42 Shocking Facts About Shoes

Shoes have been protecting our feet for thousands of years—shielding us from sharp rocks, broken glass, and whatever else the ground throws our way. They've helped us brave icy winters, sweltering summers, and everything in between. But beyond being practical, shoes hold a rich history and deep cultural meaning.

At KURU Footwear, we’re all about taking care of your feet—and geeking out on cool facts about shoes. That’s why we pulled together 42 fun and fascinating tidbits you won’t want to miss. From ancient history to surprising health insights and quirky design stories, this list has a little something for everyone.

Evolution and History

What are some facts about the first shoes? Thought to be made of plant materials and animal skins, ancient shoes might be barely recognizable in our modern era of ultra-cushioned insoles and bright neon neoprene.

But they served a similar purpose: protect our amazing and complex feet from harsh environments and move about their days with less pain and more productivity. Shoes adapted over time before more modern-day materials like rubber and mesh entered the picture.

From the introduction of right- and left-specific shoes to the first person to wear elastic-sided boots, boost your trivia knowledge with these cool facts about shoes and their evolution. No. 7 made us snicker.

1. The earliest known shoes date back over 10,000 years, made from animal skins and plant materials. (SoleScience, 2020)
2. The world’s oldest known leather shoe, dating back approximately 5,500 years, was found in Armenia and remarkably preserved and showcased advanced craftsmanship for its time. (National Geographic, 2010)
3. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to wear shoes, crafting sandals from palm leaves and papyrus. (Historical Eve, 2022)
4. The Romans were pioneers in footwear innovation, introducing the concept of different shoes for left and right feet. (UNRV, 2023)
5. High-heeled shoes were originally worn by Persian horse riders to help secure their feet in stirrups. (Times of India, 2023)
6. Sneakers, originally called “plimsolls,” were invented in the 19th century as lightweight canvas shoes with rubber soles. (Fashion Encyclopedia, 2024)
7. The term “sneaker” originated because the rubber soles made them quiet, allowing wearers to “sneak” around silently. (CBS News, 2015)
8. The first mass-produced sneakers were the Converse All Stars, introduced in 1917. Urban Industry (2022)
9. Shoe sizing originated with a grain of barley in Britain during the 1300s, established by King Edward, with three barleycorns equating to one inch, and remains an official unit of measurement in the UK and Ireland. (Sneaker Freaker, 2017)
10. Queen Victoria was the first recipient of elastic-sided boots, presented in 1837 by shoemaker Joseph Sparkes Hall. (The Modest Man, 2023)
11. Inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger’s patented lasting machine revolutionized production, making footwear accessible to the masses by increasing output tenfold. (National Inventor’s Hall of Fame, n.d.)

Cultural Significance

Footwear has held a place in many cultures across the world for centuries. From representing social status (hello, ancient Greece) to having moments in fairy tales (we see you, Cinderella), it’s clear that shoes have far-reaching significance.

Just think of the last time you really noticed the footwear someone was wearing. What story did their shoes tell? What might the person wearing them have been trying to say? Even without realizing it, our shoes can communicate a bit about who we are and what we do.

Let’s dig into some interesting facts about shoes that highlight the cultural significance of footwear across the globe and across the ages.

1. In many cultures, removing shoes before entering a home is a sign of respect and cleanliness. (Washington Post, 2023)
2. The Cinderella story, featuring a lost glass slipper, is one of the most famous shoe-related tales worldwide. (The Metropolitan Opera, 2024)
3. Red shoes are a symbol of power and status in certain cultures, often worn by royalty or elites. (Vogue India, 2019)
4. Throwing shoes over powerlines, a practice known as “shoefiti” has various urban legends associated with it, including symbolizing gang territory, marking a place where drugs are sold, or simply as a prank or rite of passage. (The Seattle Times, 2007)
5. In Hindu culture, touching someone with your shoe is considered highly disrespectful. (Discover Corps, 2017)
6. Platform shoes, popularized in the 1970s, were initially worn by actors in ancient Greek theater to signify different characters’ social status and importance based on the height of their footwear. (JD Sports, 2022)
7. The distinctive red soles of Louboutin shoes draw inspiration from an Andy Warhol illustration. (The New Yorker, 2011)
8. The term “sabotage” originated from French textile workers throwing their wooden clogs, known as “sabots,” into machinery to protest against industrialization and automation in the 19th century. (Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

