36 Gorgeous Red Shoes Of 2023 That You Must Add To Your Collection

“There is no place like home,” as Dorothy famously stated in 1939 while tapping her ruby slippers three times. Since then, numerous generations of women have grown up recognizing the undeniable influence of a red shoe.

Historically Speaking, Red Shoes Are Adored By Powerful Men

Beyond The Wizard of Oz, though, there is something about a woman who wears red shoes that naturally conveys strength and independence to the rest of the world. In the past, courageous people in positions of authority have been the only ones to wear red shoes. For example, in 1701, King Louis XIV, commonly known as “the Sun King,” sat for a photograph wearing red heels. You essentially had to be a real king to afford red dye at the time because it was so expensive and hard to find. Or, at the very least, a Pope, who had been wearing red leather loafers since at least 1484, until Pope Francis ditched them in favor of more comfortable brown orthopedic shoes.

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I guess red shoes have always represented men in positions of authority, so you can probably predict what happens when a woman tries to adopt a symbol of power that has historically been associated with men: women who favor scarlet shoes are frequently viewed as undesirable individuals.

Red Shoes Are The Armor Of Modern Life

Red is impetuous, aggressive, and bold; it is associated with passion and blood. It is therefore not surprising that the color appeared so frequently on many fall runways. Designers are aware that our clothing serves as a response to the outside world, and given the rising political and economic unpredictability, it stands to reason that we would approach getting dressed each morning as if we were putting on armor. Red symbolizes resistance, while white, blue, and red signify America.

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Now, sporting a pair of red shoes—especially a pair of red boots—is like yelling, “I am a woman; hear me roar.” While full-on red outfits like those exhibited at Givenchy, Giambattista Valli, or Oscar de la Renta might not be the most practical for everyday use, we can surely benefit from the jolt of adrenaline that only a pair of fire-engine red lace-up boots can deliver.

Hence, if you are in favor of borrowing the energy of the fiery red color, feel free to take a look and pick out your favorite red shoes to rock your days.