The earliest known shoes date Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use Comfortable Shoes of shoes Comfortable 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 the toes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that going barefoot Comfortable Shoes results in greater bone growth before this period.[1]
Parts of Comfortable Shoes 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. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, Comfortable Shoes and extra Comfortable Shoes insoles are often added for comfort or Comfortable Shoes health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell Comfortable Shoes of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the layer in direct contact with the Comfortable Shoes ground. 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 Comfortable Shoes comprise separate pieces of different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber for durability Comfortable Shoes and traction, while the front is leather for style. Specialized Comfortable Shoes shoes will often have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to Comfortable Shoes grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer Comfortable Shoes in between the outsole and the insole Comfortable Shoes that is typically there Comfortable Shoes for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, Comfortable Shoes have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts Comfortable Shoes the most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes Comfortable Shoes may Best Running Shoes not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's Comfortable Shoes fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes to make the person look taller, or flat for a more Comfortable Shoes practical use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe has an upper part that helps hold the 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 Comfortable Shoes place. Closed footwear, such as boots, sneakers and Comfortable Shoes most men's shoes, will have a Comfortable Shoes more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is Comfortable Shoes 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 keeping the shoe open and providing a Comfortable Shoes smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe Comfortable Shoes tree: placed inside the Comfortable Shoes shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread Comfortable Shoes on shoes to improve appearance, Comfortable Shoes glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing Comfortable Shoes cloth: Comfortable Shoes used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: Comfortable Shoes a rubber covering placed over shoes for rain Propet Shoes and snow Comfortable Shoes protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, or reduced abrasion. These include Comfortable Shoes padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used Comfortable Shoes to correct foot Comfortable Shoes problems.
Shoe bag: a Comfortable Shoes bag that protects shoes Comfortable Shoes against damage Comfortable Shoes when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for Comfortable Shoes making a shoe longer or wider or for 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 Comfortable Shoes system used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile Comfortable Shoes skin, in a conservation exhibit Comfortable Shoes at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress Comfortable Shoes and Comfortable Shoes casual Comfortable Shoes shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, Comfortable Shoes and Comfortable Shoes narrow sleek figure. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.
Some designs of dress shoes can Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes or Comfortable Shoes openings, but may also be made with openings or even Comfortable Shoes itself consist of a series Comfortable Shoes of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover Comfortable Shoes the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper rising 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 zippers, Comfortable Shoes although some Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing". In Comfortable Shoes England, the balmoral is known as the Comfortable Shoes Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American clothing Comfortable Shoes companies to market shoes that are not balmorals, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces Comfortable Shoes are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as Comfortable Shoes "open lacing". In England, the Blucher 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 Comfortable Shoes shoes can also be decorated in various ways:
Plain-toes: have a Comfortable Shoes sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the Comfortable Shoes vamp.
Cap-toes: has Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of Comfortable Shoes the shoe. Brogues can be found in both balmoral and blucher Comfortable Shoes styles. Please Comfortable Shoes 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 on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing Comfortable Shoes better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for women, in addition to Comfortable Shoes most of the men's styles being more Comfortable Shoes accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in Comfortable Shoes the US and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps Comfortable Shoes or Comfortable Shoes skimmers, are shoes with a Comfortable Shoes very low heel and 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 heel.
High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 Comfortable Shoes cm) Comfortable Shoes or higher. They are often seen as having more sex appeal than low 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, 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, Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle Comfortable Shoes 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 Mary Jane Shoes boat Comfortable Shoes shoes and deck Comfortable Shoes shoes: similar to a loafer, Comfortable Shoes but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no Comfortable Shoes frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to Comfortable Shoes Indoor Soccer Shoes avoid marring or scratching Comfortable Shoes a boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of Comfortable Shoes leather. Some are designed to be Comfortable Shoes used in times Comfortable Shoes of bad weather, or simply as Comfortable Shoes an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Comfortable Shoes Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with Comfortable Shoes pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic Ed Hardy Shoes shoes and special function shoes often Comfortable Shoes have less difference between the sexes than in dress shoes. In many Comfortable Shoes cases these shoes Comfortable Shoes can be worn by either sex. Emphasis tends to be more on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also Comfortable Shoes called gym shoes or tennis shoes): general Comfortable Shoes purpose athletic shoes; made out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and Comfortable Shoes have good traction. Special Comfortable Shoes varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, with additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: Ladies Shoes lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the Comfortable Shoes right foot.
Cleat (shoe): a type of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as rugby, football, American football, or baseball.
A shoe for Comfortable Shoes the Comfortable Shoes right foot.
