Besides being a fashion student/shoe fetishist’s dream, this specialised museum offers a unique view of history through the footprints of various cultures. The tour begins on the lower level, starting with a sample of the first footprints found – a pair of what must be a North American men’s size 14 accompanied by a much smaller pair (perhaps a woman’s, but certainly smaller than my size 9’s!). A historical timeline is laid out from ancient Egyptian and Grecian sandals and reed-like foot coverings, to Chinese lotus slippers for foot-bound ladies, to heeled Baroque slippers. The collection is nothing short of dizzying, and after viewing shoes from the beginning of time, it’s funny to think that our modern day shoes haven’t changed much in the past century!

The current exhibitions followed on the upper floors. The second floor showcased “celebrity shoes” like Queen Victorian’s mourning slippers as well as Elton John and Ginger Spice’s platforms. Lit footprints on the floor represented the shoe size of several celebrities as well, and you’d be surprised how small Kate Bush and David Bowie’s feet are!

The third floor contained an exhibit of traditional Indian footwear called “Paduka”, meaning “little foot”*. Beautiful foot jewelry, that would be worn by brides along with intricate henna designs and sandals were on display. The physical and spiritual needs of shoes were noted; along with women’s hair and face, their feet were very carefully attended to! Feet had a special importance and a sort of double life in that they were closest to the earth, connecting them to the world and they were also the dirtiest part of the body.

The top floor was devoted to “On Canadian Ground”, a survey of Canadian footwear from the indigenous people (Canadian Indian/Eskimo) to a turn of the century style shoe shop, when shoes were ready-made in standardised sizes. Over 200 shoes are featured in this collection from kamiks and moccasins to working boots and goregeous “granny boots”.

If you’re in Toronto, all you need is an hour and a half to get through the tour, and books and souvenirs are available in their shop. Definitely time well spent!