Persian Riding Shoes

This pair of Persian riding shoes features leather-covered heels. Early European heels were also leather-covered and may have been inspired by Persian models. In addition, Persian heels were ÔbreastedÕ meaning that the leather used to make the sole of the shoe is extended along the front-facing part of the heel, another detail found on early European heels. The metal banding on the heel, typical of Persian design, was not adopted by European shoemakers.