In ballet, the pointe shoe is considered an elegant extension of the dancer's body. The shoes are generally three sizes smaller than the woman's street shoe, and only last for one performance. These pink silk pointe shoes have ever been used, the dancer who wears them will customize them to her needs. (Russia, 1997)

This pair of red silk booties is embroidered with powerful dragon symbols. Dragons are mythical beasts, long celebrated for their benevolence, intelligence and goodwill. Chinese children's clothing and footwear is often decorated with dragons and other animals as a symbolic way of protecting them from harm. (China, early 20th century)

Boots with curvaceous Louis heels were de rigueur for fashionably dressed women at the dawn of the 20th century. Many boots of the period incorporated 'menswear' styling. This pair was designed to look as if the wearer was sporting a pair of white spats. (American, 1900)