About traditional Iranian shoes

traditional Iranian shoes have always been a symbol of Iranian culture and Persian art in the past. These shoes usually have very beautiful designs and each of them has its own meanings. As mentioned, shoes were initially used only to prevent environmental damage, but later became more meaningful, and its design and model became a sign of the culture and traditions of each region.

Persian traditional shoes in each region have their own shape and design, and these designs have been designed and produced by artists from those regions, and people have welcomed them. In ancient times, every village and town had its own type of Persian Footwear, the shape and thickness of which were designed according to the environmental conditions of the region and were suitable for wearing in the same town and village.

In addition to the features of the region, Persian traditional shoes were produced based on the available materials in that village or city so that all people could have shoes and their feet would be protected from injuries. For example, in areas where people lived as nomads, shoes were usually made from the skins of animals that the nomads carried with them. And in some forest and mountainous areas, shoes were made with plant skins and some animal skins.

Givah shoes with blue yarn strap

traditional Iranian shoes

Shoes are one of the clothes or accessories that we constantly use to go out of the house. Wearing shoes has a very long history among humans, and in ancient times humans began to wear shoes to prevent wounds and scratches and other injuries that may be caused to their feet by walking on different surfaces. At first, these shoes had a very simple structure and was only to prevent injuries. But over time, shoes have changed so much that today’s shoes are not very similar to old shoes and are a very important part of people’s daily style.

In Iran, shoes have changed a lot since ancient times, like other parts of the world. The traditional Iranian shoes that were used in the past are almost useless today and people use all kinds of formal, sporty, heeled and comfortable shoes for their daily routine. In the continuation of the article, we will peruse more Persian traditional shoes to get more acquainted with the Iranian culture in the production of these Persian handicrafts.

Persian giveh shoes

Shoes in ancient Iran

Each region of Iran has its own clothes and shoes. The shoes often match the local clothing in color and design. In many areas, people used local materials to make their shoes. The designs have always shown the culture and traditions of each region.

In the following, we will introduce several traditional Iranian shoes. You will learn about their features and see how each style reflects a unique culture.

Yellow giveh shoes

Giveh

Giveh shoes is one of the most original and oldest traditional Iranian shoes that is about 1000 years old in Iran. This type of shoe is very comfortable and allows the foot to breathe and they are also very soft and light, which is handwoven in many areas and villages of Iran.

Giveh was first established in Kermanshah province, which is located in western Iran, and later spread to other parts and provinces of Iran. Almost all the people of ancient Iran wore Giveh for a long time. In Kermanshah province, in Kurdish, Giveh is also called kelash.

This type of shoe is woven in its original type by yarns of wool and cotton and has two parts, upper and insole, which are connected with a rubber or leather band. Usually, the back and front of the shoe are made stronger by a piece of leather to make the shoe more durable.

In ancient times, before plastics and rubber bands existed, artisans made Giveh with leather soles and wool or cotton uppers. They stitched the two parts together using animal skin. Later, as leather became more expensive and factories began producing rubber bands, Iranian craftsmen adapted. In areas where people still wore Giveh, they started using rubber strips to connect the soles and uppers. They also added rubber to the soles to make them more durable.

Giveh was one of the first shoes designed to match the shape of the foot. For the first time, craftsmen made Giveh separately for the left and right feet. This design made walking much easier and increased its popularity. Also, the materials used in traditional Giveh were completely natural. They did not cause any damage or pollution to the environment.

Givah shoes with evil eye design

Charogh

Charogh is another traditional Iranian shoes that was first used in North Khorasan and Zanjan provinces. This type of shoe is commonly used by women today and as sandals indoors. But in the past, both men and women used it as shoes.

Charogh has a very important feature: it emphasizes beauty. Craftsmen usually decorate it with colorful and beautiful ribbons. In the past, people used cheerful colors like red for girls. Acquaintance with Persian traditional shoes helps you learn more about the culture of each region. You also discover their environmental conditions and traditions. You can see how a culture spreads through shoes.

Today, people use these shoes much less. You may only find them in the countryside, where some still wear Giveh. Despite the passage of time, these shoes keep their beauty and meaning. They remain an important part of Iran’s national heritage.