Why are Italian shoes so well renowned for quality, style and comfort? How did Italy earn itself such a widespread reputation for making the finest high-end shoes in the world, and where does this rich history stem from? Find the answers to all your questions about Italian shoes in this blog.
The first Italian shoes were made from animal hides
Italians have a long history of shoemaking. They’ve been crafting shoes for centuries, gaining an unparalleled reputation for quality along the way. The country’s lengthy shoe-making history can be traced back to early Roman times when artisans and cobblers would fashion rudimentary footwear from animal hides. While these early shoes were very basic in design, they laid the foundations for the more complex and intricate designs that would come later.
As Italy’s leatherworking skills developed, so too did the country’s shoemaking abilities. Italy is now renowned for its high-quality leather products – a key factor in why Italian shoes are so sought-after – and Italians take great pride in their strong shoemaking traditions.
Every style of Italian shoes has its own unique history
From the classic loafer to the chic stiletto, there’s a wealth of different footwear styles that have origins in Italy – and each one is synonymous with luxury and elegance.
A brief history of the classic loafer
One of the most popular and timeless Italian shoe styles is the loafer. This slip-on style first gained popularity in America in the 1930s, but its roots can be traced back to England where it was known as a ‘wilderness boot’. It wasn’t until Italians began crafting this style of shoe from soft, supple leather that it became the fashionable footwear staple we know today.
How did stilettos become a symbol of Italian glamour?
While Italians are synonymous with stylish shoes, there’s one particular style that is undeniably linked with luxury and glamour – the stiletto. These slim, high-heeled shoes first rose to prominence in post-war Italy when they were worn by movie stars and fashionable socialites. Over the years, stilettos have become a symbol of Italian glamour and are now worn by women all over the world.
What about Italian boots?
Boots have been a staple of Italian footwear for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that they became a fashion item. That’s when iconic Italian designer Franco Moschino put his own spin on the classic boot by creating a thigh-high style adorned with tassels and embellishments. This bold new take on the traditional boot quickly caught on and has since become one of the most popular styles of Italian footwear.
Shop for Italian footwear online
From luxury designer footwear to more practical and comfortable everyday shoes, Italians have a shoe style to suit every need. Thanks to the country’s rich shoemaking heritage, Italians have an innate understanding of how to craft high-quality shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. It’s no wonder Italian shoes are so highly prized by fashionistas and regular folk alike!
So there you have it – a brief history of Italian shoes. Next time you slip on a pair of beautiful Italian leather loafers or killer stilettos, remember the centuries of skill and craftsmanship that have gone into making them.
