This exhibition will look at the extremes of footwear from around the globe, presenting around 200 pairs of shoes ranging from a sandal decorated in pure gold leaf originating from ancient Egypt to the most elaborate designs by contemporary makers, including Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin.

The museum commented: “Examples from famous shoe wearers and collectors will be shown alongside a dazzling range of historic shoes, many of which have not been displayed before”.

The show will consider the cultural significance and transformative capacity of shoes and will examine the latest developments in footwear technology creating the possibility of ever higher heels and dramatic shapes.

The exhibition will open on 13th June 2015 and will run until January 2016.

For more information about Shoes: Pleasure and Pain please refer to the V&A page dedicated to the event.