"The fashion for slap-soles began in the 1630s when men started to slip their high-heeled riding boots into flat soled mules as a means of keeping their heels from sinking in the mud. Women soon adopted this practice as a fashion statement and before long shoemakers were making very feminine versions." - Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum Lady Like, Bata Shoes, Old Shoes, Elizabeth I, All About Shoes, Historical Clothing, Antique Clothing, Crazy Shoes, Museum