You’ve probably ditched those oversize snow boots for some flip-flops or sandals or vice versa if you are heading to below freezing temperatures. Shoes can help determine an outfit. Heels can dress up a simple pair of jeans. A pair of stylish loafers can take a fancy skirt and effectively tone it down for everyday wear. Certain boots can make the stride in your step more determined and confident while ballet flats create a more delicate and light movement. There is something about the shoe you wear that can make you feel unique.
Stories with shoes have existed for as long as one can remember. Cinderella with her glass slippers, The Red Shoes from Hans Christian Anderson’s story, Dorothy in ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz, and it’s even said Hemingway penned a 6-word short story entitled Baby Shoes around the famous Algonquin Round Table. Our history of shoes goes back as far as anyone can remember. Could you possibly imagine Ancient Romans without Sandals?
So next time you’re in Toronto, check out the Bata Shoe Museum or if you are traveling to France, there is the Musee International de la Chaussure (or International Footwear Museum). And of course, when in Rome, you can walk into any given store to find the fine artisan of the shoe designer!
That said, my new favorite shoes at this moment in time are the spectacular Vince Nina Flat in Pewter and the stylish Loffler Randall Lana Platform Wedge in Black nubuck/Mirrored leather. Both for very different occasions. So this is my shoe story for the week!
