The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 Cheap Nike Shoes to 7000 BCE and Cheap Nike Shoes were found in Oregon, USA in 1938[1]. However, the materials used for Cheap Nike Shoes making shoes do not normally last Cheap Nike Shoes for thousands of years, so Cheap Nike Shoes shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes Cheap Nike Shoes he has found evidence that the use of shoes began Cheap Nike Shoes in the period between about 40,000 and 26,000 years ago, based on the fact that the thickness of Cheap Nike Shoes the bones of the toes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that Cheap Nike Shoes going barefoot results in greater Cheap Nike Shoes bone growth Cheap Nike Shoes before this period.[1]
Parts of a shoe
Gluing a new outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The Cheap Nike Shoes insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra Cheap Nike Shoes insoles are often Cheap Nike Shoes added Cheap Nike Shoes for comfort or health reasons (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the Cheap Nike Shoes layer in direct contact with the Cheap Nike Shoes ground. Dress shoes Cheap Nike Shoes have leather Cheap Nike Shoes outsoles; Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Cheap Nike Shoes rubber for durability and traction, while the Cheap Nike Shoes front is leather for style. Specialized shoes will often have Cheap Nike Shoes modifications on Cheap Nike Shoes this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of Transit Shoes dancing shoes have much softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the outsole and the insole that is typically there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts Cheap Nike Shoes the most pressure down. Different Cheap Nike Shoes companies use Cheap Nike Shoes different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some Cheap Nike Shoes shoes may not have Cheap Nike Shoes a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the heel of the foot. They are often made of Cheap Nike Shoes the same material as the sole of the shoe. This part can be high Cheap Nike Shoes for Cheap Nike Shoes fashion or to make the person look taller, or flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, or Cheap Nike Shoes 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 place. Closed footwear, such as boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is Cheap Nike Shoes often decorated or is 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 Cheap Nike Shoes (Hain 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 Cheap Nike Shoes the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help Cheap Nike Shoes maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide Cheap Nike Shoes protection.
Shoe Cheap Nike Shoes brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering placed over shoes for rain and Cheap Nike Shoes snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved Cheap Nike Shoes fit, or reduced abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts may also be used Cheap Nike Shoes to correct foot Cheap Nike Shoes problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are Cheap Nike Shoes not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a shoe longer Cheap Nike Shoes or wider or for reducing discomfort in Cheap Nike Shoes 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 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 Cheap Nike Shoes sturdy leather uppers, Discontinued Born Shoes non-leather Cheap Nike Shoes outsoles, and wide profile.
Some Cheap Nike Shoes designs of dress shoes can be worn Cheap Nike Shoes by Cheap Nike Shoes either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an upper covering, Cheap Nike Shoes commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but not covering the Cheap Nike Shoes ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without apertures or Cheap Nike Shoes openings, but may also be made with Cheap Nike Shoes openings Cheap Nike Shoes or even itself consist of a series of straps, 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 Cheap Nike Shoes above the ankle is usually considered Cheap Nike Shoes a boot but certain styles may be referred Cheap Nike Shoes to as high-topped shoes Cheap Nike Shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured by Cheap Nike Shoes laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic inserts to ease slipping the shoe on.
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Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be categorized Cheap Nike Shoes by how they are Cheap Nike Shoes closed:
Balmorals: the Cheap Nike Shoes vamp has Cheap Nike Shoes a V-shaped Cheap Nike Shoes slit to which the laces are attached; also known as "closed lacing". In England, the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by American clothing companies to market shoes that are not Cheap Nike Shoes balmorals, such Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Cheap Nike Shoes Blucher Cheap Nike Shoes is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a Cheap Nike Shoes buckle and strap instead of Cheap Nike Shoes lacing
Various other closings Cheap Nike Shoes exist Cheap Nike Shoes but are less popular such Cheap Nike Shoes as Cheap Nike Shoes side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated Cheap Nike Shoes in various Cheap Nike Shoes ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance Cheap Nike Shoes and no extra decorations Cheap Nike Shoes on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has 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 covered with a perforated Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Cheap Nike Shoes section by expanding it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion.
