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