Typically, such materials would have degraded long ago.  These shoes survived because the Arnold Research Cave provided a dry, protective environment (and because cave looters never stumbled across this shoe stash). Using carbon dating, scientists were able to determine that the shoes are over 8,000 years old.  The scientists found four complete sandals and thirteen nearly-whole slip-on shoes, showing that some styles never go out of vogue.

Expose by Charles David

In fact, the more you read about the Arnold Research Cave discovery, the more you realize that some things never change.  Then, as now, shoe styles varied according to region. Ancient agave-based shoes from west Texas are very different from the woven styles found in Missouri.  Woven shoes found in Colorado were constructed of similar materials as the Arnold Research Cave shoes, but were made in a totally different style.  While they were probably far harder on their shoes than we are, our predecessors were attracted to unique, stylish shoes, just like us.

Pati by Pare

If you’re hoping to emulate the styles found at Arnold Research Cave, check out these modern espadrilles from the Shoefly collection.  Espadrilles are perfect summer shoes– they’ll keep your heels lifted and your feet cool and comfy as you frolic in the mid-summer sun.   Happy hunting!

Top photo via Arnold Research Caves.

If this product truly is a “shoe sock,” however, I can certainly think of more than just two uses for them. For instance, shoe socks should keep your shoes from getting sweaty like good, real socks do for your feet. And they should keep your shoes warm from the cold too, if your shoes could feel cold, that is. Finally, at Christmastime, your shoes will have something to be “hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nick…”

Kidding aside, taking proper care of your shoes is important, so the concept of a “shoe sock” is a good one. Here at Shoeflyer we have respect for those looking to better the World of Shoes with design and innovation, and I believe this product is attempting to do just that. Though, maybe I’m just old school — or cheap — but I imagine a plastic grocery bag will accomplish much the same result as a shoe sock. I guess I’ll leave that up to you.

Shoefly shoes I think would look good in a shoe sock:

Details. “Whether it’s ruffles, fringe, and straps, or buckles, jewels, coins and beads, you want the most unique shoe you can find.” Doll by A. Marinelli.

Platforms. No, apparently they’re not kidding. Violet by Charlotte Ronson.

Peep toes. Perfect for when your toes aren’t at their finest. Samba by C Label.

Slingbacks. Sexy and stylish. Thank You Note by Seychelles.

Gladiators. This is the must-have sandal of the summer. Garland by Sam Edelman.

Snake skin. It doesn’t have to be authentic, but it can’t be cheap imitation either. Vamp by Franco Sarto.

Ties, laces, and straps. It doesn’t matter as long as there’s a lot going on. Dalton by Pare.

Unique heels. Anything colorful and artistic that makes the heel stand out. Ashley by Oh Deer.

Get ahead of the game and don’t be late for summer shoe fashion. Get a pair today!

• Practice Stripe Moderation. Stripes are quite bold, so they should be used sparingly.  A stripey piece or two is usually enough–don’t go overboard.  (Har de har har.)
• Stripe, Meet Solid. One way to balance stripes is to pair them with a block color.  Liz Lamb recommends pairing a striped t-shirt with jeans, or a vertically striped skirt with a solid top.
• Vertical Stripes are Slimming. Maybe your Mom’s already hammered this rule into your head, but just in case… avoid horizontal stripes unless want to highlight a certain area.  If you’d like your hips to seem a little wider, slap some horizontal stripes there.  Otherwise, opt for vertical stripes, or flashes of stripes in small doses.

Stripey shoes are my favorite way to express my inner sailor (or pirate!).  In addition to the pair of Tina espadrilles by Pare shown above, I’ve gathered a few stripey Shoefly styles for your perusal.  Enjoy, matey!

Bradshaw by Pink Studio

Karrie by Nude