What shoes to wear with Hanfu
In ancient China, hanfu shoes weren't just practical items; they were also vehicles for ritual and social hierarchy. According to Shen Congwen's Research on Ancient Chinese Clothing and Adornments, the Zhou Dynasty established a three-tier system of "xi (xì)", "lǚ", and "jù (jù)":
舄/Xi (Ritual Shoes): Heavy-soled, colorful silk shoes for sacrificial ceremonies (highest ritual status).
履/Lǚ (Official Shoes): Silk casual shoes for officials.
屦Jù (Common Shoes): Hemp or kudzu woven shoes for commoners.
After the Tang and Song dynasties, decorative elements increased (e.g., Tang Dynasty cloud-patterned upturned-toe shoes symbolized ascending to the clouds and achieving immortality). By the Ming and Qing dynasties, embroidered shoes became widespread among the populace.
I. Why can a poor choice of shoes ruin the beauty of Hanfu?
Sneakers + Ming-style Mamian Skirt: Modern thick soles disrupt the elegant drape and lines.
Stiletto Heels + Ruqun: Sharp shoe shapes distort the classical, soft proportions
Authority Reference: The Hanfu Wearing Guide by the China National Silk Museum states that mismatched shoe styles can cause an overall "temporal clash".
II. Core Pairing Solutions
a. Choose Shoes by Dynasty Style (With Practical Advice from Reproduction Groups)
| Dynasty Style | Traditional Shoe Style | Modern Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Tang | Cloud-head Shoes (Dunhuang Murals) | Cloud-head shoes with thick soles and pearl decorations（Jiangnan Zhuji/江南朱记） |
| Ming | Bow Shoes (Unearthed from Dingling) | Embroidered ankle boots with fleece lining (Zhiyuji Brand improved style) |
| Song | Upturned-Toe Embroidered Shoes | “Everything Goes as Wished”lion-patterned upturned-toe shoes (Jiangnan Zhuji/江南朱记) |
▲Cloud-head shoes with thick soles and pearl decorations（Jiangnan Zhuji）
▲“Everything Goes as Wished”lion-patterned upturned-toe shoes (Jiangnan Zhuji）
b. Choose Shoes by Function
Photoshoots Only: Suzhou Kesi silk reproduction shoes (limit wearing time to 3 hours)
Extended Wear/Walking: Rubber-soled embroidered shoes (Hanshang Hualian Brand, 200% more durable)
Weddings/Rituals: Bright red gold-thread dragon-phoenix shoes (Complies with Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial wedding attire standards)
IV. Year-Round Solutions
| Season | Solution | Core Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | Ramie-lined + Bamboo-woven sole (95% moisture wicking) | Suzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage - Luo Sanniang craftsmanship |
| Fall/Winter | Lined boot with lambswool & hidden lift (+5cm) | Dunhuang Research Academy patented non-slip sole |
V. Newbie Pitfall Guide
a. 3 Forbidden Shoe Types (Based on 10,000-person survey by Shenzhen Hanfu Association)
Open-Toe Sandals: 98% of respondents believe they destroy the dignified aesthetic.
Fluorescent Sneakers: 87% color clash rate.
Pointed-Toe Stilettos: 92% style mismatch rate.
b. Female-Specific Taboos (Research by China Costume & Adornment Team)
Pearl-encrusted shoes cannot be paired with narrow-sleeved Beizi: Exclusively worn by court entertainers in the Song Dynasty.
Qing Dynasty platform shoes (flowerpot soles) forbidden with Ming-style hanfu: Causes a temporal clash.
Finally, I want to say hanfu shoes should not be underestimated! Pairing them correctly elevates the entire look. The right pair of hanfu shoes completes the ancient vibe, making you stunning from head to toe.
If you want to choose a pair of comfortable and authentic Hanfu shoes to match your Hanfu, you can click on the quick link below to get an exclusive discount for purchase, and you may have the opportunity to receive a beautiful gift.
Purchase link
Cloud-head shoes with thick soles and pearl decorations（Jiangnan Zhuji）
“Everything Goes as Wished”lion-patterned upturned-toe shoes (Jiangnan Zhuji）
