Feet And Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia May 2026

While today they are largely a symbol of femininity, in 17th-century Europe, they were originally a sign of masculinity and high social status for men.

The 2009 book , by cultural anthropologist Margo DeMello, serves as a comprehensive guide to the historical and social significance of what we wear on our feet. More Than Just a Step: Lessons from Feet and Footwear Feet and Footwear: A Cultural Encyclopedia

Footwear choices have often been governed by strict social—and sometimes legal—rules. While today they are largely a symbol of