The low-heeled lady's shoe was essentially a heeled version of the flat satin slipper popular for much of the first half of the nineteenth century. Classically inspired 'sandal shoes', with square toe and throat, flat sole, rosette and ribbon ankle ties, continued to be worn in black or white for formal wear right up until the 1860s. However, by the 1850s more elaborate styles were already beginning to emerge and heels came back into fashion.
This pair of black low-heeled shoes with striking bright blue cutwork, embroidery and tiered grosgrain bow is an example of the fashion for colourful footwear. It is possible that they were made especially to complement the colours of a particular dress. The fine cutwork and delicate embroidery are typical of the designs of Julien Mayer, the manufacturer responsible for this pair. Recognised in the trade for his prowess in shoemaking Mayer advertised his successes on the shoes themselves by stamping the soles with information about the prizes he had won. This pair is stamped with three small medallions proclaiming the awards he won in London in 1862, Porto in 1865 and Paris in 1867.