The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were Clown Shoes found in Oregon, USA in 1938[1]. However, the materials used for making shoes do Clown Shoes not normally last Clown Shoes for Clown Shoes thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use Clown Shoes of shoes began Clown Shoes in the period Clown Shoes between about 40,000 and 26,000 years ago, based on Clown Shoes the fact Clown Shoes that the thickness of the bones of the toes Clown Shoes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that Clown Shoes going barefoot results in greater Clown Shoes bone growth 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 insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have Clown Shoes removable and replaceable insoles, Clown Shoes and Clown Shoes 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 layer in direct contact with the ground. Dress Clown Shoes shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or a synthetic Clown Shoes imitation. Clown Shoes The outsole may comprise a single piece, or Clown Shoes may comprise separate Clown Shoes pieces of different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while the front is leather for style. Clown Shoes Specialized shoes will often 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 or Clown Shoes harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in Clown Shoes between Clown Shoes the outsole Clown Shoes 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 the Clown Shoes most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Clown Shoes Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The Clown Shoes bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the heel of the foot. Clown Shoes They are often made of the same material as the sole of the Clown Shoes shoe. This part can be high for fashion or to make the person Clown Shoes look taller, or flat for a more practical use.
Vamp, Clown Shoes or upper
Any shoe has Clown Shoes an upper part that helps hold Clown Shoes 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, Clown Shoes sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This Clown Shoes part Clown Shoes is often decorated or is made in a certain style to look attractive. Clown Shoes The U.S. Patent 3,355,535 , from 1967, describes a method for Clown Shoes 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 smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed Clown Shoes inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, Clown Shoes and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing Clown Shoes cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a Clown Shoes 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 linings. Inserts may also be used to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag Clown Shoes that protects Clown Shoes shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. Casual Clown Shoes shoes are characterized by sturdy leather Clown Shoes uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.
Some designs of Clown Shoes dress shoes Clown Shoes can be worn by either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an Clown Shoes upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, Clown Shoes but not covering 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 a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured Clown Shoes in women's shoes. Shoes Clown Shoes with uppers made Clown Shoes high to Clown Shoes cover the ankles are also Clown Shoes available; a shoe with the upper rising above the ankle is usually considered a boot but Clown Shoes certain styles may be referred to as Clown Shoes high-topped shoes or high-tops. Clown Shoes Usually, a high-topped shoe is secured Clown Shoes by laces or zippers, although some Clown Shoes styles have elastic inserts Clown Shoes to ease slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be Clown Shoes categorized by how they are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also known Clown Shoes 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 balmorals, such Clown Shoes as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: Clown Shoes the Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes less popular such as side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes Clown Shoes can also Clown Shoes be decorated in various ways:
Plain-toes: Clown Shoes 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 popular decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The Circa Shoes toe of the Clown Shoes shoe is covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Clown 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 Clown Shoes this article or section may not Clown Shoes be appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found on Clown Shoes the talk page. Clown Shoes See Wikipedia's guide to writing Alligator Shoes better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There Clown Shoes is a large variety of shoes available Clown Shoes for Bridesmaid Shoes women, in addition to most of the men's styles being Clown Shoes more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps or skimmers, are shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of Clown Shoes the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable Clown Shoes than shoes Clown Shoes with a higher heel.
High heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) Clown Shoes or higher. They are often seen as Clown Shoes having more sex appeal than low heels (see article for discussion) Clown Shoes and Clown Shoes are Clown Shoes thus commonly worn by women for formal occasions or social outings.
Sneaker boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks like an athletic shoe, Clown Shoes but is equipped with a heel, making it Clown Shoes a kind Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes and usually made of leather.
Sandals: Clown Shoes open shoes Shoes Stores consisting of a sole and Clown Shoes various straps, leaving much of Clown Shoes the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be Clown Shoes cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: Clown Shoes leather shoe with a contrasting Clown Shoes saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with black Clown Shoes "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual shoe without laces; often Clown Shoes with tassels, buckles, or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but more casual. Laces, Clown Shoes if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made Clown Shoes of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft Clown Shoes soles/heels to avoid marring or scratching a boat deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made Clown Shoes of Clown Shoes leather. Some are designed to be used in times of bad weather, or Clown Shoes simply as an alternate style of casual or dress Clown Shoes wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with pajamas.
