The Brief History of Leather Shoes

Leather shoe manufacturing has come a long way for thousands of years. Here is a brief description of its development. The oldest known leather shoes were excavated by archaeologists in a cave in Armenia in 2010.

Radiocarbon dating is 5,500 years old. It is made from a piece of cowhide with a grass lining. From these humble beginnings, the shoe industry has grown. Now, It become the world’s largest consumer of leather. Today 14 billion pairs of leather shoes are produced annually.

After “Armenian slippers”, sandals are considered the first example of shoes specially made for the foot. The shoemaker was a valuable craftsman of the Roman Empire (dating back to 27 BC). Sandals for civilians
were generally unisex and were made of cork soles and thongs or laces. Legionnaires, Roman soldiers had a more powerful version. Conical sole. During the time of the Roman Empire, different styles of shoes began to appear. They were great signs of power and status. And soldiers of higher ranks were given more beautiful shoes.

Development of Leather Shoes After the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, from about the fifth century, the turn shoe method was developed. As the name implies, the shoe was turned inside out and then rotated so that the seams were inside the shoe. This made them more stylish, perhaps more important at the time, and more water repellent and antifouling agents. The addition of drawstrings and flaps with toggles provided a better fit and allowed for more decorative prosperity.

Turnshoe method as a procedure was dominant in Europe until around 1500. When the welt edge method was used. Here, the upper, outsole, and sock liner are sewn together for added durability and waterproofness. This method is very similar to the method used by today’s classic shoemakers. Until the 19th century, there was no difference between the left and right shoes, but as the cutting and sewing patterns became more accurate and the shoe fit better, it became easier and more necessary.

The sewing machine was invented in 1846 and the manufacturing process was more industrialized, but most of
the work, cutting, and molding were still done by hand. In 1910, the seamless shoe manufacturing process was developed.

The soles that were previously sewn by hand can now be mechanically bonded, leading to mass production. However, manufacturing progress is not always good. From venerable companies in Northampton, England to shoe stores in the United States to fashion houses in Italy, the best shoemakers are still proud to make almost handmade shoes. And of course, it’s made of the finest leather.