Biblical History of Shoes

"In the Middle East, shoes (or more often sandals) have a long history as a mark of the wearer's displeasure. The Gospel of Mark, chapter six, contains the following verses: "Calling the 12 to him, Jesus sent them out two by two ... These were his instructions: 'Take nothing with you for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belt. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."" (thanks David)