Learning from the Social Lives of Shoes: A Cultural Approach to Sustainability
Dr Alexandra Sherlock revisits her doctoral research in this article for the 4th volume of the International Journal of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles, exploring how iconic shoes like the Clarks Desert Boot become "accidentally sustainable" through cultural significance. This industry summary reveals how brands can create lasting value through cultural engagement and storytelling, showing how material properties and cultural meaning work together to build relevant products that truly matter to people.
Scuffed but standing: The Velskoen, The shoe that stood the test of time
South African researcher Emmy Lombard uncovers the fascinating 500-year history of the velskoen shoe. Inspired by her grandfather's decades-long devotion to his "vellies," she explores why these leather boots create lasting emotional bonds. From its Khoesan tribal origins, adopted by South Africa's Voortrekkers, to inspiring Clarks' Desert Boot, discover how this iconic footwear archetype has lasted generations and travelled the world. A compelling story of product attachment, sustainable fashion, and South African heritage.
Sole Encounters: Reflection on the Feeling Fashion Podcast
In this episode of the Feeling Fashion Podcast, Alex Sherlock joined host Adele Varcoe and fellow Footwear Research Networker Ellen Sampson to explore how shoes shape and are shaped by human experience. Having known each other for nearly 15 years, this conversation allowed Ellen and Alex to explore their overlapping yet distinct research approaches to footwear's role in processes of identification and as mediators between bodies, environments, cultures, and societies.
Legally, they can’t be called ‘uggs’ outside of Australia – but the name will stick regardless
While environmental sustainability is becoming a priority for brands and the media, cultural sustainability often takes a back seat. In this article for The Conversation AU/NZ, Alexandra Sherlock discusses the ongoing battle between Deckers Brands and Australian manufacturers over the right to use ‘ugg’ to sell quintessentially Australian sheepskin boots outside Australia.
Reflection on the 10th Shoes and Clothing in History Conference 2024 in Zlín (Czech Republic)
At the 10th Shoes and Clothing in History Conference in Zlín, Charlotte Stachel presented research on "Swissness in a Heritage Fashion Brand—The Case of Bally." The conference, which was held in Bata's hometown and included tours of historic facilities and exhibits, allowed the author to reflect on how different European shoe brands have shaped and preserved their distinct cultural and industrial legacies.
Footwear in former colonies: new steps for researching shoes, their meanings and uses in 19th-century Americas (1780-1920)
How can footwear reveal colonial power dynamics? Through examination of shoes in 19th-century Americas, Dr. Cecília Soares explores how shoes reflected both slavery and freedom, industrialisation, and global fashion trends. Drawing on diverse sources from museum collections to period artwork, this study illuminates how footwear embodied both local practices and international influences. (Image: Gabriela Garcia)
What Kamala Harris’ Converse All-Stars tell us about how shoes shape our identity
Not only do shoes affect how we move through the world physically, but they also shape how we relate to others socially. In this article for The Conversation, Dr. Alexandra Sherlock uses Kamala Harris’ Converse All-Stars to explore how shoes shape our identity and sense of self.
Reflections on the Global Footwear Future Coalition Launch – London, 9th October 2024
Nearly a week after the launch of the Global Footwear Future Coalition at Havas Village in London's Kings Cross, founding member Alexandra Sherlock reflects on key themes and takeaways for the Footwear Research Network.
Birkenstock’s New Book – the 250-Year History of a Global Brand
Dr. Emily Brayshaw discusses her contributions to Birkenstock's new book, 'Birkenstock: The Evolution of a Universal Purpose and Zeitgeist Brand', which celebrates 250 years of the iconic brand.
Watch Your Step: 3 things the Sneaker Industry Needs To Evolve
Amid almost weekly updates of plummeting profits, unsold stock and layoffs, we asked sneaker expert and educator Sean Williams, co-founder of the SOLEcial Studies Community Academy, what the sneaker industry needs to stay relevant and innovate. His answer? Diversity, a deeper understanding of the social and cultural significance of sneakers and pathways through education.
Rethinking the Sneakersphere: An interview with Woody Wood
What are the key challenges facing the sneaker industry today? Editor-in-Chief and founder of Sneaker Freaker magazine, Woody Wood, provides some valuable insights in this exclusive interview with the Footwear Research Network.
Veganism and footwear - new insights into a growing market.
As veganism continues to grow, Dr. Rachel Lamarche-Beauchesne shares research findings exploring consumer challenges and strategic opportunities.
Search the archive for more articles from the Footwear Research Network:
More From the Footwear Research Network…
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![A pair of tan leather Jacoform shoes owned by Footwear Research Network contributor Professor Andrew Groves photographed against a black background.]()
Contributors
Meet our internationally acclaimed network of contributors.
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![A photograph of a shoe gallery at Shoes of No Shoes (SONS), Kruisem, Belgium.]()
Museums & Archives
A list of publicly available museums and archives in alphabetical order by country.
If the shoe fits:
FootweaR, Identity & Transition
The Footwear Research Network is an outcome of the ESRC-funded research project If the Shoe Fits: Footwear Identity and Transition at the University of Sheffield (2010-2013). Learn more about the project and research outputs here.
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The Footwear Research Network is an outcome of the ESRC-funded research project If the Shoe Fits: Footwear Identity and Transition at the University of Sheffield (2010-2013).
Learn more here
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Watch the ‘If the Shoe Fits’ documentary to learn more about the research project and the relationship between wearers and their shoes. Filmed and produced by Sheffield Vision.
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Learn more about the ‘If the Shoe Fits’ research team and board of advisors.
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Following the success of the original ITSF project, further funding was secured in 2015 for a follow-on project, ‘If the Shoe Fits: Enabling Patient-Centred Podiatry’.
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A number of papers and publications were produced directly from the ‘If the Shoe Fits’ research and in association with the project. Access the full list here.