Shoes Sandals

Shoes Sandals

Funny Stories on the Origin of Some Lady Shoes

While sorting lady shoes out by styles, I found some funny stories concerning the origin of some ladies high heel shoes. Either of them has a legendary story hidden behind the pop styles among the fashion world.

First, I'd like to share with you the origin of ballet flats. Ballet flats, as the name shows, are used for ballet performance or training. Ballet flats are derived from a woman's soft ballet slipper, with a very thin heel or the appearance of no heel at all. The style usually features a ribbon-like binding around the low tops of the slipper and may have a slight gathering at the top-front of the vamp and a tiny, decorative string tie. Ballet slippers can be adjusted and tightened to the wearer's foot by means of this string tie.

The essence of the ballet flat has existed since at least the 16th century, in which men wore a similar shoe, then known as pumps. In medieval times ballet flats were popular with both men and women. They only came out of fashion in the 17th and 18th centuries when the high-heeled shoe came into fashion after Catherine de' Medici requested that her cobbler add two inches to her wedding shoes. Heels went out of fashion quickly after Marie Antoinette walked to the guillotine in a pair of heels. Functional shoes: sandals, boots, and flat shoes prevailed in the 19th century. Ballet flats took off again when Audrey Hepburn wore them with skinny jeans in Funny Face in 1957.

More recently, variations of ballet flats have returned as a current fashion trend, often referred to as ballet pumps or ballet sneakers and designed for outdoor wear, using a variety of fabrics and usually with a rubber sole. Ballet flats are popular with girls and women of all ages. They are also a great alternative to heels, and they are seen with many tweens and teens at school dances and proms instead of heels.

Second, I am very glad to share with you the more mysterious and interesting origin concerning the gladiator shoes and gladiator sandals.

In ancient Rome professional fighters called Gladiators would battle, sometimes to the death, with animals, each other or convicted criminals, this was often done bare footed. In the arenas spectators would gather together and watch the games and cheer on their favorite Gladiator. To the Romans gladiatorial combat was entertainment or ceremonies that sometimes lasted for days and involved other attractions such as music, food and attractions. The last documented gladiatorial event took place in 404AD.

The one item of the Gladiator era that we are glad to see around today is the Gladiator sandal. By definition the gladiator sandal is a flat sandal that has several straps across the top holding the sole to the foot and a strap around the ankle. This sandal worn by the professional fighters was brought back to fashion in the late 1960s and now in 2008 it is making a comeback. When you look at the fashion magazines you will see the celebrities with different variations of the sandal, Gladiator sandals low heels, high heel and flats. The heel height is not the only difference; the ankle strap can go up your leg as high as the knee. The materials for making the sandal is not just plain brown leather as originally, you will find fabric, leather, patent, any in color that you can imagine, and decorated with a large variety of embellishments.

Whenever there is new interesting story or origin concerning ladies high heel shoes, I will update immediately and share with you all on Articlesbase.com. You are suggested to keep an eye on the home of Lady Shoes Guard at articlesbase.com.

Voice from the heart, love with your heart, love without words. If you are an enthusiastic collector on
high heel shoes on sale, please feel free to visit LadyShoesMall.com to get your favorite lady high heel shoes. CL boots blog sincerely invites you to keep an eye on the latest new arrivals and special offers at Lady-Shoes-Mall.com.
About the Author

Christian Louboutin Shoes, Chanel Designer Handbags Sale, Gucci Swiss Watches Women

Where online can you find cute baby shoes (sandals) in a size 3?

My daughter is 8 months old and I am going crazy trying to find just a simple pair of black or brown sandals to match everything. I have tried Macys, Nordstroms, Old Navy, and Gymboree but can't find anything cute!

Probably because it isn't common for black or brown sandals for a little girl? I am an extensive shopper for my DD, and I have never seen black or brown sandals. You should try looking for white. It may be a bit harder in such a little size.

http://www.striderite.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1620&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=232&iSubCat=257&iProductID=1620&sColor=341

http://www.striderite.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1003&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=232&iSubCat=257&iProductID=1003&sColor=93

http://www.striderite.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=739&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=232&iSubCat=257&iProductID=739&sColor=93

*This last one comes in brown, but looks quite boyish.

Pedipeds don't necessarily have sandals, but are summerish without socks. My DD wore these at that age.

http://www.pediped.com/Product/CategoryInfo.aspx?cid=52

Spring & Summer Sandals - Shoe Haul (Part 1)