Impact on Foot Health

Today, quality footwear is more vital than ever. With such a prevalence of flat, hard surfaces in our modern world, wearing high-quality, supportive footwear is essential to our foot health.

Flimsy, flat insoles with minimal support can take a toll on our feet, leading to foot pain conditions such as Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and more.

Even popular high heels can cause foot and body pain by disrupting walking patterns, encouraging unhealthy alignment, and compressing bones and joints.

With the advent of heel and arch support, modern supportive footwear can help protect from foot pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and more.

Read on to discover some fun facts about feet and shoes!

1. Ill-fitting shoes can cause or exacerbate foot deformities like hammertoes, bunions and corns due to the pressure and friction on the toes and forefoot. (AAOS, 2012)
2. The type of shoes worn can impact balance and stability, with footwear featuring inadequate support or traction increasing the risks of slips, trips, and falls, particularly among older adults. (NLM, 2008)
3. Tight fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes, can compress nerves in the feet, leading to conditions including Morton’s neuroma. (KURU, 2024)
4. Wearing high heels regularly can tilt the pelvis forward, altering spinal alignment and increasing pressure on the lower back, potentially leading to chronic back pain and postural issues. (NLM, 2010)
5. The cushioning and support in running shoes degrade over time, losing effectiveness after approximately 300-500 miles of use, necessitating replacement to prevent injury and maintain performance. (KURU, 2024)
6. Studies show that 88% of women wear shoes that are too small for their feet, leading to discomfort and foot problems. (Ryortho, 2016)
7. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to numerous foot problems. (KURU, 2024)
8. Wearing shoes with proper arch support can help prevent conditions, like plantar fasciitis and flat feet. (KURU, 2025)
9. Diabetic individuals need specialized shoes to protect their feet from injury and reduce the risk of complications. (KURU, 2024)
10. 68% of American adults buy shoes with foot pain in mind. (KURU, 2025)

Fun Facts

And now—drumroll please—we’ve reached our final facts about shoes and feet!

From funny facts about shoes like Guinness World Records to interesting facts about the amount of money you’ll spend on shoes in a lifetime, you’re sure to learn something new about shoes.

1. The world’s largest shoe, certified by Guinness World Records, measures over 20 feet long and 7 feet wide. (Guinness World Records, 2013)
2. The top three preferred shoe styles in the U.S. are slippers, running shoes, and boots, reflecting Americans’ prioritization of comfort over style. (KURU, 2024)
3. Sneakerheads, enthusiasts who collect rare and limited-edition sneakers, form a passionate subculture with its own conventions and events. (Sneaker News, 2022)
4. The most expensive pair of shoes ever sold were a pair of diamond-encrusted stilettos, priced at $17 million. (Barron’s, 2018)
5. 57% of Americans donate their unwanted footwear, 18% sell it, and 42% purchase second-hand shoes, while only 16% recycle and 46% discard. (KURU, 2023)
6. The average American is estimated to own 256 pairs of shoes over the course of their lifetime. (KURU, 2023)
7. Americans can expect to spend a total of $14,640 on shoes throughout their lifetime. (KURU, 2023)
8. Shoelaces, including their aglets, have a long history dating back to the medieval times, with the invention of the aglet attributed to English inventor Harvey Kennedy in 1790. (Back Then History, 2023)
9. The world’s fastest 100-meter sprint in high heels is 13.557 seconds and was achieved by Majken Sichlau of Denmark during the Tarby Games in 2015. (Guinness World Records, 2015)
10. The average person walks over 75,000 miles in their lifetime, equivalent to circling the Earth three times. (Ordnance Survey, 2020)
11. The concept of stiletto heels, with their thin and sharp design, was inspired by the Italian stiletto dagger, reflecting a fusion of fashion and weaponry. (American Knife and Tool Institute, n.d.)
12. Nike’s iconic “Swoosh” logo was designed in 1971 by a graphic design student for just $35. (Nike, 2022)
13. 27% of Americans exclusively shop online for shoes, while 49% primarily shop in-store. (KURU, 2023)

