When most people think of historical Chinese women’s shoes, they probably think of footbinding, right? Well, take a gander at this slipper from 19th century China.

19th century Manchu slipper

This shoe comes from the Manchu people, who did not practice footbinding. Instead, they elevated their shoes like this one. This women’s slipper is in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sure, it still looks like it would be hard to walk in, but much preferable to binding your feet, that’s for sure. It’s also surprisingly contemporary if you take off the elevated base. I could put those on now and be proud of my stylish shoes. Just goes to show that fashions never go completely out of style.