Even in the days of ancient civilizations, fashion trends have mesmerized the people.

Many will go to great lengths just to secure themselves the latest fad. This is especially true
regarding the relationship between women and the shoe industry. In agreement with Cynthia
Lewis, heels create a level of authority for women (Lewis 88). Although the female shoe
obsession began ages ago, it is still powerful. The dramatic impact that the shoe industry has
had on females can be seen in ancient culture, modern eras, and in regards to their health.
Surprisingly, that the fixation for stylish shoes among women is not a creation of the 21st
century. During the Sung Dynasty, it became fashionable for women to have extremely petite
feet and shoe sizes (Keenor 6). Thus, the practicing of foot binding began. To properly foot
bind, females would need to break every one of their toes except for the big one, to force the
broken toes to their heels, hence binding their feet daily to stunt growth (Keenor 6). If one took
the time to examine historic art, they would find evidence of ornate shoes among various ancient
pieces. There has even been confirmation of shoe designers in Egypt circa 600 C.E.
(OMalley 47). Considering the high level of craftsmanship required, and availability of
resources, even the most basic of shoes were quite costly (OMalley 59). So, it is to be assumed
that shoes were exclusive to the wealthy. And, once anything is seen as exclusive, the possession
of said object brings both status and envy. From observation, one can infer that a majority of
women are inclined to envious behavior regarding materialistic possessions. It seems quite
plausible that natural female envy of the glamour of the elite, was massive enough to launch
what is now the modern day shoe obsession.
Over the years, the average modern woman has come to bear the label as overall shoe
addicts. Whether or not that stereotype is justified, is debatable. In the year 2009 alone,
Domestic sales of shoes totaled NIS 174 million in the first quarter (Ankori 1). One can

assume that most of these sales can be attributed to females. In her lifetime, the average female
will own over twenty-one pairs of shoes, including nine pairs they never wear (Allen 1).
For females, buying shoes can easily become a hobby, and even an addiction. Purchasing pumps
may also give females a little more than extra height. Experts claim that when women buy shoes
a small percentage of dopamine is released, providing a feel good high ("Spending on style
a shoo-in"). The feminine complex of impulse shoe buying, also has economic costs. Once the
average woman is in her mid-40s, she will have spent nearly $9,500 approx. on shoes (Allen 1).
Perhaps it would be wiser, for women to invest that money into other things, such as their health.
These days, nearly everything is threatening, and danger apparently lurks within our shoe
soles! It is expected for a pair of heels to cause one a little grief like, a blister, or even a bunion.
But recent medical cases have shown that even more comfortable styles may cause afflictions.
When people wear flip flops all the timecan cause problems such as tendonitis and even shin
splints (Wheldon 8). Naturally, specialists also caution women of the health risks of wearing
heels. If a woman were to fall in her heels, she runs the risk of the dislocating her ankle, tearing
ligaments, and even a break (Wheldon 8).The higher a pump is , the more fashionable, and
potentially dangerous it is as well. Unfortunately, this has not curtailed the popularity of either
style. Scientists have found that wearing shoes at all, even the thinnest sole, is potentially
harmful. According to researchers, wearing shoes poses the risk of altering certain processes
with tendons and muscles in the feet (Rao et. al). Although potential orthopedic hazards have
been publicized, it is certain that the age-old female shoe mania will continue to thrive.
The shoe industry has managed to charm the hearts of women from ancient civilizations,
into the modern era, and with only a few bumps and bruises along the way.