Golf Comfortable Shoes shoes: with "spikes" for better Comfortable Shoes grip in Comfortable Shoes grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or "cleats" were made of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed radially around the edge of each spike are much more common Comfortable Shoes today (and are required Comfortable Shoes on Comfortable Shoes many golf courses since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and Comfortable Shoes athletic shoes. They have harder rubber 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 Comfortable Shoes rock climbing. They typically Comfortable Shoes have Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on Comfortable Shoes uneven terrain, with extra large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the hiking boot, may have Comfortable Shoes air holes, may not be water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. Comfortable Shoes They have various attachments for skating on the bottom of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a Comfortable Shoes large, thick plastic boot specially designed Comfortable 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 layers of padding to protect the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are Comfortable Shoes equipped with a metal Comfortable Shoes or plastic cleat to interface with clipless pedals, as well as a stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes Comfortable Shoes for walking in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes Comfortable Shoes are used for mostly recreational purposes Comfortable Shoes in winter.
Wrestling shoes Comfortable Shoes are light, flexible shoes that Comfortable Shoes mimic bare Comfortable Shoes feet while providing additional traction and protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or Comfortable Shoes "comfort" shoes are made with pedorthic and anatomically-correct comfort Comfortable Shoes qualities, such as padded removable Comfortable Shoes footbeds, wide toe boxes and arch Stripper Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes sole so Comfortable Shoes the Comfortable Shoes dancer can stand on the tips Comfortable Shoes of their toes. They Comfortable Shoes are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied Comfortable Shoes to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet Comfortable Shoes shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or two-part sole (i.e., split-sole). The sole is typically made of Comfortable Shoes leather, with Comfortable Shoes thicker material under Comfortable Shoes Blue Shoes the ball and heel of the foot, and thinner and Comfortable Shoes thus Comfortable Shoes more flexible material under the arch Comfortable Shoes so that the foot can be pointed to its utmost. Ballet slippers are usually secured by elastics that cross over Comfortable Shoes the top of the foot. They are most commonly pink, white, black, or pale Comfortable Shoes tan, although they may be made in specialty Comfortable Shoes colours such as red or blue.
Jazz shoes. These Comfortable Shoes typically have a two-part, rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and Comfortable Shoes traction, and a low Comfortable Shoes (one inch or shorter) heel. They are Comfortable Shoes secured to the foot Comfortable Shoes by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall Comfortable Shoes into two categories for the two genres Comfortable Shoes of dances as Comfortable Shoes defined by Comfortable Shoes the IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin Comfortable Shoes American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Comfortable Shoes Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually Comfortable Shoes made of fabric so that they can be finished with a greater variety of colours Comfortable Shoes to match the dancer's dress. Comfortable Shoes The Comfortable Shoes low Ballroom heel Comfortable Shoes distributes the dancer's weight Comfortable Shoes across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher Ice Cream Shoes heels designed to throw the dancer's weight Comfortable Shoes on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped heels while Ladies' Latin Comfortable Shoes shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed Comfortable Shoes and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, these Comfortable Shoes 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 are usually made of leather, and Comfortable Shoes often have one or more straps across the instep to Comfortable Shoes secure Comfortable Shoes the Comfortable Shoes foot during dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on the manufacturer, these are slip-on, partial foot Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes appearance Comfortable Shoes of having bare feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet Comfortable Shoes shoes.
Jazz shoes. This Comfortable Shoes style is frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot thong, viewed from the Comfortable Shoes underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect Comfortable Shoes the wearer, and Comfortable Shoes provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes Comfortable Shoes they are used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, Comfortable Shoes police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for protection in industrial settings, construction, mining, and Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn today, are Comfortable Shoes found as early as the 14th century.
Patten: a European Airwalk Shoes wooden overshoe used to keep Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes historical shoe of many Comfortable 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 Comfortable Shoes to have broken in the shoes.
Polishing: Comfortable Shoes for protection, water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather shoes and boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear out. Not all Comfortable Shoes shoes Comfortable Shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles Comfortable Shoes also wear out. Not all shoes can have Comfortable Shoes their soles Comfortable Shoes replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and Comfortable Shoes disposed of. The exception can be with most athletic sneakers which can be recycled and Comfortable Shoes turned into other raw materials. Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, Comfortable Shoes as Comfortable Shoes well as Alaska) it is customary Comfortable Shoes to remove shoes when entering a Comfortable Shoes house. In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is Comfortable Shoes expected that visitors remove Comfortable Shoes 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 Comfortable Shoes guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to Comfortable Shoes show the soles of the feet to others (even accidentally, Comfortable Shoes such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it Comfortable Shoes is Comfortable Shoes an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over it. Comfortable Shoes Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult Comfortable Shoes each other Comfortable Shoes by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
