Got shoes? Yes, and many of us outdoor-enthusiast types have developed quite a passion for them.

Over the centuries, footwear creations have ranged from the remarkable to the ridiculous, from sexy to sensible. But things have a way of coming full circle. Today’s minimalist running styles (also known, paradoxically, as barefoot running shoes) have some folks transitioning back to our barefoot-caveman roots.

Check out REI’s new A Visual History of Shoes infographic for a fun and informative look at footwear fashion—from prehistory to the present. Click on the above link or graphic to view the entire infographic.

It’s quite a journey. My take: Any list with both Pee-wee Herman and Michael Jordan on it is going to be interesting. And you’re telling me that Birkenstock sandals have been around for how long? Wow, who knew?

The infographic also serves up lots of athletic-shoe facts that I learned about for the first time, such as the origin of the Adidas brand and the story behind the founding of Vibram shoes. Fun stuff.

Don’t be shy. We think your shoe-loving friends will like this, too, so pass it along.

New to the minimalist running craze? Check out our selection of minimalist running shoes at REI.com or research the activity first with our Expert Advice article on How to Choose Mimimalist Running Shoes (Barefoot Running).