By: Jing Yang, contributing intern (@jing5233) Can you imagine that the thickness of your high heels’ soles can reflect the economic situation worldwide? In December 2015, Ferragamo did an exhibition to show its shoe-making history. Among all of its items on display, you can conclude that the worse the economy situation, the thicker your soles. Ferragamo started to make shoes in the 1920s. In order to make beautiful and comfortable shoes, he learned anatomy, math and engineering as well. He described this pair of shoes, which he made in 1925, in this way: Human’s weight falls on the foot arch like a plumb. In the 1930s-1940s, thick-sole shoes became popular. The modern thick-sole shoes were created by Ferragamo, and one of his most famous work “Rainbow Shoes” was named as one of the greatest invention in 1940s. The reason for Ferragoma to create this thick-sole shoe was related to the ecomonic situation. In 1930s, people lived a poor life, which caused the lack of steel, leather and knifes. Therefore, making traditional shoes became difficult. Ferragamo found that corks for wine were good materials for shoes’ soles. Then, the first pair of cork thick-sole shoes was born. Then, in the 1940s, during which time people became objective, slope shoes led the trend. In 1947, Ferragamo was inspired from architecture and invented a pair of shoes with invisible heels. In the 1950s, the economy flourished again, and beauty became significant. High heels staged a comeback. Hollywood welcomed its thriving style in the ’50s, Famous actresses’ clothes became the model for all ladies. This red crystal high heel was made by Ferragamo especially for Marilyn Monroe. When it came to the ’60s “space age,” ladies liked to wear low heels and boots. In the ’70s, economic stagnation came again, and thick-sole shoes became popular again. David Bowie, the famous hippy with his thick-sole shoes led the trend. And also in this age, flat shoes were popular. In 1978, Ferragamo produced one of the most representative product “Vara.” A pair of elegant shoes with a low heel, round head and bowknot. Not only is this pair of shoes elegant, but also they are very comfortable. That’s why people still love it nowadays. In the ’80s, the economy flourished and technology developed fast. Women started to wear shoes in a more powerful way. Instead of a delicate dress, they wore suits with thick shoulder pads, and shoes in cone-shape heels. In the ’90s, guess what, the financial crisis came back again! But different from the thick-sole shoes before, those thick-shoes in this age became flat. The most representative people, wearing these kind of shoes should be Spice Girls. In the 21st century, people’s shoe style became more and more diverse, which made it hard to evaluate the relationship between the thickness of shoe soles and economic situations. Hopefully, everyone can find the best pair of shoes for them during any financially-driven environment. Photo credit: Ferragamo
