Boots are said to have been around since 15,000 BCE. This was concluded upon the sighting of a painting in Spain that showed a man in boots made of leather and a woman in boots made of fur. This would have been the beginning of what would be the steady popularity of men boots and women boots. Men and women boots are usually made of the same materials with different designs, but they have served different meanings in the past.
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The Early Type of Boots
Aside from the earliest recorded sighting of boots in Spain, it has been found in tombs in Egypt from around 2000 BC, and the same shoe silhouette has been found in Asiatic and Arctic cultures in the past. Aside from practical reasons for wearing this type of shoe, emperors and kings viewed it as a sign of power, wealth, and military capability.
Emperors and kings wore boots made of leather, an expensive material in their era, partnered with gold soles and other expensive gems. Different styles were meant for different people in varying positions. A military leader wore a unique pair of boots, and the length determined the rank of the person wearing it. It was also used in ceremonies.
Boots for Men and Women in the Early Ages
The typical material of boots for men is leather. They usually wore thigh-high pairs that were made of both hard and soft brown leather. This soft type of leather will be prevalent in the next years to come as it would serve another purpose of protecting the delicate stockings used inside. One of these delicate materials is silk.
Women were expected to wear boots made of softer materials such as fur and laced ankle boots. It was deemed inappropriate for them to wear leather boots as those were exclusive to men.
Boots Influence in Fashion
As the centuries went by, wearing boots has slowly become a part of women’s fashion. Women started to wear boots that were deemed masculine in the past. They wore them during riding horses and driving. The emergence of more feminine boots has also started to gain popularity. This type of boots had tight lace, high heels, and a V-shaped tip.
The trend eventually evolved to casualwear. Boots have started to penetrate the daily wardrobe of people and have started to be used during the day and casual walks. The most common type of boot for this type of use was flat, heelless, and ankle-high with laces on the sides.
Twentieth Century to Present Times
Boot styles have been unisex during these times, and they have continued as a staple in the wardrobe of both men and women. The comfort and practicality of owning a pair have transcended from the earliest years up to the present. It is now easily available in the market and can be found in high-end to low-end stores. Unlike in the early times when only wealthy people had access to the best kinds of boots, people can now easily afford to buy a decent pair.
Today, there are different boot designs and materials for every type of occasion and weather. Those used for cold climates have fur linings and waterproof outer soles, and those that are used for every day are made of softer and lighter materials. With the advancement of technology, specifically in the fabric industry, manufacturers can choose the best material for different styles without compromising the quality.