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