Bibliography

Bellis, Mary. "The History of Shoes." About.com Inventors. About.com, 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 8 May 2014. <http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/Shoes.htm>.

"HISTORY | Bata shoes for all." Bata shoes for all. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2014. <http://www.bata.com/our-history/>.

What I Learned

During this research I learned a lot about shoes. I learned about the history of shoes and how they developed through time. I learned that for shoe fitting they used the fluoroscope which was an X-ray for your feet to figure out what size shoe you wear. I also learned that everywhere in the world everyone wore sandals. Nike is the world most largest manufacture. Shoes all had the same sizes. They would have the same width.

Reasoning On Topic

I chose to learn about shoes because I've always been interested in shoes. I have a whole closet full of them. I have all kinds of different brands and styles. I thought it would be very interesting to learn about shoes and how they changed. I'm into fashion and style. I wanted to learn about the shoes in the 1900's. I wanted to see all the different kinds of shoes that  people around the world wore. Shoes interest me!

Why Are Shoes Important?

Shoes are very important! They keep your feet clean, and keep you feet from getting any viruses. Proper walking shoes maintain the correct walking techniques and prevent feet injury. Shoes also give you a great grip on your feet. Wearing shoes can be easier on your feet. If you didn't wear shoe's you would get blisters, sores, and cuts on your feet. Shoes are good protection for your feet.

The History Of Shoes

As late as 1850 most shoes were made by not having a difference between the left and right shoe. Breaking in a pair wasn't easy. They had two widths for the shoes. Up to 1850 all shoes were made with the same tools that were used in Egypt. A lap stone hammer was used for edges of heel.

Where Did Shoes Come From?

 Bata was founded by three siblings with a small inheritance in Czechoslovakia. It was the world's first shoe manufacturers. Less that ten years later, Bata produced 2,200 pairs per day. During WWI the shoe sales increased to about two million pairs per year. In Ziln, Bata built housing, schools and hospitals around the factory for its workers and their families. Bata is still famous today. To compare Bata the world's largest manufacturer in the early 1900's Nike is the world's most largest manufacturer company.

The red map shoes Bata popularity and the blue map shows Nike popularity.

The Fluoroscope

 The shoe fitting fluoroscope was a common fixture in shoe stores durning the 1940's. It had a vertical wooden cabinet with an opening near the bottom into which the feet were placed. It was estimated that there were 10,000 devices in use. Brooks Stevens was the creator by 1970. Shoe fitting x-ray units had been banned in 33 states. The fluoroscope was found in a department store in Madison, West Virginia.

Interesting Facts

- Almost all shoes were a vintage or retro style.

- Woman's shoes in the 1940's were classified as oxfords, pumps, boots, and sandals (high shoes).

- The fluoroscope for fitting was seen all shoe stores.

- Sneakers were first produced in Europe, but became more popular in America. 

- The most worn styles were wedges.

- Most shoes were referred as Mary Jane shoes.

- In the 1950's leather shoes were worn day by day.

- The shoes were chunky.

- 1940's shoes were commonly made with heavy fabrics and reptile skins.

- The shoe styles from 1940's are still made today.