Finding the Magic in the Mundane: Shoes

Welcome to this episode of the None But Curious podcast! In this month's journey, we lace up and step into the fascinating world of shoes, diving deep into their significance across art, music, literature, and even the natural world. From the prehistoric leather shoes of early humans to the glass slippers of fairy tales, we explore how footwear has evolved to reflect cultural values, societal norms, and personal identity.

The History and Evolution of Shoes

Shoes are more than just functional—they're a reflection of humanity's journey. In this episode, we discuss:

• Prehistoric Footwear: Did you know the oldest known leather shoe is over 5,500 years old? Found in Armenia, it showcases early human ingenuity in crafting practical footwear.
• Ancient Egypt and Greece: In ancient Egypt, sandals were a status symbol. Pharaohs’ sandals were adorned with precious stones, while the poor often went barefoot. Greek and Roman civilizations used shoes as symbols of power and comfort, from the hobnailed boots of Roman soldiers to the elegant Greek sandals.
• The Middle Ages: The poulaine, a long-pointed shoe, became popular among European aristocracy. These shoes, stuffed with wool and often highly decorated, symbolized wealth and social standing.

Shoes in Art: From Van Gogh to Jeff Muhs

Shoes have appeared in art as powerful symbols of identity, resilience, and societal roles.

• Vincent van Gogh's "A Pair of Shoes": Van Gogh painted a pair of worn-out boots that symbolized the working class, conveying a deep sense of perseverance and struggle.
• Jeff Muhs' "Decommissioned Shoe": A striking piece where a high heel is encased in concrete, Moos explores the tension between femininity and societal expectations.
• Mona Hatoum's Performance Still: Hatoum walked through London dragging boots tied to her ankles, creating a visual metaphor for the weight of societal pressure on personal freedom.

Shoes in Music: From Elvis to Macklemore

Shoes have been used to symbolize freedom, rebellion, and personal expression in music.

• Elvis Presley’s "Blue Suede Shoes": Originally by Carl Perkins, the song became iconic, symbolizing post-war youth culture and individualism.
• Nancy Sinatra’s "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'": A feminist anthem that represented empowerment and independence in the 1960s.
• Macklemore’s "Wings": A modern take on consumer culture, this song reflects the social pressure of brand-name sneakers like Nike and the desire for status.

Shoes in Literature: Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz

Footwear holds rich symbolism in literature:

• Cinderella’s Glass Slippers: These iconic shoes symbolize purity, identity, and the magical transformation central to the story.
• Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers in "The Wizard of Oz": In the original book, Dorothy’s silver shoes (changed to ruby in the film) symbolize inner strength and the journey toward self-reliance.

Nature’s Footwear: Lady Slipper Orchids and Slipper Lobsters

Even in nature, we find "shoes" that serve unique purposes:

• Lady Slipper Orchid: Named for its slipper-like shape, this orchid attracts specific pollinators and depends on a unique fungus for survival.
• Slipper Lobster: With its flattened body and paddle-like antennae, this marine creature uses its form to navigate and protect itself in the ocean.

Footwear as a Cultural Symbol

From their role in society to their appearance in art, music, and literature, shoes represent much more than practicality. They tell stories about status, identity, and personal journeys. As we explore the cultural significance of footwear, we uncover insights into our human experience.

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the None But Curious podcast. We're all about finding inspiration in life's uncertainties.
Whether you're still figuring things out, questioning your beliefs, or just curious
about the world, come hang out with us as we celebrate the beauty of not having all the answers.

(00:23):
Every month we step into the realms of art, music, literature, and nature,
unveiling the remarkable qualities of the seemingly ordinary. Through this exploration,
we deepen our appreciation for the beauty and inspiration that surrounds us,
discovering the sacredness within everyday moments. This month, we're lacing up to explore
the world of shoes. The history of shoes is more than just a tale of foot coverings.

(00:46):
It reflects our evolution as a society. With origins stretching back around 40,000 years,
early shoes were crafted from natural materials to protect our feet from rough terrains.
As civilizations progressed, footwear transformed into intricate designs that mirrored societal
norms and technological advancements. From the practical needs of our prehistoric ancestors
to the elaborate styles of ancient cultures, shoes reveal not only our creativity, but also

(01:11):
themes of identity and status throughout history. In this episode, we're going to explore the
significance of footwear across different eras, looking at its role in prehistoric times,
ancient civilizations, artistic expressions, musical symbolism, and even the inspiration
it draws from the natural world. So we'll get right into it. Archaeologists discovered a 5,500

(01:32):
year old leather shoe in Armenia, crafted from a single piece of cowhide and resembling a modern
slipper. This artifact demonstrates the ingenuity of early humans, highlighting the advanced tanning
techniques they used for that period. Rarely preserved due to degradation, this shoe survived
thanks to layers of sheep dung that sealed it in a pit. It likely served to protect the feet in

(01:54):
rugged terrain filled with sharp stones, while also helping individuals adapt to extreme temperatures
from 113 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to below freezing in the winter.
In ancient Egypt, footwear was often a sign of social status. Sandals made from papyrus, palm
leaves, and leather were commonly worn by the wealthy, while the lower classes often went barefoot.

