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Foot Notes: Shoes, Symbolism, and Society

July 2, 2026–February 28, 2027
The Wolfsonian–FIU @ 1001 Washington Avenue

Shoes carry meaning—as markers of identity and as reflections of cultural priorities. Foot Notes focuses on a key chapter in footwear history, the first half of the 20th century, when new breakthroughs in materials, technologies, and design reshaped their form and function. The exhibition draws from The Wolfsonian's collection to uncover unexpected stories about footwear, where design and fabrication intersect with politics, identity, and everyday life. Throughout, Foot Notes places iconic footwear, like rare shoe examples by designers such as  Salvatore Ferragamo and Beth Levine, in dialogue with broader histories of merchandising, innovation, propaganda, and recreation.


Place:
7th Floor
Curator:
Danielle Charlap
Credit:
Foot Notes: Shoes, Symbolism, and Society is organized by The Wolfsonian–FIU and supported by the Cowles Charitable Trust and Leonard and Ruth Perfido.

Explore the Exhibition

Exhibition entrance labeled “Foot Notes” and “Shoes, Symbolism & Society,” with framed posters and a central doorway

Object Highlights

Poster showing a stylized blue winged foot in a sandal above the words “FOIRE de PARIS”

Design drawing, Foire de Paris Mai 1939 [Fair of Paris, May 1939], c. 1939
France
Gouache and graphite on paper
48 x 32 in
The Wolfsonian–Florida International University, Miami Beach, Florida, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, 85.5.54 a,b

Three black metal stands with long flat tops, curved supports, and narrow wooden rods

Shoe displays, c. 1929
From the Bullock’s Wilshire department store, Los Angeles
Steel, wood, paint
Various dimensions
The Wolfsonian–Florida International University, Miami Beach, Florida, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, TD1994.25.2, .5, .7

Gold strappy sandal with a thick, multicolored platform sole and block heel

Shoe, Rainbow, 1938
Salvatore Ferragamo (Italy, 1898–1960), designer
Florence, Italy
Suede, gilded leather, leather, cork
Courtesy Museo Ferragamo, Florence

Illustrated advertisement showing trousered legs in black shoes beside a red tin labeled “HARRY”

Design drawing, Harry cipöpaszta vezet [Harry Shoe Polish Is in the Lead], c. 1925
József Amberg (Hungary, 1890–1972)
Hungary, Budapest
Gouache, watercolor, ink, and graphite on paper
8 7/8 x 13 7/8 in
The Wolfsonian–Florida International University, Miami Beach, Florida, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, TD1995.2.177

Tall wooden cabinet with a sloped front, rectangular opening, red trim, and three dark viewing hoods on top

Machine, X-ray Shoe Sizer, c. 1946
Simplex for X-Ray Shoe Fitter, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, manufacturer
Wood, glass, metal
48 x 24 x 36 inches
The Wolfsonian–Florida International University, Miami Beach, Florida, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, XX1990.7

Transparent low-heeled pump with metallic edging and a clear block heel

Shoe, Cinderella, 1961
Beth Levine (United States, 1914–2006) for Herbert Levine, New York City
Vinyl, acrylic, leather
Courtesy of Helene Verin

Two rusted metal shoe-shaped objects with rounded toe covers and exposed coil springs

Toy, Rocket Shoes, c. 1953
United States
Metal, paint
6½ x 5 x 10½ inches
The Wolfsonian–Florida International University, Miami Beach, Florida, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, TD1988.152.8 a–c


Take a Walk in Their Shoes Audio Tour

Red-tinted collage of four photographs showing a person sewing, a person smiling, two people holding a shoe, and a speed skater on the ice.

Hear directly from an athlete, artist, designer, and the owners of a family shoe repair business as they reflect on the many roles shoes play in our lives.

Access the audio tour.