We hope you enjoyed learning more about footwear in these 42 facts about shoes. Inspired to grab a new pair? Be sure you grab a supportive one. KURU Footwear features the world’s first dynamic heel-hugging technology for ultimate pain relief. It’s the next step in footwear evolution!

Sourcing

• How Shoes are Made - The History of Shoemaking. SoleScience (2020)
• World's Oldest Leather Shoe Found—Stunningly Preserved. National Geographic (2010)
• The Sandals of Ancient Egypt. Historicaleve (2022)
• Roman Sandals. UNRV (2023)
• Did you know heels were originally designed for men? Times of India (2023)
• Tennis Shoes. Fashion Encyclopedia (2024)
• The rise of sneaker culture. CBS News (2015)
• A Brief History of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. Urban Industry (2022)
• Baryleycorn (unit). Wikipedia
• The (Surprisingly) Fascinating History of Chelsea Boots. The Modest Man (2023)
• How Jan Matzeliger Revolutionized the Shoe Industry. National Inventors Hall of Fame (n.d.)
• The case for — and against — taking your shoes off in the house. The Washington Post (2023)
• Cinderella: A Brief History. The Metropolitan Opera (2024)
• The enduring power (and surprisingly dark symbolism) of red shoes. Vogue India (2019)
• "Shoefiti," dangling sneakers: drugs, gangs or just pranks? The Seattle Times (2007)
• Learning these 10 cultural norms in India will make your trip even better. Discover Corps (2017)
• The Rise in Platform Shoes Popularity. JD Sports (2022)
• Sole Mate. The New Yorker (2011)
• Sabotage. Merriam-Webster (n.d.)
• Tight Shoes and Foot Problems. AAOS (2012)
• Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls. NLM (2008)
• Your Shoes Are Killing Your Feet: Here's How To Stop. KURU (2024)
• The effect of high-heeled shoes on lumbar lordosis: a narrative review and discussion of the disconnect between Internet content and peer-reviewed literature. NLM (2010)
• Tennis Shoes vs. Running Shoes: What's the Difference. KURU (2024)
• 88% of Women Wear Too Small Shoes, Fuels Surgery. Ryortho (2016)
• Ultimate Guide to Arch Support: Why It's Crucial for Healthy Feet. KURU (2025)
• Best Shoes for Diabetics. KURU (2024)
• Maximize Foot Health: 14 Reasons To Love Your Feet Every Day. KURU (2025)
• Largest Shoe. Guinness World Records (2013)
• Survey Reveals the Most Popular Shoe in Each State. KURU (2024)
• Sneaker Head. Sneaker News (2022)
• World's Most Expensive Shoes, Adorned With Diamonds, on Sale for US$17 Million. Barron's (2018)
• American Footwear Spending: A 2023 Survey. KURU (2023)
• The History of Aglets. Back Then History (2023)
• The average adult will walk almost 75,000 miles over their lifetime. Ordnance Survey (2020)
• The Elusive Stilletto. The American Knife & Tool Institute (2020)
• Nike’s iconic “Swoosh” logo was designed in 1971 by a graphic design student for just $35. Nike (2022)

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve received more than 37,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them get back to doing what they love.

For all media inquiries, please contact us at pr@kurufootwear.com.