The earliest known shoes date from Propet Shoes about 8000 Propet Shoes to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA in 1938[1]. However, the materials used Propet Shoes for making shoes do not normally last for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use of Propet Shoes shoes began in the period between Propet Shoes about Propet Shoes 40,000 and 26,000 years Propet Shoes ago, based on the fact that the thickness of the bones of the toes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that going barefoot results in greater bone growth before this period.[1]
Parts of a shoe
Gluing a new Propet Shoes outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits Propet Shoes directly beneath Propet Shoes the foot. Many shoes have Propet Shoes removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for Propet Shoes comfort or health reasons (to Propet Shoes control Propet Shoes the shape, Asics Shoes moisture, or smell Propet Shoes of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the layer Propet Shoes in Propet Shoes direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or Propet Shoes a synthetic imitation. The outsole may comprise a single piece, or may comprise separate pieces of different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber for Propet Shoes durability Propet Shoes and traction, while the front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications Propet Shoes on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of Propet Shoes dancing shoes have much softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the outsole and the insole that is typically there for shock absorption. Propet Shoes Some types of shoes, like Propet Shoes running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Propet Shoes Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the heel of the Propet Shoes foot. They are often made of the Propet Shoes same material as the sole Propet Shoes of Propet Shoes the shoe. This part can be high for fashion or to make the person look taller, or Propet Shoes flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, Propet Shoes or upper
Any shoe has Propet Shoes an upper part Propet Shoes that helps hold Propet Shoes the shoe onto the foot. In the simplest cases, such as sandals or flip Propet Shoes flops, this may be nothing more Propet Shoes than a few straps for holding the sole in place. Closed footwear, such as boots, sneakers and most Propet Shoes men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in a certain style to look attractive. The U.S. Patent 3,355,535 , from 1967, describes a method Propet Shoes for producing a Propet Shoes shoe-upper (Hain 1967).
Accessories to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot into a shoe Propet Shoes by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: Propet Shoes placed inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and Propet Shoes provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering placed over shoes Propet Shoes for Propet Shoes rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, Propet Shoes improved fit, Propet Shoes or reduced abrasion. These include padding Propet Shoes and inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects Aerosole Shoes shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas of a Propet Shoes shoe.
Snow Propet Shoes shoe: a wooden or leather piece which Propet Shoes increases the area Propet Shoes of ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.
Types Propet Shoes of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile skin, in a conservation exhibit at Propet Shoes Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress and casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy Propet Shoes leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.
Some designs of Propet Shoes dress shoes can be Propet Shoes worn by either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an Propet Shoes upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of Propet Shoes the Propet Shoes lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is Propet Shoes often made without apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist Propet Shoes of a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high Propet Shoes to cover the Propet Shoes ankles are also available; Propet Shoes a shoe with Propet Shoes the upper rising above Propet Shoes the ankle is usually considered a boot but certain styles Propet Shoes may be referred to as high-topped shoes Propet Shoes or high-tops. Usually, Propet Shoes a high-topped shoe is secured by laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be categorized by how they are closed:
Balmorals: the Propet Shoes vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces Propet Shoes are Propet Shoes attached; also known as "closed lacing". In Propet Shoes England, the balmoral is known as Propet Shoes the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American clothing companies Propet Shoes to market shoes that are not balmorals, such Propet Shoes as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the Propet Shoes laces are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as Propet Shoes "open lacing". In Propet Shoes England, the Blucher is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a buckle and strap instead of lacing
Various other closings exist but are less popular such as side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated in various ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek Propet Shoes appearance and Propet Shoes no extra decorations on the vamp.
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Cap-toes: has an extra layer of leather that "caps" the toe. This is possibly the most popular decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The toe of the shoe is covered with a perforated panel, Allen Edmonds Shoes the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Brogues can Propet Shoes be Propet Shoes found in both balmoral and Propet Shoes blucher styles. Please help improve this section Tap Shoes by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the Propet Shoes talk Propet Shoes page or at requests for expansion.
The tone Propet Shoes or style of this Propet Shoes article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing Propet Shoes better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for women, in addition to most of the men's styles being Propet Shoes more accepted as unisex. Some Propet Shoes broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are Propet Shoes shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with a higher heel.
High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as having more sex appeal than low heels (see article for discussion) Propet Shoes and are thus commonly worn by women for Propet Shoes formal occasions or social outings.
Sneaker Propet Shoes boot and sneaker pump: a shoe Propet Shoes that looks like an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, making it a Propet Shoes kind of novelty dress shoe.
Either gender
Women's sandals
Clog
Platform shoe: shoe with very thick soles and heels
Moccasin: originated by Native Americans, a soft shoe Propet Shoes without a heel and Propet Shoes usually made of leather.
Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole and various straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle Propet Shoes shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual shoe Propet Shoes without laces; often with tassels, buckles, or Etnies Shoes coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid Propet Shoes marring or scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of leather. Some are Propet Shoes designed to be used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style of Propet Shoes casual or dress wear. Propet Shoes Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have Propet Shoes less difference between the sexes Propet Shoes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can be worn by either sex. Emphasis tends to be Propet Shoes more on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also called gym Propet Shoes shoes or tennis shoes): general purpose athletic shoes; made out of rubber, cloth, and/or Propet Shoes plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have Propet Shoes good traction. Propet Shoes Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, Propet Shoes with Propet Shoes additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: Propet Shoes lightweight; often with Propet Shoes plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the right foot.
