How Ukraine’s red character shoe has become a symbol of resistance
The war in Ukraine has shattered lives and economies, yet amid the destruction, the country’s cultural traditions endure with remarkable strength. Ukraine’s dance community has faced immense challenges, as performers and artisans fight to preserve their craft. At the centre of this struggle is the iconic red character shoe. Once a symbol of pride and passion in dances like the Hopak and Kozachok, it now represents resilience, resistance, and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
In this article, co-authored with Club Dance, a manufacturer of traditional folk shoes in Ukraine, we explore how the red shoe has been reimagined by artisans, repurposed by dancers, and reclaimed as a powerful emblem of defiance and strength in the face of war.
The journey of the red shoe
The red character shoe in Ukrainian folk dance traces its origins to the ornate red leather footwear worn by Eastern European nobility during the Cossack era. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these shoes, often made from kid leather and embroidered with gold thread, were worn by the upper classes as symbols of status and festivity. Over time, they were adapted into folk costumes, especially for dances like the Hopak, where their bold colour enhanced the visual impact of high-energy footwork. The red shoe eventually became a fixture in stage ensembles, crafted by local artisans using soft leather and reinforced soles to withstand the demands of performance.
Tradition under siege
Before the war, Ukrainian red character shoes were crafted by small, specialised producers, many of them family-run workshops in cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv. These artisans supplied ensembles across Ukraine and exported to diaspora communities worldwide.
But when the bombs fell, production halted. Workshops were destroyed or abandoned. Skilled shoemakers fled or were drafted. Raw materials became scarce as supply chains collapsed. For many producers, survival has meant pivoting. Some began making military boots, others turned to humanitarian aid, and a few relocated westward to resume limited operations. Others, however, have remained in Ukraine, continuing productions, often under extraordinary conditions. In some cases, shoes are still sewn in basements during air raids or shipped across borders by volunteers. Despite the challenges, every pair made is a quiet act of cultural defiance: a way of saying “We’re still here.”
Standing its ground
Once a vibrant accessory of folk celebration, the red character shoe has now become something far more powerful: a symbol of resistance, remembrance, and rebirth. In the wake of war and displacement, these shoes are no longer worn solely for the joy of dance, they also represent history and hope. Dancers wear them not just to perform, but to protest and to heal. The United Ukrainian Ballet, along with other cultural institutions in exile, has been vocal about its mission to safeguard Ukrainian heritage through the arts. Their performances serve as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of cultural survival, particularly in times of crisis.
Heritage meets sustainability
The shoes themselves have evolved as Ukrainian artisans have turned crisis into creativity. In an effort to keep tradition alive while meeting new demands, some red shoes are now made from repurposed materials, such as military canvas or donated leather. Others have seen their designs adapt for eco-conscious buyers, lending tradition with modern sustainability.
Versatility beyond folk dance
While originally crafted for traditional Ukrainian dances like the Hopak or Kozachok, these shoes have also evolved to suit a wide range of performance styles beyond traditional Ukranian dance. They have been embraced by ballet companies incorporating Slavic character pieces, as well as theatre troupes staging Eastern European narratives.
Their distinctive style makes them perfect for character roles in ballet and theater, while their vibrant red color adds a striking visual element, representing themes like passion and defiance. In many ways, they’ve evolved beyond just dance shoes – they’ve become cultural symbols with a story to tell.
Interested in learning more about the craftsmanship behind the red character shoe? Visit Dance Attitude to explore the range of styles available.
