Pampootie (Rivlins)

A reproduction of one of the earliest known shoe styles, made from cured cowhide and secured with twine. 

Leather sandal with a coptic Y-strap. 

Medieval poulaine

A fashionable style throughout the medieval period, the length of the ‘pointes’ was periodically regulated by law.

Chopines

With heights up to 45 cm (18 in.), chopines emerged as a popular women’s style during the Renaissance, although they were originally practical over–shoes.

The shoe rose

Ladies’ silk satin mule, embroidered in coloured threads and sequins.

First heels

Ladies’ silk brocade shoes. 

The French heel

Ladies’ silk damask mules.

Wellington Boot

Men’s red Morocco and black patent Wellington boot, a style popularised by the 1st Duke of Wellington.

Men’s factory-made leather Derby boot

Mechanisation transformed the process of making shoes in the 19th century.

Men’s black Bordeaux calf leather, racing jockey boot.

Women’s glacé kid leather brogue Oxford shoes.

Three jewelled heels

Ladies’ shoes, from the roaring twenties.

Glamour

Pink leather strap sandals with diamanté buckles. 

Post-war footwear

Platform sole sling back.

Green silk ladies’ stiletto

Dr Martens AirWair

The making of a classic – the first boot off the production line in 1961.

Platform sandals

Designed by Terry de Havilland.

Union Jack glitter boots

Made by Shellys London and popularised by the Spice Girls.

Super Elevated Ghillie Shoe

Manufactured in green mock crock leather and designed by Vivienne Westwood.

Caroline Groves, Sepia

Bespoke handmade shoes, 2021

Handmade bespoke sneakers

Sneakers made using recycled materials, Helen Kirkum Studio.