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