International Shoe Museum, Shoe museum in Romans-sur-Isère, France
The International Shoe Museum occupies a former convent with stone walls and displays footwear spanning different periods and regions. The collections are arranged in exhibition spaces that show the variety of shoe forms and how they changed over time.
The museum was founded to document the long tradition of shoemaking in Romans-sur-Isère, a city known for its footwear industry for centuries. Official recognition as a national institution reinforced the importance of this local craft heritage.
The name reflects its global scope, displaying footwear from many countries and traditions. These objects reveal how people dressed for different occasions and what craftsmanship techniques mattered in their daily lives.
Plan your visit by checking the opening hours, which vary seasonally. The spaces are easily accessible, and it helps to allow time for exploring the different exhibition areas at your own pace.
The collection holds around 16,500 pairs showing craft techniques ranging from ancient Egyptian sandals to modern athletic shoe design. This span shows how shoemaking methods changed across thousands of years.
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