Fancy Footwear

While the definition of a shoe may seem straightforward, footwear flaunts an infinite array of styles, sizes, and materials. From sagebrush bark sandals to stilettos to space boots, shoes aren't just protection for our feet — they always make a statement.

In a way that few possessions can, shoes communicate information about individuals, geographic area, cultures, and human history. They can discretely reveal clues about the physical stature of the owner, or brazenly proclaim ethnicity, economic status, and sense of style.

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History's collections include more than 70 pairs of shoes. Those shown here represent a small selection, featured the 2008 MNCH exhibition, Walk a Mile in These Shoes — The Stories They Tell.

Web gallery photography by Jack Liu.

For the entire sample gallery - click here

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