Walking Like an Egyptian - the Evolution of Sandals
 

In the world of fashion, styles of the past often make a return to the present. The basic construction of sandals today (a sole joined to the feet by straps) is very similar in composition to the sandals that were worn by ancient Egyptians. The sole of ancient sandals was typically flat with a thin strap in the shape of the letter Y that split the big toe and second toe and fastened to both sides of the foot. While there are many similarities in the past sandals, there have been many changes.

The big difference in ancient Egyptian sandals and those of today is the material that is used to make the sandals. Ancient Egyptians didn’t have the assortment of materials that are available to shoemakers today. In the present day we have beach sandals made of rubber or other waterproof material and dress sandals that may consist of suede components. In ancient times sandals were typically constructed of one material - papyrus leaves.

Sandals and Class

In ancient Egypt there was a clear division between the upper and lower classes. All had to deal with the hot Egyptian ground, but Egyptian art seems to indicate that sandals were only part of the attire of royalty. This is a distinct difference in the impression of sandals today. Sandals are probably the most universal shoes in the world-they are suitable for just about everyone.

As is true today, sandals of ancient Egypt were worn by both men and women. When the lower and upper class wore sandals, however, there were distinctions that kept the classes separate. It is believed that some upper class Egyptian women ornamented their sandals with jewels and other embellishments. Women still want more in their sandals. In addition to jewel ornaments, the sandals of today are available in a variety of colors, fabrics, and heel heights. Anne Klein sandals include a style of platinum dress sandals that have jewels and stones on its center strap. These sandals are definitely a change from the basic style of sandals of ancient Egypt.

The division of the classes in footwear was also practiced by the men of ancient Egypt. The sandals worn by Pharaohs differed from those worn by common workers in the material. Leather was reserved for upper class men, such as Pharaohs and priests. Common working men wore sandals made of papyrus leaves and other materials they could find.

Sandals are still as popular as they were in ancient Egypt, and will probably continue to embody styles of times past.

 

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