Footwear consists of garments worn on the feet, for fashion, protection against the environment, and adornment. Being barefoot is commonly associated with poverty, but some cultures chose not to wear footwear at least in some situations.
Socks and other hosiery are usually worn between the feet and other footwear, less often with sandals and flip flops (thongs). Footwear is sometimes associated with fetishism, particularly in some fashions in shoes, including boots.
Durable shoes are a relatively recent invention, though many ancient civilizations wore ornamental footwear. Many ancient civilizations saw no need for footwear. The Romans saw clothing and footwear as signs of power and status in society, and most Romans wore footwear, while slaves and peasants remained barefoot. The Middle Ages saw the rise of high-heeled shoes, also associated with power, and the desire to look larger than life, and artwork often depicted someone barefoot as a symbol of poverty. Bare feet are also seen as a sign of humility and respect, and adherents of many religions worship or mourn barefoot, or remove their shoes as a sign of respect towards someone of higher standing.
In some cultures, it is customary for people to remove their shoes before entering a home, and some religious communities require shoes to be removed before entering a building which they regard as holy, such as a temple.
Why Leather Shoes Are worth The Investment:
1. Breathability:
Did you know leather breathes? Not like actual breathing but rather it lets air pass through the material. This is great for leather shoes because the material lets air in to cool your feet and stop them from smelling.
2. Durability:
One of the biggest benefits of leather shoes is they are durable. Genuine leather shoes can outlive other shoes made from synthetic materials. High quality leather stays strong against demanding work environments meaning the shoes will last much longer.
3. Water Resistance
If the leather is treated or waxed then it will be resistant against water and other liquids. When working outside or in kitchens, you need to wear shoes that are water resistant to keep your feet dry and avoid any external damage to the shoe. Leather shoes can keep your toes dry from any spills or puddles.
4. Extra Protection:
Of course leather shoes won't give you the same protection as steel toe cap or composite capped shoes but the strength of the natural material can offer extra protection from hot liquids and small falling objects. If you work in an active work environment, leather can help protect your feet from accidents or injuries.
5. Better Fit:
If you wear leather shoes, the leather material will mould to the shape of your foot. When trying on plastic or other synthetic shoes you can find they often feel hard against your feet and they won't change to accommodate the shape of your feet. You might think that's a good thing, but it's not. As not everyone's feet are exactly the same, leather can adapt to your foot shape, giving your feet extra comfort and support.
6. Comfort:
As well as being a naturally strong material, leather is also very comfortable. Leather shoes offer comfort and support for your feet. Finding the right shoes is very important to avoid injuring your back.
7. Easy to Clean:
Compared to other fabrics that can be difficult to clean, leather is easy to wash down with a damp cloth. Because the material is breathable, leather products aren't difficult to dry either after they have been washed. To get the best out of any leather product, you need to look after them and as leather is easy to clean, it's not any extra trouble.
8. Style:
Genuine leather looks stylish, you can't deny it. Shoes made from manufactured materials can often look plastic and unnatural. Leather naturally makes shoes and clothes look like a luxury item because the material is sleek and shiny.
9. Eco-Friendly:
Clothes made from synthetic fibres and fabrics have been considered as damaging to the environment during the manufacturing process as they release harmful gases. As leather is a natural material, no harmful chemicals were used to create it - making it eco-friendly!
10. Smells Good:
Nothing beats the smell of genuine leather. After buying a bag or jacket made of synthetic leather, you can find it has an odd smell. Man-made materials are usually made with different chemicals that make them have a strange stink. The smell of synthetic shoes can be made worse if your feet have a habit of smelling after a long shift.
