The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA in 1938[1]. However, the International Shoes Size materials used for International Shoes Size 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 the period between International Shoes Size about 40,000 and 26,000 International Shoes Size years ago, International Shoes Size 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 results in greater bone growth International Shoes Size before this period.[1]
Parts of a shoe
Gluing International Shoes Size a new outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is International Shoes Size called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the interior bottom of a Flirting Clothing Shoes shoe, which sits directly beneath International Shoes Size the foot. International Shoes Size Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the International Shoes Size layer International Shoes Size in direct International Shoes Size contact with the ground. Dress shoes have leather International Shoes Size outsoles; International Shoes Size casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of 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 Hush Puppies Shoes for durability and traction, while International Shoes Size the front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will often International Shoes Size have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in International Shoes Size the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much International Shoes Size softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer International Shoes Size in between the outsole and the insole that is typically there for International Shoes Size shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, International Shoes Size usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes International Shoes Size may not have a International Shoes Size midsole International Shoes Size at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support International Shoes Size the heel of the foot. International Shoes Size They International Shoes Size are often International Shoes Size 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 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 as sandals or International Shoes Size flip flops, this may be nothing more than a few straps for holding the sole International Shoes Size in place. Closed footwear, International Shoes Size such as boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, International Shoes Size will International Shoes Size have International Shoes Size a more International Shoes Size complex upper. This part is International Shoes Size often decorated or is made in a certain International Shoes Size style to look attractive. International Shoes Size The U.S. Patent 3,355,535 Women Shoes , from 1967, describes a method for producing a shoe-upper (Hain 1967).
Accessories International Shoes Size to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot into a shoe by keeping the International Shoes Size shoe International Shoes Size open and providing a smooth surface for the International Shoes Size foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed inside the shoe when user International Shoes Size is not wearing it, to International Shoes Size help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing International Shoes Size equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, International Shoes Size glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering placed over shoes for Clark S Shoes rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, or reduced International Shoes Size abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot International Shoes Size problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a International Shoes Size shoe longer or wider or for International Shoes Size reducing discomfort in areas of a shoe.
Snow shoe: a wooden or leather piece which increases the International Shoes Size area of International Shoes Size ground covered by the International Shoes Size shoe.
Shoelaces: a system International Shoes Size used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile skin, in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress International Shoes Size and casual shoes
Dress shoes are categorized by smooth International Shoes Size and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. International Shoes Size Casual International Shoes Size shoes are characterized by sturdy leather International Shoes Size uppers, International Shoes Size non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.
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Some designs of dress shoes can International Shoes Size be worn by either gender. The majority of International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist of a series of straps, e.g. an open International Shoes Size toe International Shoes Size featured International Shoes Size in women's shoes. International Shoes Size Shoes with International Shoes Size uppers made high International Shoes Size to cover International Shoes Size the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper rising above the ankle International Shoes Size is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be referred to as high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped International Shoes Size shoe is secured by laces or zippers, although some 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 has a V-shaped slit to International Shoes Size which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing". In International Shoes Size England, the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by International Shoes Size American clothing companies to market shoes that are Jordans Shoes not balmorals, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces are tied International Shoes Size to two pieces of leather independently attached International Shoes Size to International Shoes Size the vamp; also known as "open lacing". In England, International Shoes Size the International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size as side-elastic International Shoes Size closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated International Shoes Size in various ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an extra layer of leather that "caps" the toe. This is possibly the most International Shoes Size popular decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The toe of the International Shoes Size shoe is covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Brogues can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please help improve this section by expanding International Shoes Size it.
Further information International Shoes Size might be found on International Shoes Size the talk page or at requests for expansion.
The tone International Shoes Size or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found International Shoes Size 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 for women, in addition to most of International Shoes Size the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK International Shoes Size as International Shoes Size ballerinas, International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size wear, and may International Shoes Size be seen as International Shoes Size more comfortable 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 International Shoes Size appeal than low International Shoes Size heels (see article for discussion) and are International Shoes Size thus commonly worn by women for formal occasions or social International Shoes Size outings.
Sneaker boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks International Shoes Size like an athletic International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size thick soles and heels
Moccasin: originated International Shoes Size by Native Americans, a soft shoe without a heel and usually made of leather.
Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole and International Shoes Size various straps, International Shoes Size leaving much of International Shoes Size the foot exposed to International Shoes Size air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because 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, International Shoes Size or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but more casual. International Shoes Size Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often International Shoes Size made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to International Shoes Size avoid marring or scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently International Shoes Size made of leather. Some are designed to be used in International Shoes Size times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles International Shoes Size include rubber boots and snow boots, International Shoes Size as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn International Shoes Size with pajamas.
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Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have less difference International Shoes Size between the sexes than in dress shoes. In International Shoes Size many cases these shoes can be worn by either International Shoes Size sex. Emphasis tends to be more on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also called gym shoes or tennis shoes): general International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size 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 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" International Shoes Size were made International Shoes Size 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 today (and are required on many golf courses since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic International Shoes Size 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: International Shoes Size a shoe designed for rock International Shoes Size climbing. They typically have a close fit, little if any padding, and International Shoes Size a smooth sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber International Shoes Size rand.
Hiking shoes or boots: usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace International Shoes Size eyelets, International Shoes Size to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra International Shoes Size large International Shoes Size traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight than the hiking International Shoes Size boot, may International Shoes Size 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.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, thick plastic boot specially designed for attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes International Shoes Size have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have extra layers of padding to protect International Shoes Size the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes are equipped with a metal or International Shoes Size plastic cleat to interface with clipless pedals, International Shoes Size as well as a stiff sole to maximize International Shoes Size power transfer and International Shoes Size support the International Shoes Size foot.
Snowshoes International Shoes Size are special shoes for walking in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling International Shoes Size shoes are light, flexible 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 International Shoes Size qualities, such as padded removable footbeds, wide toe boxes and arch support are made especially for those with problematic feet.
Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. International Shoes Size Designed for ballet dancing. International Shoes Size These have a toe box that is International Shoes Size stiffened with glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can International Shoes Size stand on the tips International Shoes Size of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to International Shoes Size the dancer's International Shoes Size ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size 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 are most commonly pink, white, black, or pale tan, although they may be International Shoes Size made in specialty colours such as red or International Shoes Size 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 International Shoes Size shorter) heel. They are secured International Shoes Size to the foot International Shoes Size by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. International Shoes Size They fall into two categories for the two International Shoes Size genres of dances as defined by the IDSF (International DanceSport International Shoes Size Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups International Shoes Size with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes International Shoes Size are typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, International Shoes Size usually made of fabric International Shoes Size so International Shoes Size that they can be finished with a greater variety International Shoes Size of colours to match the dancer's dress. The low International Shoes Size Ballroom International Shoes Size heel distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to International Shoes Size throw the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped International Shoes Size heels while Ladies' Latin International Shoes Size shoes International Shoes Size have 2,5-inch to International Shoes Size 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
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Dance sneakers. Also known as International Shoes Size dansneakers, these International Shoes Size are a combination of International Shoes Size 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 Air Jordan Shoes across the instep to secure the foot during dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be International Shoes Size converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, International Shoes Size 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, International Shoes Size flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of International Shoes Size having International Shoes Size bare feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet International Shoes Size shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style International Shoes Size is frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot thong, viewed Discount Mbt Shoes 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 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 ankle guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear has been worn for tens of thousands of years. Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn today, are found as early as the 14th International Shoes Size century.
Patten: a European wooden overshoe used to keep a person's feet dry outdoors. First worn International Shoes Size in the middle ages, they continued in use even into the International Shoes Size early 20th century.
Poulaine: International Shoes Size a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in International Shoes Size Europe 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 times, the material International Shoes Size reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The Christmas Shoes person is International Shoes Size said International Shoes Size to International Shoes Size have broken in the shoes.
Polishing: for protection, water resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather shoes and International Shoes Size boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear International Shoes Size out. Not all shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles also wear out. Not all shoes can have their International Shoes Size soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for International Shoes Size use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with most athletic sneakers which can be International Shoes Size recycled and turned into other raw materials. 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 and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, International Shoes Size as well as Alaska) it is customary to remove shoes when entering International Shoes Size a house. In some areas of International Shoes Size the United States, especially the Midwest, it is International Shoes Size expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host specifically invites them International Shoes Size to leave their shoes on. People International Shoes Size do this International Shoes Size to avoid bringing dirt, mud or International Shoes Size snow into International Shoes Size the house. For some societies, 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 Geox Shoes the International Shoes Size soles of the feet to others (even accidentally, such International Shoes Size as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it International Shoes Size is an International Shoes Size extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's International Shoes Size head or be International Shoes Size placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely International Shoes Size rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot International Shoes Size (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
