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 making shoes do not normally last for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes Etnies Shoes he has Etnies Shoes found evidence Etnies Shoes that the use of shoes began in the period between about 40,000 and Etnies Shoes 26,000 years ago, based on the fact that the thickness of the bones of the toes (other than the big toe) Etnies Shoes decreased during this period, on the Etnies Shoes premise that going barefoot results in greater bone growth before this period.[1]
Parts Etnies Shoes of a shoe
Gluing a new outsole to Etnies Shoes an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a Etnies Shoes shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is Etnies Shoes the interior Etnies Shoes bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and Etnies Shoes extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe).
Outsole
The Etnies Shoes outsole is the Etnies Shoes layer in direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes have leather Etnies Shoes outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of Etnies Shoes natural rubber or a synthetic imitation. The outsole may comprise a single piece, or may comprise separate pieces of different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while Etnies Shoes the front is leather for Etnies Shoes style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design: athletic cleats Etnies Shoes have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many Etnies Shoes kinds Etnies Shoes of Etnies Shoes dancing Etnies Shoes shoes have much softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the Etnies Shoes outsole and Etnies Shoes the insole that is typically there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running Etnies Shoes shoes, have another Etnies Shoes material for shock absorption, Etnies Shoes usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different companies use different Etnies Shoes materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a Etnies Shoes midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part Etnies Shoes of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support Etnies Shoes the heel of the foot. They Etnies Shoes 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 Etnies Shoes taller, or flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe has an upper part that helps hold the shoe onto the foot. In the simplest cases, such Etnies Shoes as sandals or Etnies Shoes flip flops, this may be nothing more than Etnies Shoes a few straps for holding the sole in place. Closed footwear, such as boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is often decorated Etnies Shoes or is made in a certain style to look Etnies Shoes 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 Etnies Shoes a foot into a shoe by keeping Etnies Shoes the shoe open and providing a smooth Etnies Shoes surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, Etnies Shoes to help maintain Etnies Shoes the shoe's shape.
Shoe Etnies Shoes polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: Etnies Shoes a Etnies Shoes waxy material spread Etnies Shoes on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used Etnies Shoes 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 padding and inner Etnies Shoes linings. Inserts may also be used to Etnies Shoes correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not Etnies Shoes being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a Etnies Shoes tool for 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 Etnies Shoes shoe.
Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from Etnies Shoes real crocodile skin, in a conservation exhibit at Etnies Shoes Bristol Etnies Shoes Zoo, England.
Dress and casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek Etnies Shoes figure. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.
Some designs of dress shoes can be worn by either Etnies Shoes gender. The majority of dress shoes have an upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but not Etnies Shoes covering Etnies Shoes the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist of Etnies Shoes a Etnies Shoes series of straps, Etnies Shoes 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 above the ankle is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be Etnies Shoes referred to as high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured by Etnies Shoes laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts Etnies Shoes to Etnies Shoes ease slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes Etnies Shoes can be categorized by Etnies Shoes how they are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing". In Etnies Shoes England, the 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 Etnies Shoes bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces are tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; Etnies Shoes 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 Etnies Shoes closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated in various ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an Etnies Shoes extra layer of leather that "caps" the toe. This is possibly the most popular Saddle Shoes decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The toe Etnies Shoes of the shoe Etnies Shoes is Etnies Shoes covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends Etnies Shoes down either side of the shoe. Etnies Shoes Brogues can 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 Etnies Shoes 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 better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available Etnies Shoes for women, in Etnies Shoes addition to most of the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK Etnies Shoes as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are shoes with a very Etnies Shoes low heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the Etnies Shoes instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with a higher heel.
High Etnies Shoes heels may be shoes Etnies Shoes with heels 2 Etnies Shoes inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as having more sex appeal than low heels (see article for discussion) and are Etnies Shoes thus commonly worn by women Etnies Shoes for formal Etnies Shoes occasions Etnies Shoes or social outings.
Sneaker boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks like Etnies Shoes an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, making it a kind of novelty Etnies Shoes dress shoe.
Either gender
Women's Etnies Shoes sandals
Clog
Platform shoe: 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 shoes consisting of a sole and various straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for Etnies Shoes warm-weather wear, because they let Etnies Shoes the foot be cooler than a closed-toed Etnies Shoes shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe Etnies Shoes with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or Etnies Shoes casual Etnies Shoes shoe without laces; often with tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar Etnies Shoes to a loafer, but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made of Etnies Shoes canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid marring or scratching Etnies 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 Etnies Shoes as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well as work boots Etnies Shoes and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have Etnies Shoes 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 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 Etnies Shoes for basketball Etnies Shoes or tennis.
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Running shoes: very similar to above, with additional emphasis on Etnies Shoes cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A Etnies Shoes shoe for the 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 the Etnies Shoes right foot.
Golf shoes: with "spikes" for better grip in grass and wet Etnies Shoes ground. Originally the spikes or Etnies Shoes "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 Etnies Shoes are much more common today (and are required Etnies Shoes on many golf courses since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress Etnies Shoes shoes Etnies Shoes and athletic Etnies Shoes shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as Etnies Shoes not to Etnies Shoes damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented or loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for Etnies Shoes rock climbing. They Etnies Shoes 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 Etnies Shoes provide ankle support on 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 air holes, may not be Etnies Shoes water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They have various attachments for skating on the bottom of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline Etnies Shoes skates
Ski boot: a large, thick Etnies Shoes plastic boot specially designed for attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are Etnies Shoes very wide and have extra layers of padding Etnies Shoes to protect the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are equipped with a metal or plastic cleat Etnies Shoes to interface with clipless pedals, as well as a stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes Etnies Shoes for walking in thick snow. In Etnies Shoes temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in Etnies Shoes winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet while providing additional History Of Shoes traction and protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes are Etnies Shoes made with pedorthic and Etnies Shoes anatomically-correct Etnies Shoes 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 ballet dancing. These have a toe box that is stiffened with glue and a hardened Etnies Shoes sole so the Etnies Shoes dancer can stand on the tips of Etnies Shoes their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers Etnies Shoes made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or two-part sole (i.e., split-sole). The sole Etnies Shoes is typically made of leather, with thicker material Etnies Shoes under the ball and heel of the foot, and thinner and thus more flexible Etnies Shoes material Asics Shoes under the arch so that the foot can be pointed to its Etnies Shoes utmost. Ballet slippers are usually Etnies Shoes secured by elastics that cross over the top of the foot. They are Etnies Shoes most commonly pink, white, black, or pale tan, although they may be made in specialty colours such as red or Etnies Shoes blue.
Jazz shoes. These typically have a two-part, rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and traction, Etnies Shoes and a Etnies Shoes low (one inch or shorter) heel. They are secured Etnies Shoes to Etnies Shoes the foot Etnies Shoes by Etnies Shoes laces Etnies Shoes or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco Etnies Shoes dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall into two categories Etnies Shoes for the two genres of dances as defined Etnies Shoes by the IDSF (International Etnies Shoes DanceSport Federation): Ballroom Etnies Shoes and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' 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 made Etnies Shoes of Etnies Shoes fabric so Etnies Shoes that they can be finished with a greater variety of colours to match the dancer's dress. The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across Etnies Shoes the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to throw the dancer's weight Etnies Shoes on Etnies Shoes to Etnies Shoes the toes Etnies Shoes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin Etnies Shoes shoes typically have 1.5-inch to Etnies Shoes 2-inch shaped Etnies Shoes heels while Ladies' Latin Etnies Shoes shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch Etnies Shoes heels, open-toed and Etnies Shoes strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as Etnies Shoes dansneakers, these Etnies 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 often have one or more straps across the instep to secure the foot Etnies Shoes during dance. They may come in soft-soled Etnies Shoes (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be Etnies Shoes converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on the manufacturer, these are slip-on, Etnies Shoes 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 from the underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they Etnies Shoes are Etnies Shoes used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for protection in industrial settings, Etnies Shoes construction, Etnies Shoes mining, and other workplaces. Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle Etnies Shoes guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear has been Etnies Shoes worn Etnies Shoes for tens of thousands of years. Shoes of the past Etnies Shoes include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which Etnies Shoes are still worn today, are found as early as the 14th century.
Patten: a European wooden Aerosole Shoes overshoe used to keep a person's Etnies Shoes feet Etnies Shoes dry Etnies Shoes outdoors. First worn in the Etnies Shoes middle ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th Etnies Shoes century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe in the 1400s.
Moccasins: Etnies Shoes the historical shoe of many Etnies 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 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 out. Not Etnies Shoes all shoes Etnies Shoes can have their soles replaced.
Shoelace Etnies Shoes replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be Etnies Shoes 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 Etnies Shoes in Etnies Shoes a shop is called Etnies Shoes a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Africa, much Etnies Shoes of Northern Europe and Canada, as Etnies Shoes well as Alaska) it Etnies Shoes is customary to remove shoes when entering a house. In some Etnies Shoes areas of Etnies Shoes the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host specifically invites them to leave Etnies Shoes 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 guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea Etnies Shoes and Thailand, it is Etnies Shoes considered rude to show the soles of the feet to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is Etnies Shoes an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be Etnies Shoes placed over it. Although feet Allen Edmonds Shoes touching Tap Shoes heads is an extremely rare occurrence Etnies Shoes in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each Etnies Shoes other by "kicking" the opponent's Etnies Shoes head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are Etnies Shoes executed with the Etnies Shoes shin). |
