Boots and booties, those fashion accessories that can completely transform any outfit, have been present in human history in more surprising ways than you might imagine. Over the centuries, these footwear items have gone through a fascinating evolution, and here we present a detailed look at their origin, their influence on fashion, and some curiosities that you may have never heard before.

Boots and booties, those fashion accessories that can completely transform any outfit, have been present in human history in more surprising ways than you might imagine. Over the centuries, these footwear items have gone through a fascinating evolution, and here we present a detailed look at their origin, their influence on fashion, and some curiosities that you may have never heard before.

The Protective Origin of Boots

The roots of boots date back to ancient times, specifically around 15,000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia. Back then, men and women used them interchangeably to protect themselves from the cold and to carry out their daily activities. Concerns about fashion and style would come later.

Golden Boots and the History of War

Boots have been closely associated with war contexts throughout history. The Romans, for example, replaced their sandals with leather boots with nails on the soles, known as “Caligae”, to combat the cold during their raids in Northern Europe. Julius Caesar is even said to have owned solid gold boots for his campaign in the Gallic Wars!

Feminine Elegance in Boots

With the arrival of the 19th century, women began to play a more active role outside the home, and this also influenced the evolution of the design of women's boots. Queen Victoria of England popularized the "Balmoral boot", with a thick sole and made of leather, which was later transformed into more elegant footwear with the incorporation of materials such as silk and taffeta. Boots were no longer just protectors but rather elements of style.

The Curious Evolution of the Heel

The heel, an iconic element in many boot and shoe designs, had a surprisingly practical origin. It was invented by the Hittites as a tool to fix the feet of riders in the stirrups. Over the centuries, this element was transformed and became a symbol of style and femininity in the 17th century. In France, Louis XIV even established a decree that only the nobility could wear heels, in order to disguise his short stature.

The Boots for Both Feet Challenge

For centuries, footwear was made on straight lasts, without distinguishing between the left and right foot. It was only in the 19th century that the two feet began to be differentiated in shoe production. However, this change was not easy for people to accept, and symmetrical models persisted. Even in the American Civil War, soldiers' boots remained identical for both feet.

Boots as a Symbol of Distinction

Boots have had a close relationship with the military class throughout history. During the Napoleonic Wars, high, shiny boots were an integral part of the officers' uniform. Both Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington wore them. These boots evolved into the well-known Wellington boots, with their characteristic high shaft and adapted for cavalry. Since then, high boots became a symbol of distinction and status.

The Renaissance of Boots in the 1960s

After a period in which boots and ankle boots were primarily used for work, the 1960s marked a renaissance in their design. Creative and original designs emerged with different heel heights and novel materials such as vinyl and plastic. During this period, The Beatles contributed to the popularization of the Chelsea boot, with their modern version characterized by a Cuban heel and a strap at the heel for easy putting on. This period marked a milestone in the evolution of fashion and footwear.

The Origin of the Expression “Putting on Your Boots”

Nowadays, we use the expression “getting your boots on” to refer to having enjoyed or made the most of something. This expression has its origins in the ancient association between boots and abundance. In times past, boots were a symbol of wealth and status, as only the upper classes could afford them. So, when someone “got their boots on,” it was associated with enjoying abundance and luxury.

Boots and ankle boots have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. From their origins as protective footwear to their transformation into status and fashion symbols, they have traveled a path full of curiosities and changes. Whether due to their relationship with war, their influence on fashion or their evolution in design, boots and ankle boots continue to be iconic items that never cease to surprise us.

Put on your favorite boots and walk through history with every step!