Sandals, Mandals, and Mary Janes

If clothes make the man, then what do his shoes say about him? William Bolen, PhD, tackles this question with gusto as he dives into the history of one of the most well-worn pieces of footwear, the sandal. Along the way he contemplates the complicated relationship between gender identity and clothing choice. Are some shoes more “girly” than others? What do they say about the men who wear them? And where do these pressures come from—are they the result of executive marketing decisions, or evidence of deeply rooted cultural norms?
Through meticulous research and an academic attention to detail, Dr. Bolen lays out a comprehensive response to these questions and more. Strap in, and get ready to take a walk through history.

“Scholarly but approachable. The author’s thorough research offers a mix of fact and personal experience.”
—Liz Mellish, PhD, University College London

“Shoes really don’t have a gender—this is all a social construction. This book is a great addition to the field, as shoes are so often overlooked in these discussions.”
—Elizabeth Sweet, PhD, San Jose State University