RESIDENTS are being encouraged to visit an exhibit that showcases historic shoes and boots from Hampshire Cultural Trust’s nationally important collection before its closing date.

From the utilitarian to making a statement, essential sports kit to defining an entire decade and much more besides, the story of shoes is far from straightforward.

Kicks, sneakers, daps, trainers, wellies, daisy roots: We have created almost as many urban slang terms for footwear as there are different styles and uses. As Hampshire Cultural Trust’s new exhibition SHOES: Inside Out at the Willis and Sainsbury Galley in Basingstoke will reveal, what you wear on your feet says a lot about you, from your line of work to social status, leisure pursuits and aspirations in life.

READ MORE: Willis and Sainsbury Galley to showcase historic shoes and boots

Co-curator and visual arts exhibition manager at Hampshire Cultural Trust, Tara McKinney Marinus, said: "Highlights from our collection will be presented through a number of themes; Work, Play, Protect, Identify, Empower, Transform and Aspire, to explore how shoes are a powerful signifier of the wearer, but also how their form and function allows us to explore broader cultural issues.”

The exhibition close on Monday, May 1 and residents have been warned that it is unlikely to be exhibited again.