(02:17):
The sandals of pharaohs were intricately designed and adorned with precious metals and stones.
The discovery of elaborately decorated sandals in Tutankhamen's tomb exemplifies how shoes were
used as symbols of power and prestige in ancient cultures. Greek sandals were designed for both
comfort and style, usually made from leather with simple, elegant designs. Wealthier Greeks often

(02:38):
added intricate details and valuable materials to show off their social standing. On the other hand,
Roman soldiers wore caligae, tough hobnailed boots built for durability and support during long
marches. These boots weren't just practical, they also became a symbol of Roman military strength.
The distinct sound of the hobnails was said to strike fear, reinforcing the power and discipline

(03:00):
of the Roman legions. During the Middle Ages, footwear became more diverse, reflecting class
differences. The poulaine, a pointed shoe style, first appeared in the royal courts of Krakow,
Poland around 1340. Crafted from fine materials like leather, velvet, and silk, they were stuffed
with wool, moss, or whalebone to hold their shape. Worn mostly by wealthy men, these shoes symbolized

(03:23):
status and leisure, as their impractical design highlighted an absence of physical labor.
While popular, poulaines were sometimes seen as provocative or excessive, even being linked to
sexual behavior. This led to England's Edward IV passing a law in 1463 to limit the length of
toes to just two inches. What do you think about that? Shoes have been a recurring motif in art,

(03:49):
embodying concepts of identity, status, and personal experience. They appear in various
artistic forms, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, often loaded with deeper meanings.
Vincent van Gogh's A Pair of Shoes may seem like an odd subject for a painting,
but it carries a lot of emotional weight. Van Gogh reportedly bought the worn shoes at a flea

(04:09):
market in Paris, and deliberately walked them through mud to give them a well-used rugged look,
and only then did he feel they were worthy of being painted. The boots symbolize the hard labor
and perseverance of the working class, themes that deeply resonated with van Gogh. This subject also
reflects his own struggles as an artist, grappling with financial difficulties and isolation.

(04:30):
Van Gogh often reused canvases to save money, and beneath this painting lies an earlier view
from his brother Theo's apartment. The rich texture and earthy colors of the shoes,
layered with thick brush strokes, convey a sense of both resilience and weariness,
turning a simple pair of shoes into a powerful metaphor for the artist's own life journey.

(04:51):
Jeff Muhs is best known for his piece Decommissioned Shoe, where he combines a high heel with concrete,
shaping it into a unique hourglass sculpture. The work plays with the tension between the delicate
shoe and the harshness of the concrete, using the contrast to explore societal expectations
around femininity and objectification. The embedded shoe symbolizes how societal pressures

(05:14):
often confine women, blending themes of femininity, modernism, and patriarchy.
Muhs regularly uses high-end design objects like luxury shoes to examine cultural values,
desire, ideas of taste, making his work a critique of societal norms around gender and beauty.
In her 1985 performance piece, Performance Still, Mona Hatoum walked through London with

(05:38):
boots tied to her ankles dragging behind her. This simple yet striking act speaks to the weight
of societal pressures and control that often follow individuals throughout their lives.
By using boots, a symbol of strength and rebellion, Hatoum contrasts the image of power
with the feeling of being weighed down, illustrating how societal expectations can

(05:59):
restrict personal freedom. The performance is a powerful commentary on the tension between
autonomy and the subtle ways in which external forces influence and condition behavior.
Shoes have a rich presence in music, often symbolizing freedom, rebellion, or personal
expression. Their appearances in lyrics and titles can convey broader themes related to identity and
society. Take, for instance, Elvis Presley's Blue Suede Shoes. It was written and originally

(06:25):
recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955, but it became iconic when Elvis Presley covered it. The song
reflects the post-war youth's desire for individuality and self-expression, with shoes
symbolizing pride and personal style. The catchy refrain, But don't you step on my blue suede shoes,
highlights the protective attitude people often have toward their possessions.

(06:47):
Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made for Walkin' was released in 1966 when it became a feminist
anthem. The lyrics emphasized independence and assertiveness. For instance, You keep
samin' when you ought to be a-changin'. Now what's right is right, but you ain't been right yet.
The boots in the song symbolize empowerment and the idea of taking control of one's destiny.

