About Us
The Footwear Research Network is a global interdisciplinary space for academics, educators and professionals with an interest in footwear to share research, connect, and collaborate.
The network originated as a blog for the research project ‘If the Shoe Fits: Footwear, Identity & Transition’ (ITSF) in the department of Sociological Studies at the University of Sheffield in the UK (2010 - 2013). Funded by the Economic Social Research Council, the project comprised a team of researchers and associates (other academics and professionals) whose aim it was to study the significance of footwear to identity and processes of identification.
Relaunched in 2020 by Dr. Alexandra Sherlock, the postgraduate researcher for the ITSF project, the Footwear Research Network continues the legacy of the original project while supporting the ongoing development of academic enquiries into footwear.
Our Mission
The primary purpose of the Footwear Research Network is to support the further development of footwear studies and enable a pathway toward research impact. We achieve this by providing a platform that features articles, events, and resources produced by network contributors, collaborators, and partners. With a focus on facilitating academic-industry collaboration to address the environmental, cultural, and economic challenges of the 21st century, we invite contributions from researchers and educators worldwide.
Dr Alexandra Sherlock
Founder and Editor - Footwear Research Network.