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How America Kept Its Feet: A Journey Through the History of American Footwear

Marcus Bell

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Published in Whatever Happened To The Metric System?: How America Kept Its Feet

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From the earliest moccasins to the latest high-tech sneakers, How America Kept Its Feet tells the fascinating story of American footwear. This engaging and informative book explores the social, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped the way Americans have walked, worked, and played for centuries.

Whatever Happened to the Metric System?: How America Kept Its Feet

by John Bemelmans Marciano

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3084 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The Early Years: Moccasins and Boots

The first Americans were nomadic hunters and gatherers who lived in close contact with the land. Their footwear was simple and practical, designed to protect their feet from the elements and rough terrain. Moccasins, made from animal skins, were the most common type of footwear for both men and women. They were lightweight, flexible, and easy to make. Boots, made from leather or canvas, were also worn by both sexes, but they were more common among men who worked outdoors.

As European settlers arrived in North America, they brought with them their own footwear traditions. These traditions gradually blended with Native American footwear styles, giving rise to new and unique American footwear designs.

The 19th Century: A Time of Change

The 19th century was a time of great change in American footwear. The Industrial Revolution led to the development of new machinery and materials, which made it possible to mass-produce shoes for the first time. This made shoes more affordable and accessible to the general public.

The 19th century also saw the rise of the fashion industry. Fashion magazines and newspapers began to feature articles on the latest footwear trends. This led to a greater demand for stylish shoes, and shoemakers began to experiment with new designs.

The 20th Century: The Rise of Sneakers

The 20th century was the century of the sneaker. Sneakers, originally designed as athletic shoes, quickly became popular for everyday wear. They were comfortable, affordable, and stylish. Sneakers were also worn by soldiers during World War II, which helped to popularize them even further.

After the war, sneakers continued to grow in popularity. They were worn by athletes, students, and people of all ages and walks of life. Sneakers became a symbol of American culture and style.

The 21st Century: A New Era of Footwear

The 21st century has seen the emergence of new footwear trends. Athletic shoes continue to be popular, but there is also a growing demand for stylish and comfortable shoes that can be worn for both work and play. New materials and technologies are being used to create innovative new footwear designs.

The future of American footwear is bright. With a rich history and a constantly evolving present, American footwear is sure to continue to play a vital role in the lives of Americans for centuries to come.

How America Kept Its Feet is a fascinating and informative book that tells the story of American footwear. This book explores the social, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped the way Americans have walked, worked, and played for centuries. Whether you're a fashionista, a history buff, or just someone who loves shoes, How America Kept Its Feet is a must-read.

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