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