Fort Rock Sandals Named World’s Oldest Footwear at 10,000 Years Old

Step back in time as we explore the simple origins of human footwear and discover how our distant ancestors first protected their feet.

Footwear is nearly as old as humanity, evolving from simple plant fiber sandals to intricate leatherwork and beyond. But when it comes to answering the question—what is the oldest type of footwear ever identified by archaeologists?—the story begins with the humble sandal.

The Sandal: Humanity’s Oldest Known Shoe

Sandals constructed from plant fibers stand as the world’s oldest directly dated shoes. The earliest confirmed examples are the renowned Fort Rock sandals, crafted from twisted sagebrush bark and discovered in the Fort Rock Cave of Oregon, USA. Radiocarbon dating places these remarkable finds at around 9,300–10,500 years old. More than 100 sandals were uncovered at the site, a testament to early innovation in both foot protection and mobility.

Archaeologists said: “The construction and wear patterns on these sandals demonstrate not just their age, but the ingenuity of the people who used them.”

Even Older Imprints and Indirect Evidence

Physical remnants of footwear are rare, thanks to the decay of organic materials over time. However, several lines of evidence suggest humans donned primitive foot coverings far earlier than the Fort Rock finds. Researchers have studied anatomical changes—such as alterations in toe bones—and prehistoric footprints, which indicate that simple shoes or wraps (perhaps made of animal skins or plant fibers) could have been used up to 40,000 years ago. None of these perishable shoes survive, but their legacy is written in ancient footprints and skeletal evolution.

“Subtle changes in the small toe bones of early humans suggest that protective footwear was in use by at least 30,000 years ago, as reduced mechanical stress from shoes caused the lesser toes to become thinner and less robust,” said Erik Trinkaus, paleoanthropologist at Washington University in St. Louis.

The World’s Oldest Leather Shoe

For those wondering about the oldest known leather shoe, look no further than the Areni-1 shoe, found in a cave in Armenia and dating to about 5,500 years ago (circa 3500 BCE). This well-preserved, moccasin-like shoe was fashioned from a single piece of cowhide and would have fit a European size 37, showcasing the sophistication of early leather craftsmanship.

Archaeologist Ron Pinhasi said: “The Areni-1 shoe is older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, demonstrating an advanced degree of leatherworking in the Copper Age.”

Early Footwear Beyond Sandals

Sandals weren’t universal. Indigenous cultures across the globe developed distinct footwear solutions:

• Early Native Americans made snug-fitting moccasins from animal hides.

• Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations favored sandals from reeds, palm leaves, or leather.

• The simplest styles—basic, open-toed sandals—became templates for boots, closed shoes, and a variety of regional adaptations.

Why Did Our Ancestors Invent Shoes?

Shoes originated out of necessity: protection against rough terrain, extreme temperatures, and debris. Over time, they came to signal social status, group identity, and technological advancement. Yet, at their core, the oldest known footwear—plant fiber sandals—exemplifies early human ingenuity and adaptability in facing environmental challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Oldest directly dated footwear: Fort Rock sandals (plant fiber), Oregon, ~10,000 years old

• Oldest leather shoe: Areni-1 (Armenia), ~5,500 years old

• Ancient foot coverings almost certainly existed much earlier, but were lost to time due to organic decay.

• Sandals, “foot bags,” and wraps were the earliest known solutions for foot protection.

In the story of footwear, the humble sandal—woven from the fibers of local plants—marks the very first step in humanity’s journey toward innovation, comfort, and style.