Since 2010, MIAMI Shoe Museum (MSM) founder Luis Valenzuela has curated a remarkable collection of iconic historical shoes that reflect his innovative vision. Valenzuela’s artistic journey emphasizes innovation while maintaining a deep respect for history as a vital tool for understanding how past events shape the present. 

Valenzuela’s extensive background in fashion, art, and education has enabled him to build one of the world’s most notable private shoe collections. This collection is an invaluable resource for historical research, exploring various aspects of humanity. In 2022, Valenzuela launched the MSM as a virtual platform, making his historic shoe collection accessible online. The MSM now comprises over 800 shoes and related objects, a testament to his commitment to preserving history through footwear. 

In 2014, during Miami Art Basel, Valenzuela was commissioned by Art Miami to curate the “All About Shoes” exhibition at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Peacock Studio. Despite consisting of only 150 footwear pieces at the time, the exhibition attracted over 10,000 visitors from around the globe, who were captivated by the collection’s historical significance. 

In 2024, Valenzuela and his team expanded their efforts by establishing the MSM Research Center. This initiative is dedicated to advancing the study and technology of shoe design and sustainability, putting years of research and expertise to work. 

The MSM emphasizes that shoes, even those crafted before the nineteenth century by unknown makers, offer crucial insights into changes in personal taste, style, technological advancements, and societal shifts. Footwear reflects diverse aspects of life, including environmental conditions, moral values, evolving skills, and attitudes toward gender and social status. 

The twentieth century brought groundbreaking innovations in footwear design and materials, which are well-represented in the MSM Collection. Milestones such as the introduction of the steel-reinforced stiletto heel and modern materials like plastics, zippers, Velcro, and advanced fibers illustrate the evolution of modern footwear. 

The MSM Collection highlights creations by legendary designers and manufacturers, including André Perugia, Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Vivienne Westwood, Herbert Levine, Manolo Blahnik, and Charles Jourdan. It also features works by contemporary innovators like Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, and the House of Balenciaga, who challenge traditional footwear design concepts. 

Additionally, the collection recognizes the cultural and technological significance of sneakers, showcasing their creators and the continual evolution of materials and design that have redefined this style over the decades.