Scientists believe they have discovered the oldest example of a leather shoe.
The preserved size 37 shoe, which is 5,500 years old, was discovered by a team of international archaeologists in Armenia. One of the team was Dr Ron Pinhasi of University College Cork.
It may not be a Jimmy Choo or a Manolo Blahnik but this shoe made from cow hide is causing quite a stir.
Dr Ron Pinhasi points out that people probably had footwear a long time before this shoe was made. Researchers say this is the first evidence of that era showing people were capable of manufacturing shoes.
An international archaeological team digging for signs of Neanderthal man in Armenia made the discovery in a cave on the border near Turkey and Iran. The shoe was found under an upside-down pot.
Cork shoemaker Brendan O'Rourke was commissioned by UCC to make a replica of the shoe. It was relatively easy to recreate this simple shoe and he says he has repaired shoes in a lot worse condition.
If you were stuck for a shoe, I'd be happy to wear it.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 June 2010. The reporter is Jennie O'Sullivan.
