If you didn’t know that a balmoral boot was the kind with front lacing that gained popularity in Victorian times, you need to read Shoes: A History From Sandals to Sneakers (Hardcover). It was written by twenty scholars and covers every fascinating aspect of shoes, including their significance in the social, cultural, sexual, art, literary, and fashion milieus. With quoted blurbs by Stuart Weitzman and Manolo Blahnik, it’s essential reading for any shoe fan. Borrow it from the library or buy it at Amazon.com for $32.97. It’s on sale for 34% off.

Shoes: a History From Sandals to Sneakers - Edited by Giorgio Riello and Peter McNeil
Available at Amazon.com