Bata Shoe Museum

Whether or not shoes make the man (or woman), a museum full of them most definitely makes for a fun outing. The Bata Shoe Museum in downtown Toronto, just up the street from the Royal Ontario Museum, has been fascinating curious visitors since 1995. 

Inside the funky, shoebox-shaped building designed by renowned Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, visitors can browse a massive collection of footwear that spans 4,500 years and hails from places all around the globe. 

Items like Elton John’s silver, 12-inch-plus platform boots, Marilyn Monroe’s red leather stilettos and Elvis Presley’s loafers showcase the museum’s glitzy celebrity element, while important historical figures are represented by items such as His Holiness The Dalai Lama’s flip-flops, Napolean’s silk socks and Queen Victoria’s slippers. On the sport’s front, jaws drop when visitors see how huge NBA star Shaquille O’Neal’s shoes are (a 22 extra-extra wide).
The museum also has a serious side. Many of the exhibits offer insight into different cultures and lifestyles. Archaeological, historical and contemporary footwear from almost every culture in the world is on display. Open until March 23, 2026, the “Art/Wear: Sneakers X Artists” collection is among the current exhibits on view, showcasing the trend of artists implementing their work in collaboration with
shoe companies. 

For its 30th anniversary in 2025, the museum unveiled “Rough & Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot,” which examines the craftsmanship, symbolism and cultural evolution of the footwear. Family fun is also ever-present with a try-on shoe area, hands-on crafts and an iSpy scavenger hunt for kids. 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario M5S 1W7, 416/979-7799, batashoemuseum.ca