By Toyin Oke-Chigbo

A Celebration of Footwear

Some say a woman who collects shoes is a frustrated traveler; other suggests she in search of enlightenment.

Shoes could be a sex symbol, of course along with pretty feet and sexy legs. The question, is, though, how come a lot of women love shoes so much and would buy more of them than clothes. Guilty as charged, I am. I buy clothes just because I must have something on my back. Shoes are divine, and those designers know just the right spot to tickle. The average shoe freak owns at least 50-80 pairs, the passionate collector own hundreds. I know some who would take one in each available color; crazy, isn’t it, but we love it so.

I was going to set up a shoe shop, but for the fact that I can’t venture into every business I desire. It was going to be called ‘I Love Shoes’ with a big and bold sign at the entrance.

Why love shoes? They are always faithful. You may not be able to wear your favorite dress when you gain a little weight, but, those shoes, they are ever waiting in the closet for the next ovation. In fact, some shoes never get discarded, even when they are un-wearable. It may just have more to do with possession rather than use.

The impulse to buy has nothing to do with the need, but the thrill and imagination of an outfit, event, and desire to oppress.

When it comes to shoes, for us, size practicality or comfort most times are not issues, often times, you’ll hear “just got to have it” or, “oh! It’s ok, it will stretch”.

Sensible shoes command respect, but high heels solicit adoration – Linda O’ Keeffe

A timberland may be heavenly comfortable, but a pair of high heeled Maud Frizon delivers the appeal and offers adventure.

Generally, it is often times said that you can know something about the status of a person by the shoes they wear, a symbol of prestige or poverty.

How high are your heels?

Psychologically, high heels give the wearer a funky ‘high’, a leading rather than following role.

A towering seductress with a sense of power, though, when those stilts are worn for long periods of time, they are like the devils punishment for sin committed.

In Europe, in the 1600’s, women ‘embarked’ on heels 5 inches and higher, of course, balancing themselves with crutch like canes for support, and because the working class could not afford the luxury of impractical shoes; heels became a sign of privilege and prestige.

What goes into a shoe?

Over 100 processes.

Some shoe freaks said…

“My best pair of shoes is 6 years old”

“I Have a Manolo Blanik it’s 20 years old”

“Shoes transcend functionality and become art”

“Shoes are a better expression of your personality, than your clothes”

“Shoes empower you”

“They are a better barometer of who a person is”

“If I don’t like your shoes, I may not like you”

“My most impractical shoes make me feel incredibly sexy”