The oldest leather shoes in the world were discovered during archaeological excavations in the Areni Cave in Armenia. Dating back to the Eneolithic period – the Copper Age (3600-3500 BC), the find is about 5,500 years old. However, the surviving shoes were so well restored that archaeologists initially mistakenly dated them to only 500-600 years old. Only after analysis in radiocarbon labs in Oxford and California was it possible to establish the true date of the shoes’ creation – more than 5,000 years.
These ancient shoes were not very similar to those we wear today. The shoes were made from a single piece of leather, which was shaped and sewn together with animal tendons. There was no left or right shoe – instead, the shoes were designed to fit either foot, which was common practice at the time. The inside of the shoe was filled with grass, perhaps for insulation or to help maintain the shape of the shoe.
The shoe had a simple flat sole and was held on the foot with a leather lace or strap. It is unclear whether the shoe had any kind of lining or insole, but given the rugged terrain of the time, it is likely that the wearer would have needed some kind of protection.
So why were these shoes so important? Firstly, they are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancient ancestors. The fact that they were able to create functional and durable footwear from basic materials is truly impressive.
The find also provides some insight into the lives of people in ancient times. For example, the fact that the shoes were designed to fit both feet suggests that people of the time may have had a greater need for flexibility and adaptability than we do today. And the fact that the shoe was made from a single piece of leather speaks to the scarcity of resources and the need to make the most of what was available.
Today, the oldest shoe in the world can be seen in the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan. It is an amazing artifact that reminds us of the common history of mankind and the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors.