The Steel Toe Shoes earliest known shoes date Steel Toe Shoes from about 8000 to Steel Toe Shoes 7000 BCE and Steel Toe Shoes were found in Oregon, USA in 1938[1]. However, the materials used Steel Toe Shoes for making shoes do not normally last 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 of shoes began in Steel Toe Shoes the period between about 40,000 and Steel Toe Shoes 26,000 years ago, based on the fact that the thickness of the bones of the toes (other than Steel Toe Shoes the big toe) decreased during this period, on Steel Toe Shoes the Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes bottom of a Ugg Shoes shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, Steel Toe Shoes which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes Steel Toe Shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or Steel Toe Shoes health reasons (to control the shape, Steel Toe Shoes moisture, or smell Steel Toe Shoes of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the layer in direct contact with the Steel Toe Shoes ground. Dress shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have Steel Toe Shoes outsoles made of natural rubber or a Steel Toe Shoes synthetic imitation. The outsole may Steel Toe Shoes comprise a single piece, or may comprise separate pieces of different materials. Often the heel Steel Toe Shoes of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while the front is leather for Steel Toe Shoes style. Specialized shoes will often Steel Toe Shoes have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much softer Steel Toe Shoes or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the outsole and the insole that is typically there for shock Steel Toe Shoes absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not Carlos Santana Shoes have a Steel Toe Shoes midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom Steel Toe Shoes rear part of a Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes the shoe. This part can be high for fashion or to make the Steel Toe Shoes person look taller, or flat for a Steel Toe Shoes more practical use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe has an upper part Steel Toe Shoes that helps hold the shoe onto the foot. In the simplest cases, such as sandals or flip flops, Steel Toe Shoes this may be nothing more Steel Toe Shoes than a few straps for holding the sole in place. Closed footwear, such as Steel Toe Shoes boots, sneakers and most Steel Toe Shoes men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in a certain style to look attractive. Steel Toe Shoes The U.S. Patent 3,355,535 , from 1967, describes a method for producing a shoe-upper (Hain Steel Toe Shoes 1967).
Accessories to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a 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 Steel Toe Shoes when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the Steel Toe Shoes 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: used to Steel Toe Shoes apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes Steel Toe Shoes or galoshes: a rubber Steel Toe Shoes covering Steel Toe Shoes placed over shoes for 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 Steel Toe Shoes to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage Steel Toe Shoes when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a Steel Toe Shoes shoe longer or wider or for reducing discomfort in areas of a shoe.
Snow shoe: a wooden or leather piece which Steel Toe Shoes increases the area of ground covered by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. Casual shoes Steel Toe Shoes are characterized by sturdy leather Steel Toe Shoes uppers, non-leather Steel Toe Shoes outsoles, and wide profile.
Some designs of dress shoes can be worn by either gender. The majority of Steel Toe 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 Steel Toe Shoes made with openings or even itself consist Steel Toe Shoes of a series of straps, e.g. an open Steel Toe Shoes toe featured in women's shoes. Shoes Steel Toe Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper Steel Toe Shoes rising above the ankle is usually considered Steel Toe Shoes 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, although Steel Toe Shoes some styles have elastic inserts to ease Steel Toe Shoes slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be categorized by how they Steel Toe Shoes are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp Steel Toe Shoes has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing". Steel Toe Shoes In England, Steel Toe Shoes the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The Steel Toe Shoes word "Oxford" is used by American clothing Steel Toe Shoes companies to market shoes Steel Toe Shoes that 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 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 Steel Toe Shoes decorated in Steel Toe Shoes various ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an extra layer of leather that Steel Toe Shoes "caps" the toe. This is possibly the most popular decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): Steel Toe Shoes The toe of the Steel Toe Shoes shoe is Steel Toe Shoes covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Steel Toe Shoes Brogues can be Steel Toe Shoes found in both balmoral and blucher Steel Toe Shoes styles. Please help improve this section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests Steel Toe Shoes for expansion.
The tone or style of this article or section Steel Toe Shoes may not be Steel Toe Shoes appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found on the talk Steel Toe Shoes page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing Steel Toe Shoes better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for Steel Toe Shoes women, in addition to most of the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and Steel Toe Shoes UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are shoes with a 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 Steel Toe Shoes than shoes with a higher heel.
High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as having more sex appeal than low heels Steel Toe Shoes (see article for discussion) and are thus Steel Toe Shoes commonly Steel Toe Shoes worn by women for formal occasions or Steel Toe Shoes social outings.
Sneaker boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks like an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, making it Steel Toe Shoes a kind of novelty dress shoe.
Either gender
Women's sandals
Clog
Platform shoe: shoe with very Steel Toe Shoes thick soles and heels
Moccasin: originated by Native Americans, a soft shoe without a Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the Steel Toe Shoes foot be Steel Toe Shoes cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting Bostonian Shoes saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle".
Loafer: a Steel Toe Shoes dress or casual shoe without laces; often with tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as Steel Toe Shoes boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often Steel Toe Shoes two-tone) with no frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid Steel Toe Shoes marring or scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Steel Toe Shoes Long shoes Steel Toe Shoes (covering the ankle) Steel Toe Shoes frequently made Steel Toe Shoes of leather. Some are designed to be used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow Steel Toe Shoes boots, as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly Steel Toe Shoes worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have less difference between Steel Toe Shoes the sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can Steel Toe Shoes be worn by either sex. Emphasis tends Steel Toe Shoes to be more on function Steel Toe Shoes than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also called gym shoes or tennis Steel Toe Shoes shoes): general purpose athletic shoes; made out of rubber, cloth, Steel Toe Shoes and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running Steel Toe Shoes shoes: very similar Steel Toe Shoes to above, with additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with High Heel Shoes plastic or metal Steel Toe Shoes cleats
A shoe for the right foot.
Cleat (shoe): a type Steel Toe Shoes of shoe featuring molded or removable Steel Toe Shoes studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as rugby, football, American football, or baseball.
A Steel Toe Shoes shoe for Steel Toe Shoes the right foot.
Golf shoes: with Steel Toe Shoes "spikes" for better grip in grass Steel Toe Shoes and wet ground. Steel Toe Shoes Originally the spikes or "cleats" were Steel Toe Shoes made of metal but Steel Toe Shoes replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed radially Steel Toe Shoes around the edge of each spike are much more common today (and are required on many Steel Toe Shoes golf courses Steel Toe Shoes since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They Steel Toe Shoes have harder rubber soles/heels so as Steel Toe Shoes not to damage bowling Green Shoes alley floors. They are often rented or Steel Toe Shoes loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, Steel Toe Shoes with extra large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: Steel Toe Shoes have a more flexible Steel Toe Shoes sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than 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. Steel Toe Shoes
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, thick plastic boot specially designed for attachment to the Steel Toe Shoes ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat soles for a better grip Steel Toe Shoes on a skateboard. They are very wide and have Steel Toe Shoes extra layers of padding to protect the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are equipped with a metal or plastic cleat to interface with clipless pedals, as well as a stiff sole to maximize Steel Toe Shoes power transfer and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes for walking in Asics Running Shoes thick Steel Toe Shoes snow. Steel Toe Shoes In Steel Toe Shoes temperate climates, snowshoes are Steel Toe Shoes used Steel Toe Shoes for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet Steel Toe Shoes while providing additional traction and Steel Toe Shoes protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes are made with pedorthic and anatomically-correct comfort qualities, such as padded removable Steel Toe Shoes footbeds, wide toe boxes and arch support are made especially Steel Toe Shoes for those with Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes stand on the tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps Steel Toe Shoes and ribbons that are tied Steel Toe Shoes to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet 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 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 Steel Toe Shoes secured by elastics that cross over the Steel Toe Shoes top of Steel Toe Shoes the foot. They Steel Toe Shoes are most commonly pink, white, Steel Toe Shoes black, or pale 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 both flexibility and traction, and a low (one inch or Steel Toe Shoes shorter) heel. They are secured to the foot by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco Steel Toe Shoes dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall into two categories for the two Steel Toe Shoes genres of dances as defined by the IDSF (International Steel Toe Shoes DanceSport Federation): Ballroom Steel Toe Shoes and Latin American. Both are Steel Toe Shoes characterised by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Steel Toe Shoes Ballroom shoes are typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually Steel Toe Shoes made of fabric so that they can be finished Steel Toe Shoes 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 Steel Toe Shoes shoes have higher heels designed to Steel Toe Shoes throw the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Steel Toe Shoes Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch Steel Toe Shoes to 2-inch Steel Toe Shoes shaped heels while Ladies' Latin shoes Steel Toe Shoes have 2,5-inch to Steel Toe Shoes 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, these are a combination of a Steel Toe Shoes sneaker and Steel Toe Shoes a dance shoe, with a reinforced rubber toe.
Character shoes. Shoes with a one to three Steel Toe Shoes inch heel, which are usually made of leather, and often have one or more straps across the instep to secure the foot during dance. Steel Toe Shoes They Steel Toe Shoes may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be converted to tap shoes by attaching Steel Toe Shoes taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and 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 Steel Toe Shoes distance, flesh Steel Toe Shoes 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 from the underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect the Steel Toe Shoes wearer, and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for protection in industrial settings, construction, mining, and other workplaces. Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or Steel Toe Shoes ankle Steel Toe Shoes guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear has been worn for tens Steel Toe Shoes of thousands of years. Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these Steel Toe Shoes sandals, which are still worn Steel Toe Shoes today, are found as early as the 14th century.
Patten: a European wooden overshoe used to keep a person's feet Steel Toe Shoes dry outdoors. First worn Steel Toe Shoes in the middle Steel Toe Shoes ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: Steel Toe Shoes a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe Steel Toe Shoes in the 1400s.
Moccasins: 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 Steel Toe Shoes times, the Steel Toe Shoes material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person is Steel Toe Shoes said to have Steel Toe Shoes broken in the shoes.
Polishing: for protection, water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather shoes and boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear out. Not Steel Toe Shoes all shoes Steel Toe Shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles also wear out. Not all Steel Toe Shoes shoes can have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for Steel Toe Shoes use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with Steel Toe Shoes most athletic sneakers Steel Toe Shoes which Steel Toe Shoes can be recycled and turned into other raw materials. See Nike Grind as an example.
Someone who Steel Toe Shoes makes or repairs shoes in a shop is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world Steel Toe Shoes (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the 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 Steel Toe Shoes areas Steel Toe Shoes of the United Steel Toe Shoes States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove Steel Toe Shoes their shoes unless a host specifically invites Steel Toe Shoes them to leave their shoes on. People do this to Steel Toe Shoes avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For some societies, Steel Toe Shoes including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the Steel Toe Shoes feet Steel Toe Shoes to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult Steel Toe Shoes for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head Steel Toe Shoes or be placed over it. Although Steel Toe Shoes feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