The tone or style Cheap Nike Shoes of Cheap Nike Shoes this Cheap Nike Shoes article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to Cheap Nike Shoes 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 the men's Cheap Nike Shoes styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Womens Designer Shoes than Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Cheap Nike Shoes looks Cheap Nike Shoes like an Cheap Nike Shoes athletic shoe, Cheap Nike Shoes but is equipped with a heel, making Cheap Nike Shoes 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, a soft shoe without a heel and usually made Cheap Nike Shoes of leather.
Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole and various straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are Avia Shoes thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe Cheap Nike Shoes would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting Cheap Nike Shoes saddle-shaped band over the instep, Cheap Nike Shoes 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 Cheap Nike Shoes Bike Shoes known as boat Cheap Nike Shoes shoes Cheap Nike Shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with Softspots Shoes no frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They Cheap Nike Shoes have soft soles/heels to avoid marring or scratching a Cheap Nike Shoes boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of leather. Cheap Nike Shoes Some are designed to be used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate Cheap Nike Shoes style of casual or dress Cheap Nike Shoes wear. Styles include rubber boots and Best Rated Walking Shoes snow Cheap Nike Shoes boots, as well Cheap Nike Shoes as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with pajamas.
Athletic Cheap Nike Shoes shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often Cheap Nike Shoes have less difference between the sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can be worn Cheap Nike Shoes by either sex. Emphasis tends to be more Cheap Nike Shoes on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also Cheap Nike Shoes called gym shoes or tennis shoes): general purpose athletic shoes; made Cheap Nike Shoes out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to Cheap Nike Shoes be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
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Running shoes: very similar to above, with additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe Cheap Nike Shoes for the right foot.
Cleat (shoe): How To Make Shoes a type of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually Cheap Nike Shoes worn while playing sports Lets Get Some Shoes such as rugby, football, American football, or baseball. Cheap Nike Shoes
A shoe for Cheap Nike Shoes the right foot.
Golf shoes: with Cheap Nike Shoes "spikes" for Cheap Nike Shoes better grip in grass and Circa Shoes wet Cheap Nike Shoes ground. Originally the Cheap Nike Shoes spikes or "cleats" were made Cheap Nike Shoes of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of synthetic plastic-like materials Cheap Nike Shoes with Cheap Nike Shoes prongs distributed radially around the edge of each spike are much more common today (and are required on many golf Cheap Nike Shoes courses since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling Cheap Nike Shoes shoes: intermediate style between ordinary Cheap Nike Shoes dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so Cheap Nike Shoes as not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented or loaned Cheap Nike Shoes at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock climbing. Cheap Nike Shoes They typically have a close fit, little if any padding, Cheap Nike Shoes 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 provide Cheap Nike Shoes ankle support Cheap Nike Shoes on uneven terrain, with extra large traction on Cheap Nike Shoes the sole.
Walking Cheap Nike Shoes shoes: have a more flexible 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 Cheap Nike Shoes on Cheap Nike Shoes the bottom of the shoe Cheap Nike Shoes portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a large, Cheap Nike Shoes thick plastic boot specially Cheap Nike Shoes designed for attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes have Cheap Nike Shoes flat Cheap Nike Shoes soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have Cheap Nike Shoes extra layers Cheap Nike Shoes 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 power transfer and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes for Cheap Nike Shoes walking in thick snow. In Cheap Nike Shoes temperate climates, Cheap Nike Shoes snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet while providing additional Cheap Nike Shoes traction Cheap Nike Shoes and protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes are made with pedorthic Cheap Nike Shoes and anatomically-correct Alligator Shoes comfort qualities, such as padded removable footbeds, wide toe boxes and arch Cheap Nike Shoes support are made especially for those with problematic feet.
Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed Cheap Nike Shoes for ballet dancing. These have a toe box that is stiffened with glue and a hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are Cheap Nike Shoes tied 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 Cheap Nike Shoes leather, with thicker material under the ball Cheap Nike Shoes and heel of the foot, and thinner and thus more flexible material under the arch so that the foot Cheap Nike Shoes can be pointed to its utmost. Ballet slippers are usually secured by elastics that cross over the top of the foot. They are Cheap Nike Shoes most commonly pink, white, black, or pale tan, although they may be Cheap Nike Shoes made in specialty colours such as red or blue.
Jazz shoes. These Cheap Nike Shoes typically have a two-part, rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and traction, and a low (one inch or shorter) heel. They are secured Cheap Nike Shoes to the foot by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance Cheap Nike Shoes shoes.
Ballroom shoes. Cheap Nike Shoes They fall into two categories for the two genres of dances as defined by Cheap Nike Shoes the IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Bridesmaid Shoes Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Cheap Nike Shoes Ladies' Ballroom shoes Cheap Nike Shoes are typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually made of fabric so that they can be finished with a greater variety of colours to Cheap Nike Shoes match the dancer's dress. The low Ballroom heel Cheap Nike Shoes distributes the dancer's weight across the foot Cheap Nike Shoes while Cheap Nike Shoes Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to Cheap Nike Shoes throw the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes Cheap Nike Shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped heels while Ladies' Cheap Nike Shoes Latin shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed Cheap Nike Shoes and strapped.
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Dance sneakers. Also Shoes Stores known as dansneakers, these are a Cheap Nike Shoes combination of a sneaker and a Cheap Nike Shoes dance shoe, with a reinforced Cheap Nike Shoes rubber toe.
Character shoes. Shoes Cheap Nike Shoes with a one to three inch heel, Cheap Nike Shoes which are usually made of leather, and often have one or more straps across Cheap Nike Shoes the instep to secure the foot during Cheap Nike Shoes dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be converted to tap Cheap Nike Shoes shoes by Cheap Nike Shoes attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on the manufacturer, these are Cheap Nike Shoes slip-on, partial foot covers that protect the ball of a dancer's foot Cheap Nike Shoes from skin abrasions Cheap Nike Shoes while executing turns. From Cheap Nike Shoes a distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the Discontinued Rockport Shoes appearance of having bare feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style is Cheap Nike Shoes frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot Cheap Nike Shoes thong, viewed from the underside.
Work shoes
Work Cheap Nike Shoes 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, Cheap Nike 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 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 Cheap Nike Shoes 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 historical shoe of many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some shoes are made of hard but deformable material. After a Cheap Nike Shoes person wears them multiple times, the material reforms to fit the wearer's feet. The person is said to Cheap Nike Shoes have Cheap Nike 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 all shoes are designed to enable this.
Sole replacement: soles also wear out. Not all Cheap Nike Shoes shoes Cheap Nike Shoes can have their Cheap Nike Shoes soles replaced.
Shoelace Cheap Nike Shoes replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The Cheap Nike Shoes exception can be Cheap Nike Shoes with most athletic sneakers which can be recycled and turned into Journey Shoes other raw materials. See Nike Grind as an example.
Someone who Cheap Nike Shoes makes or repairs shoes in a shop is Cheap Nike Shoes called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Cheap Nike Shoes Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Alaska) it is customary to remove Cheap Nike Shoes shoes when entering a house. In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host Cheap Nike Shoes specifically invites them to leave their shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For Cheap Nike Shoes some societies, including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Cheap Nike Shoes Korea and Cheap Nike Shoes Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet to Cheap Nike Shoes others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the Cheap Nike Shoes legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch Cheap Nike Shoes someone's head or be placed Cheap Nike Shoes over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult Cheap Nike Shoes each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed Cheap Nike Shoes with the shin). Cheap Nike Shoes |