Athletic Clown Shoes shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often Clown Shoes have less difference between the sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes Clown 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 Clown Shoes varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, with Clown Shoes additional Clown Shoes emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic Clown Shoes or metal cleats
A shoe for the right foot.
Cleat (shoe): a type of shoe featuring molded or removable Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes in grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or Clown 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 are much more common Clown Shoes today (and are Clown Shoes required on many golf courses since they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as Clown Shoes not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented Clown Shoes or loaned Clown Shoes at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock Clown Shoes climbing. They typically have a close fit, little if Clown Shoes any padding, and a smooth sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand.
Hiking shoes or Clown Shoes boots: usually have a Clown Shoes high somewhat Clown Shoes stiff Clown Shoes upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on Clown Shoes uneven terrain, with extra large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a more flexible Clown Shoes sole than the running shoe, Clown Shoes lighter Clown Shoes in weight than the hiking boot, Clown Shoes may Clown Shoes have air holes, may not be water proof.
Skating Clown Shoes shoes: typically called skates. They Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes the Clown Shoes ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are Clown Shoes very wide and have extra layers of padding Clown Shoes to protect the skateboarders feet.
Cycling shoes Clown Shoes are equipped with a metal or plastic cleat to Clown Shoes interface with clipless pedals, as well as a stiff sole to maximize power transfer and support the foot.
Snowshoes Clown Shoes are special shoes for walking in thick Clown Shoes snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling 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 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 Clown Shoes hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to the Clown Shoes dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or two-part sole Clown Shoes (i.e., split-sole). The sole is typically made of leather, with thicker material Clown Shoes under Clown Shoes the ball Clown Shoes 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 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 made Clown Shoes in specialty colours such as red or blue.
Jazz shoes. These typically Discontinued Rockport Shoes have a two-part, rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) Clown Shoes to provide both flexibility and traction, and a low (one inch or shorter) heel. They are secured to the foot by Clown Shoes laces or Clown Shoes elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall into two categories for the two genres of dances as defined by the IDSF Journey Shoes (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups Clown Shoes with Clown Shoes 1-inch heels and patent Clown Shoes leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually Clown Shoes made of fabric Cheap Nike Shoes so that they can be finished with a greater variety of colours to match the dancer's dress. The Clown Shoes low Ballroom heel Clown Shoes distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed Clown Shoes to throw the dancer's weight Clown Shoes on to the toes and the soles Clown Shoes are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 2-inch shaped heels while Ladies' Latin Clown Shoes shoes Clown Shoes have 2,5-inch Clown Shoes to 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, these are a combination of Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes one or more straps across the instep to secure Clown Shoes the foot during dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes slip-on, partial foot covers that protect the ball of a dancer's foot from skin abrasions while executing turns. From a distance, Clown Shoes 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 Clown Shoes stand Clown Shoes heavy wear, to Clown Shoes protect the Clown Shoes wearer, and provide high traction. They are Clown Shoes generally made from sturdy leather uppers and non-leather outsoles. Clown Shoes Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are commonly used for Clown Shoes protection in industrial settings, Clown Shoes construction, mining, and other workplaces. Clown Shoes Protective features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle Clown Shoes guards.
Historical Clown Shoes shoes
Footwear has been worn for tens of thousands of years. Shoes of the past Clown Shoes include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which Clown Shoes are Clown Shoes still worn today, are found as early as Clown Shoes the 14th century.
Patten: a European wooden overshoe used to keep 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 historical shoe of Clown Shoes many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some Clown Shoes shoes are made of hard but deformable material. After Clown Shoes a person wears Clown Shoes them Clown Shoes multiple Clown Shoes times, the material reforms to Clown Shoes fit the wearer's feet. Clown Shoes The person Clown Shoes is said to have Clown Shoes broken in the shoes.
Polishing: Clown Shoes 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 shoes can Clown Shoes have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for 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 recycled and turned into other raw materials. See Nike Grind as Clown Shoes an example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes in a shop is called Clown Shoes a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts Clown Shoes of Clown Shoes the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Alaska) it is Clown Shoes customary to remove shoes Clown Shoes when entering a Clown Shoes house. In some areas of the United Clown Shoes States, especially Clown Shoes the Midwest, it Clown Shoes is expected that visitors remove 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 guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet Clown Shoes to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, Clown Shoes it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over Clown Shoes it. Although Clown Shoes feet touching heads is an Clown Shoes extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the Clown Shoes opponent's head with Adio Skate Shoes their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
