"This shoe illustrates the gradual changes in the style of women's footwear in the early 18th century. The square toe characteristic of the 1670s had evolved into a pointed toe by 1710."

V&A

V&A

"This pair of women's shoes have linen canvas uppers. They are embroidered with flowers in coloured wools in cross stitch and tent stitch. This was a period when fashionable shoes often echoed the pattern of the dress with which they were worn."

V&A

"The magnificent silk brocade on these shoes tells us the shoes were meant for a wealthy person."

Vintage Textiles

"The fashionable eighteenth century women's shoe was a frankly luxurious and feminine accessory. Ladies of quality wore shoes of rich dress silks which might, but did not necessarily, match their gowns. Made as "straights," that is without a designated left or right shoe."

Cora Ginsburg

"The passion for wearing silks spread to women's shoes in the 18th century. Until the 1790s, very little leather was used for women's footwear, except boots for outdoors. The curved heel and pointed up-turned toe of this shoe are typical of women's shoes in this period."

V&A

Musee McCord

Vintage Textiles

Museum of London

V&A

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Vintage Textiles

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Vintage Textiles

Vintage Textiles

Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum

Vintage Textiles

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Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum

"These stylish boots would not be considered utilitarian by today's standards, but they were much more functional than the thin, flat slippers of the early nineteenth century. Attitudes about a woman's place in society were changing and this change was reflected in their footwear"

Vintage Textiles

Vintage Textiles