Rubber Soles VS Leather Souls

10 000 years ago, the first known shoe was created. It was a simple, primitive sandal made from animal skin and plants. As societies evolved, their wardrobes began to carry deeper cultural significance. One could discern a person’s ethnicity, social status, and profession simply by observing the shoes on their feet.

This remained true until the Industrial Revolution, which ushered in the era of mass production. As custom and bespoke footwear declined, standardized moulds and designs took center stage. Clients began to identify more with what the shoe label represented than with the shoe itself. 

This cultural shift peaked in the 1980s. For example, punk boots symbolized rebellion while designer high heels became key allies in corporate power dressing. At the same time, a relatively new form of footwear, the sneaker, was making its mark by moving from play courts to closets. The 1985 release of Air Jordans sealed the deal, propelling sneakers into status symbols and collectible items. Like many 90s kids, I grew up to be a sneakerhead… until very recently, 2022 to be precise. And here is why today my collection is gathering dust while I live in my Rana Cheikha-s. 

Functionality VS Versatility 
Contrary to popular belief, sneakers are not that versatile. Men and women still need proper shoes. You can argue how social perspectives have changed and dress codes have become more lenient, but at the end of the day, formal shoes remain a staple in your wardrobe. You still need to wear them to make a good impression during important moments such as business meetings, date nights, and social functions. The anxiety before every event was overwhelming. I always struggled to figure out what to wear to match my outfit, to be taken seriously, and to avoid discomfort for hours. As a result, I ended up buying twice as many shoes as I actually need, and I am sure you can relate!

Hype VS Craftsmanship  
Buying into hype and FOMO is a vicious cycle. Before you can even enjoy your new pair, something newer hits the market, and suddenly, you are racing against time and stretching your finances just to keep up. In contrast, investing in craftsmanship offers a more grounded experience. You become part of the process. You learn about the leather, how it is shaped, and how to care for it. Instead of being a pawn in the machinery of consumerism, I stepped into a world of luxury and heritage. Thus, taking further steps toward slow and sustainable fashion.Resale value VS Sentimental value 
“This will have good resale value” is one of the ways we justify buying certain sneakers. But once the pair arrives, we are torn. Do we wear them or not? Do we risk damaging their pristine condition? Or do we buy yet another pair? Meanwhile, there is no price tag on going through the process of thoughtfully choosing a shoe that will witness all your milestones. After many years, I finally chose to invest in the emotional significance of my shoes rather than their financial one. 

Transitioning from sneakers to shoes can be difficult, especially given the current state of the formal shoe market. Most options are painful and overpriced. However, there is a new wave of footwear designers, like Rana Cheikha, who are working to modernize the industry by balancing eye-catching aesthetics with everyday comfort. But it is on you to do a bit of research and find the designer whose vision and values resonate with you!

Signing-off: Christelle from The Way It’s Worn
(And what’s TWIW? It’s about: “Shaping a fairer Lebanese fashion industry by connecting the dots between wearers, pieces, artisans and designer”.)