The History of Feet: Ancient Egypt’s Footwear Game

To kick off our History of Feet series, we're taking a trip back in time—way back to when Birkenstocks weren’t around, yet sandals were the height of fashion!

Imagine this: It’s ancient Egypt, and you’re the Pharaoh, strolling through your palace in sandals that are more than just footwear—they’re status symbols. These weren’t your run-of-the-mill flip-flops. Made from papyrus or leather and often adorned with expensive jewels, your footwear signified your high rank. RIP Nefertiti, you would have loved a red sole underneath your sandals…

But jokes aside, the Egyptians were so ahead of their time that they even pioneered custom footwear solutions. As I was writing this I learned about a wooden toe from around 1500 BC, which researchers believe was designed to help with the wearer’s gait, indicating that they had an early understanding of posture and spinal alignment.

The Cairo Toe

Even crazier, foot care involving oils and treatments was part of their daily routine, which sounds pretty similar to our modern-day obsession with foot soakers, masks, and rolls. Note to self: If they could pamper their feet 3,500 years ago, why shouldn't I after a long day

It’s become more and more apparent that the Egyptians knew that good foot health could prevent back pain and other issues, much like how we at Groov understand the importance of the right footwear for your holistic well-being 😉

So, next time you slip into your Groovs, think of it as a nod to our ancient Egyptian ancestors who knew a thing or two about making feet happy. Whether you’ve got high arches, flat feet, or just want a comfier step, our footwear personalization system is here to honor that ancient wisdom, ensuring your feet are not just walking but grooving through life.

Here’s to keeping history underfoot and comfort at the forefront.

Stay Groovy,
Santiago
Resident Groover