National Footwear Museum

The museum offers visitors a beautiful overview of shoe fashion from the 20th century to the present day. This is largely represented by shoes made in Izegem. After all, Izegem was the shoe center of Belgium for decades. Moreover, visitors can learn about the craft of shoemaking. Nowhere else can you see how a shoe was hand-sewn. Visitors also get a historical overview of the shoe starting from ancient Egypt.

In the historical footwear section, the evolution of the shoe in the Western world is presented. The overview begins in ancient Egypt and reaches our present day via the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans. You can learn when the heel and other curiosities made their debut. In the second section, artisanal shoemaking comes to life. The designer, the last maker, the pattern maker, the cutter, the seamstress, and the shoemaker himself are introduced step by step. The third section showcases the evolution of shoe fashion over the last centuries. In the fourth and final section, shoes from all continents are displayed. If the shoe fits, wear it!

The boots made for Leopold I by Izegem shoemaker Eduard Dierick are the absolute showpiece and a testament to refined craftsmanship. The courage of this shoemaker and his special techniques laid the foundation for a successful shoe industry in Izegem.

Contact details:
- National Shoe Museum
- Wijngaardstraat 9, 8870 Izegem
- Tel: +32 51 31 65 43
- E-Mail: schoeiselmuseum@izegem.be
- Web: www.izegem.be

- Rates: Individual ?2 - Discounts: Seniors, CJP, PASAR, Davidfonds ?1.5 - Ages 18-26 ?1 - Youth under 18 FREE / Opening hours: Individual visits: from March until the Christmas holidays, every Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 5 PM - For groups: all year round by reservation

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden