Inside Temple’s Secret Shoe Museum

Slippers worn by an adult woman subjected to Chinese foot binding. | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

Temple’s School of Podiatric Medicine is home to one of Philly’s hidden gems — so hidden, in fact, that the unique charm of the place doesn’t quite hit you until you leave. Temple’s Shoe Museum is a far cry from the pristine halls of Philadelphia’s iconic Art Museum; its artifacts are preserved in a cocoon of cinderblock, yellow fluorescent lights and dusty shelves. The museum curator, Barbara Williams, is a no-nonsense woman who was not too keen on giving me a tour in the first place. (You can only tour the exhibit by appointment  …  with Ms. Barbara.) Crack her shell, however, and you will find that she’s a source of infinite shoe knowledge, so put more time in the parking meter than you think.

Ms. Barbara (yes, that’s what everyone who works there calls her, so I followed suit) walked me through the cultural, anthropological and historical significance of nearly every single pair of shoes in the museum; there are about 250 on display, in a warren of cases that line the sixth floor of the podiatry school. When I looked past the underwhelming appearance – descriptions mounted on construction paper, foggy glass casing, and display shelves so low I had to squat – I was blown away by the remarkable variety of shoes in the museum. There are ancient Egyptian burial sandals so weathered the straps have fallen off; impossibly small Chinese slippers that women’s mangled feet once squeezed into; Victorian heels pitched so high a woman needed to clutch to a male escort in order to walk anywhere; a Native American princess’s intricately embroidered mukluks; splashy gold disco platform sandals.

The collection paints a picture of the fascinating history of shoes, and Barbara is its star storyteller. It’s a must-see, and just the sort of place that defines Philly: a hidden gem that’s rough around the edges but no less dazzling for it. (And it’s free!) Check out some of its highlights below.

Circa 1910 wedding shoes, Depression-era lace-ups, and Ella Fitzgerald’s gold boots. | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

Proof that fashion is cyclical. | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

Leather detailing with a pop of color. | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

Don’t be fooled: This lady is a firecracker with more shoe knowledge than maybe anyone, ever. | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

Black and white and known all over. (Left) A pair of shoes designed for Ringo Starr. (Right) A pair of shoes worn in a stage production of ‘Singin’ In The Rain.’  | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

Billie Jean King’s custom Adidas sneakers; her signature tennis serve took a toll on her right sneaker toe. | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

These Victorian boots from 1890 were designed so that women could not walk without the help of a male escort; a pair of custom Doc Martens (the soles were added by a third party and are “structurally sound.” | Photo by Lauren McGrath.

The Details: The Shoe Museum at the Temple School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 North 8th Street, sixth floor, Market East. Visits are by appointment only;call 215-625-5243 or email bwilliams@tuspm.temple.edu to schedule.