Footwear
Footwear refers to garments
worn on the feet, for fashion, protection against the environment, and adornment.
Cultures have different customs regarding footwear which include not using any
in some situations.
Socks and other hosiery
are typically worn between the feet and other footwear, less often with sandals
or flip flops
(thongs).
Durable shoes are a relatively
recent invention, though many ancient civilizations wore ornamental footwear.
Many ancient civilizations saw no need for footwear. The Romans
saw clothing and footwear as signs of power and status in society, and most
Romans wore footwear, while slaves and peasants remained barefoot.[1] The Middle Ages
saw the rise of high-heeled shoes, also associated with power, and the desire
to look larger than life, and artwork from that period often depicts bare feet
as a symbol of poverty. Bare feet are also seen as a sign of humility and
respect, and adherents of many religions worship or mourn while barefoot, or
remove their shoes as a sign of respect towards someone of higher standing.