In the publication Step by Step. Schuhdesign im Wandel (Shoe Design through the Ages), the Deutsches Ledermuseum in Offenbach am Main presents exceptional designs from its extensive shoe collection of over 10,000 objects: high heels and trainers, slippers and fetish boots all demonstrate how our shoes reflect our culture. They show an awareness of style and of health, strengthen status, express a sense of fashion or act as a political statement.


In combining historical exhibits from across the globe and current models, spectacular pairings result that highlight timeless concepts and varying tastes. By means of 2,000-year-old slippers from Egypt, Iranian riding boots from the 17th century and Italian designer shoes, the authors explain how shoes have become what they are today. Where did the flip flop originate? How did the heel develop and how long have we had left and right shoes? All these questions and more are answered in Step by Step.


Featuring shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Beth Levine, Christian Louboutin, François Pinet, Alexander McQueen, Mary Quant, Roger Vivier, Vivienne Westwood, and many more.


Text in German.


Published to accompany an exhibition at Deutsches Ledermuseum, Offenbach am Main, between 26 October 2019 and 31 May 2020.