History of Boots
By: Allison Nielsen
Womens Boots (1830)
No one really payed any attention to women's shoes because they were always hidden under their long dresses. Women didn't have a great selection of shoes to choose from. There were clogs, dress slippers, and the English boot. The English boot (shown below) eventually became the footwear for the working class. The dress slipper and clog was only worn for special occasions.
The Wellington
These boots are commonly made of calf-skin and Spanish leather. This shoe was associated with Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. This boot was comfortable for evening wear. The leather was treated with wax to make them softer and more waterproof. They became a very popular fashion accessory for gentleman. They remained the main fashion for men in the 1840's.
Bluchers and Collegians
Boots started to get shorter as years went on. These boots were established in the 1870's and men started wearing them in the summer and were very comfortable. These shoes were much easier to put on, unlike the taller boots. They were also very expensive because these shoes take more leather for the tops and lining.
Womens Boots (1914)
Women wore boots during the day and the court shoes in the evenings. They had metallic thread and glass or jet beading on the toes.
Trench Boots (WWI)
This trench-style warfare became common during the early and mid 1900's. These shoes had to hold up against extreme conditions, the wet, cold, and unsanitary nature of trenches.The insole of this shoe was composed of canvas, cork, and cement. These boots were not comfortable at all and caused damage to the foot.
Military Boots (WWII)
These boots were known as the "Double Buckle Boots." These boots did not have laces, they had buckles. They were made from rubber and other materials, They also had a leather fold-over cuff with the two buckles. These shoes were uncomfortable, just like the trench boots used in WWI but were much easier to move around in.
Jungle Boots
These boots were worn in the Vietnam War. These boots consisted of rubber and nylon. They did not hold up well. The issues with moist, insects, and sand were solved with the black leather sole and canvas upper with a tongue attached. This helped keep insects out.
Womens Boots (1960's)
This is when boots became huge for Women. Women started getting a little fun with boots in the 1960's but they didn't become popular until the 70's. Women wore boots for business, casual, and formal events.
Fashion Boots
By 1993 boots were popular enough for Vogue to declare that it was "The Year of the Boot" with a wide range of styles from ankle-length to over-the-knee length. In 2009 fashion boots became very popular. Now fashion boots are still very popular. Not only men wear boots, girls do too.
Information
Where did it begin?/Earliest design found: Early boots consisted of leggings, souls, and uppers worn together to provide ankle protection than shoes or sandals.
The earliest advertisement: Only found advertisements in early 1900s.
Was it ever considered a fad?/When was it most popular: Boots became really popular in the early-mid 1900s. They became very popular in fashion for women in the 70s.
What is it like today?/Is it still around: Boots are very poplar right now. Men and women wear them and they are very popular.
What do you see in the future: I think boots will continue to be a very popular accessory. They have been around a really long time and I can't see them being a fad.
Who wears it best? Who should avoid it: Boots look very good with skinny jeans or leggings. Tall boots that go up to the knees look really good with short dresses/skirts.