The history of shoes in China

Origin and early development

Paleolithic Period:
In order to adapt to the harsh natural environment, the earliest humans began to find ways to protect their feet. They used local materials, using large bark, leaves or weeds under their feet, and binding with plant branches and rattan stems, which can be regarded as the earliest "sandals".
Neolithic Period:
With the advancement of intelligence and technology, humans began to use a wider range of shoe-making materials, such as plant leaves and stems, to weave into grass sandals. At the same time, leather as a shoemaking material has gradually been developed and utilized, and the earliest leather shoes have appeared.

The ancient civilization period
Shang and Zhou Dynasties:
The shoes are called "屦" and come in a variety of materials, including leather, grass and cloth. At that time, there was already a strict footwear system, and people of different status wore shoes of different materials. The "Rites of Zhou" recorded the official position of "屦 man", who was in charge of the shoes of the son of Zhou and the queen.
With the development of silk textile industry in Shang and Zhou Dynasties, silk fabrics began to be used as upper materials, and colorful satin shoes began to appear.
Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period:
The variety of shoes began to increase, and various styles of lagoons, shoes, clogs, boots and shoes appeared. Among them, "shoes" is the most common one, such as the story of "Zheng people buy shoes" reflects the popularity of shoes at that time.
Clogs (clogs) were also widely used during this period, especially in wet and rainy areas, and were fitted with teeth at the bottom to facilitate walking in mud.
The popularity of boots benefited from King Zhao Wuling's reform of "Hu dress and horse shooting", which introduced the way of wearing Hu people in Northwest China, making boots a popular footwear in the Central Plains.

Qin and Han Dynasties:
Rich in leather resources, wear shoes become a simple life performance. At the same time, wooden shoes and silk shoes are also very popular, and wooden shoes (clogs) are worn from the son of heaven to the literati and common people.
Men's and women's footwear began to differ, men wear square toe shoes to indicate masculinity, women wear round toe shoes to indicate mild submission.
Sui and Tang Dynasties:
Boots are often made of colored leather or brocade, the boots are inlaid with jewelry, and the shoes of your lady are mostly beautifully decorated and the shoes are tall.
Folk advocate hand-woven shoes, love to wear plaited shoes. At the same time, twine shoes as sandals also became popular.
The tall part of the toe of the Tang Dynasty Gaoaman shoes is unique and worn by both men and women. In addition, Hu's cocked shoes, hook shoes and other fashion footwear were also introduced into the Central Plains.
Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties:
Foot-binding is prevalent, and foot-binding shoes (three-inch golden lotus) have become the mainstream of women's footwear. At the same time, the general working people wear flat-toed shoes, round-toed shoes, and pushgrass shoes.
In the communication and learning between the northern minority regime and the Han people, the clothing and footwear also showed the characteristics of the integration of the Han people, but mainly boots and various fancy styles.
Ming and Qing Dynasties:
The Ming Dynasty restored Han and Tang clothing and shoes, and all officials wore the same boots and shoes as Tang. Folk women still use the three-inch golden lotus as a common, and there are high-heeled foot-binding shoes.
In the Qing Dynasty, women liked to wear wooden soles, especially the Manchu unique flower-bottomed shoes. The shoes worn by officials must be dyed black, commonly known as "soap shoes", and coated with a layer of white powder, also known as "foundation boots".

Modern development

1.Material and process development

Application of new materials:
With the progress of science and technology, new materials such as synthetic rubber, polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) are widely used in the manufacture of shoes. These materials are not only lightweight and durable, but also have good cushioning properties, improving the comfort and functionality of the shoes.
At the same time, environmentally friendly materials such as recycled plastics, organic cotton, bamboo fiber, etc., have also gradually received attention, promoting the sustainable development of the footwear industry.

Innovation of production process:
Since modern times, the production process of shoes has undergone a transformation from traditional hand-made to mechanized and automated production. Modern shoe-making industry adopts advanced mechanical equipment and automation technology, which greatly improves production efficiency and product quality.
In addition, emerging technologies such as 3D printing technology and laser cutting technology have also begun to be applied to the design and production of shoes, providing more possibilities for personalized customization of shoes.
2. Development of design and fashion
Diversity of design styles:
Modern shoe design styles are increasingly diverse, ranging from traditional classic styles to avant-garde fashion trends. Sports shoes, Casual Shoes, high heels, leather shoes and other types of shoes emerge in an endless stream to meet the needs and preferences of different consumers.
At the same time, cross-border cooperation and the launch of joint styles have also become a highlight of shoe design, attracting the attention of many young consumers.
Integration of fashion elements:
The design of shoes is no longer limited to a single style and element, but pays more attention to the integration and innovation of fashion elements. For example, sports shoes integrate casual and fashion elements and become an essential item for everyday wear; And high heels show different styles and temperament through different materials, colors and decorative details.