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