Cleat (shoe): a type Propet Shoes of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as rugby, football, American football, or baseball.
A shoe for the right foot.
Golf shoes: with "spikes" for better grip in grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or "cleats" Camper Shoes were made of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed radially around the edge of each spike are much more common today (and are required on many golf courses since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber Propet Shoes soles/heels so as Propet Shoes not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented or loaned at Propet Shoes bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock climbing. They typically have a Propet Shoes close fit, little if any padding, and a smooth sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand.
Hiking Propet Shoes shoes or boots: usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra large Propet Shoes traction on the sole.
Walking Propet Shoes shoes: have a Propet Shoes more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than Propet Shoes the hiking boot, may have air holes, may not be Propet Shoes water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They have various attachments for skating on the bottom Propet Shoes of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, thick plastic Propet Shoes boot specially designed Propet Shoes for attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have extra layers of padding to protect the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are Propet Shoes equipped with a Propet Shoes metal or plastic cleat to Propet Shoes interface with clipless pedals, as well as a Propet Shoes stiff sole Propet Shoes to maximize power Propet Shoes transfer and support the Propet Shoes foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes for walking in thick snow. In Propet Shoes temperate climates, snowshoes Propet Shoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet Custom Shoes while providing additional traction and protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or Propet Shoes "comfort" shoes are made with pedorthic and anatomically-correct comfort qualities, Propet Shoes such as padded removable footbeds, wide Propet Shoes toe boxes Propet Shoes and arch support are made especially for those Propet Shoes with problematic feet.
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Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed for ballet dancing. These have a toe box that is stiffened with glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or two-part sole Propet Shoes (i.e., split-sole). Propet Shoes The sole is typically made of leather, with thicker material under the ball and heel of the foot, and Propet Shoes thinner and thus more flexible material under the arch so that the foot can Propet Shoes be pointed to its utmost. Ballet slippers are usually secured Propet Shoes by elastics that cross over the top of the foot. They are most commonly pink, white, black, or pale tan, although they may be Propet Shoes made in specialty colours such as red or Propet Shoes blue.
Jazz shoes. These typically have a two-part, rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and Propet Shoes traction, and a low (one inch or shorter) heel. They are secured to the foot by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance Propet Shoes shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They Propet Shoes fall Propet Shoes into two categories for the two genres of dances as defined by the IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both Air Force Shoes are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are Propet Shoes typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually made of fabric so that they can be finished with a greater variety of colours to match the dancer's dress. The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight Propet Shoes across the foot Propet Shoes while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to throw the dancer's weight on Propet Shoes to the toes and Propet Shoes the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin Propet Shoes shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped Propet Shoes heels while Ladies' Latin shoes Propet Shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, these are a combination of a sneaker and a dance shoe, with a reinforced rubber toe.
Character shoes. Shoes with a one to three inch heel, which are usually made Propet Shoes of leather, and often have one or more straps across the instep to secure the foot during dance. Propet Shoes They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. Propet Shoes They Propet Shoes may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called called Propet Shoes Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on the Propet Shoes manufacturer, these are slip-on, Propet Shoes partial foot covers that protect Propet Shoes the ball of Propet Shoes a Propet Shoes dancer's Propet Shoes foot from skin abrasions while executing Propet Shoes turns. From a distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of having bare feet. Propet Shoes
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style is frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot thong, viewed from Propet Shoes the underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed Propet Shoes to stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers Propet Shoes and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort by Propet Shoes nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. Propet Shoes They are commonly used for protection Propet Shoes in industrial settings, construction, mining, and other workplaces. Protective features may include Propet Shoes steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear has been worn Propet Shoes for tens of thousands of years. Propet Shoes Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn Propet Shoes today, are found Propet Shoes as early as the 14th century.
Patten: a European wooden Propet Shoes overshoe used to keep a Propet Shoes person's Propet Shoes feet dry Propet Shoes outdoors. First worn in the middle ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe in the 1400s.
Moccasins: the historical shoe of many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some shoes are made of hard but deformable material. After a person wears them multiple times, the material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person Propet Shoes is said Propet Shoes to have broken in the shoes.
Polishing: for protection, water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather Propet Shoes shoes and boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear out. Not all shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles also wear out. Propet Shoes Not all shoes can have their Propet Shoes soles Propet Shoes replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, Propet Shoes shoes can Propet Shoes be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with most athletic Propet Shoes sneakers which can be recycled and turned into other raw Propet Shoes materials. See Nike Propet Shoes Grind as an example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes in a Propet Shoes shop is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Propet Shoes Africa, much Propet Shoes of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Propet Shoes Alaska) it is customary to remove shoes when entering Propet Shoes a house. In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host specifically invites them to leave their shoes Propet Shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For some societies, including Propet Shoes those in Asia, indoor Propet Shoes footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Propet Shoes Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show Propet Shoes the Propet Shoes soles of the feet to others Propet Shoes (even accidentally, such as by crossing the Best Running Shoes legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's Propet Shoes head or be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any Propet Shoes society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai Propet Shoes kicks are executed Propet Shoes with the shin). |