(07:10):
The song's popularity reflects the changing attitudes toward women's rights and autonomy
during the 1960s. And then there's Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's Wing$. This 2011 song explores
the consumer culture surrounding sneakers, particularly the obsession with brands like Nike.
The lyrics narrate a young boy's desire for Air Jordans, illustrating how shoes can symbolize

(07:34):
status and identity. And here are some of the lyrics. Look at me. Look at me. I'm a cool kid.
I'm an individual. Yeah, I'm part of a movement. My movement told me be a consumer and I consumed
it. They told me to just do it. I listened to what swoosh said. And of course they do a far
better job. I am not a rapper. The song critiques the commercialization of youth culture, reminding

(08:00):
listeners that self-worth should not be tied to material possessions. It's a good song.
Shoes have also taken on symbolic meanings in literature, often representing personal journeys,
social class, and transformation. The glass slipper in Cinderella is a unique magical object
that remains unchanged after midnight while everything else reverts. Its rigid nature

(08:21):
contrasts with the soft materials typically used for shoes, ensuring it fits only Cinderella.
Despite its impracticality, glass would break under pressure. It serves as a crucial plot
device, helping the prince identify Cinderella. The slipper's material, glass, adds to its mystique,
being both real and otherworldly, transparent yet solid, symbolizing the fine line between the

(08:45):
magical and the mundane. Its permanence, unlike the other magical transformations,
makes it central to the tale's resolution. Have you ever really thought about that?
The glass slipper came out of nowhere. The coach was made from pumpkins. The horses were
originally mice. And the fairy godmother made her dress out of her tattered dress.

(09:09):
But the glass slippers came out of nowhere.
In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's silver shoes, famously changed to ruby slippers in the
1939 film, serve as a powerful symbol of self-reliance and inner strength. Throughout
her journey, the shoes represent her untapped potential, providing her with protection and,

(09:30):
ultimately, the ability to return home. This mirrors the larger theme of personal growth,
as Dorothy learns that the key to her desires lies within her, all along. The slippers not
only emphasize the importance of identity and belonging, but also serve as a reminder that
sometimes, the answers we seek are already at our feet. In Those Shoes by Maribeth Boltz,

(09:53):
shoes take on symbolic meaning that touches on themes of desire, peer pressure, and empathy.
This is a children's book where the main character, Jeremy, yearns for a pair of trendy shoes that
everyone at school seems to have, representing his longing to fit in and be accepted. However,
the shoes also symbolize the difference between want and need, as Jeremy and his

(10:13):
grandmother can't afford them, also highlighting themes of financial struggle and personal values.
When Jeremy ultimately gives the shoes to a friend in need, the story shifts,
and the shoes become a symbol of generosity and compassion, teaching the importance of kindness
over material possessions. While shoes are man-made artifacts, nature has also inspired
designs that resemble footwear, as well as naturally occurring items that serve similar

(10:37):
purposes or named after shoes. The Lady Slipper Orchid relies on specific bees that are drawn
to its pouch-like shape. When a bee enters, it temporarily gets trapped, which helps with
pollination as it brushes against the orchid's reproductive parts while escaping. Interestingly,
the seeds of the Lady Slipper Orchid are tiny and depend on a certain type of fungus in the soil to

(11:00):
grow. This relationship is crucial for the orchid's survival, as it relies on the nutrients
from the fungus during its early life. There are over 50 species of Lady Slipper Orchids around
the world, each with its own shape, color, and habitat. Sadly, some of these species are
threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and over-collection.

(11:20):
And let's meet the Slipper Lobster. These creatures feature flattened bodies that allow
them to hide effectively in crevices and under rocks, providing protection from predators.
Unlike true lobsters, Slipper Lobsters lack large claws. Instead, they have small paddle-like
antennae that aid in navigating through the water. They communicate by making drumming sounds

(11:42):
with their antennae against their shells, which signals various behaviors, including courtship
and danger. Then there's the Booted Rackettail Hummingbird, and it's known for its unique tail
feathers, which look like small paddles. These feathers are essential for males when they perform
elaborate aerial displays to attract females. The Hummingbird is found only in the cloud forests

(12:02):
of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, making it especially unique. But because it has such
specialized habitat, it's also sensitive to environmental changes. The colors of the Booted
Rackettail can vary significantly. Some have bright greens and blues, while others have more muted
tones that help them blend into their surroundings. And since this is a podcast about shoes,

(12:26):
you're going to have to look at the picture I share in our Facebook community of these birds,
because they have white feathers on their feet that look like little boots. They're teeny tiny
boots! So the evolution of shoes goes beyond changing styles. It reflects the journey of
humanity itself. From the earliest protective designs to modern artistic interpretations,

(12:47):
footwear has continuously adapted to meet societal needs and cultural expressions.
Shoes symbolize more than just functionality. They carry meanings related to status,
identity, and personal stories that resonate in art, music, and literature. Additionally,
the connections drawn between man-made footwear and natural forms like the Lady Slipper Orchid
and the Booted Rackettail Hummingbird highlight the intricate relationship between nature and

(13:12):
human creativity. As we delve deeper into the cultural significance of shoes,
we uncover valuable insights into our own identities and the ongoing narrative of human
experience, reminding us that even the simplest of objects can hold profound meanings.
So tell me, what do your shoes say about your own journey and the identity you want to express to

(13:32):
the world? I'll share my story, and you can share your story with our None But Curious Facebook
community. And if you liked this episode, subscribe to the None But Curious podcast
and give a review so that others like you can find it. And until next time,
continue finding magic in the mundane.