Furlane (shoe)

Usually characterized by their flexible rubber soles, these shoes are usually flats or low heels, with velvet fabric uppers.

[1] Red Cross nurses, looking for practical alternatives for footwear, made furlane shoes from donated materials.

Much of the material, including velvet, fabric, and rubber, came from private donors and small businesses.

[2] Later on when they started getting sold on the Rialto Bridge, they went on to appear on the feet of the Venetian gondoliers, who used them to protect the wood of the gondolas.

Worn at the Venice Biennale,[5] the furlane shoes won appeal for their origin in recycled materials,[7] and adaptability.