The Gravity Defyer Shoes earliest known shoes date from about 8000 Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes anthropologist Gravity Defyer Shoes Erik Trinkaus believes he Gravity Defyer Shoes has Gravity Defyer Shoes found evidence that the use of shoes began in the period between about 40,000 and 26,000 years ago, based Gravity Defyer Shoes on the fact that the thickness of the bones of the toes (other than the big Gravity Defyer Shoes toe) decreased during this Gravity Defyer Shoes period, on the 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 bottom of a shoe is called the sole.
Insole
The insole is the Gravity Defyer Shoes interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes is the layer in direct contact with the ground. Dress shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented Finn Comfort Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while the front is leather for style. Gravity Defyer Shoes Specialized shoes Gravity Defyer Shoes will often have modifications Gravity Defyer Shoes on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have much softer or Gravity Defyer Shoes harder soles.
Midsole
The layer Gravity Defyer Shoes in between the outsole and the insole that is typically there Gravity Defyer Shoes for shock absorption. Some types Goth Shoes of Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes, like running shoes, have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts Gravity Defyer Shoes the most pressure down. Gravity Defyer Shoes Different companies Gravity Defyer Shoes use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a midsole Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 the same material as the sole of the Gravity Defyer Shoes shoe. Gravity Defyer Shoes This part can be high for fashion or to make the person look taller, Gravity Defyer Shoes or flat for a more practical Gravity Defyer Shoes use.
Vamp, or upper
Any shoe has Gravity Defyer Shoes an upper Gravity Defyer Shoes part that helps hold the shoe Gravity Defyer Shoes onto the foot. In the simplest cases, such as sandals or flip flops, Gravity Defyer Shoes this may be nothing more than a Gravity Defyer Shoes few straps for holding the sole Gravity Defyer Shoes in place. Closed Gravity Defyer Shoes footwear, such as boots, sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex upper. This part is Gravity Defyer Shoes often decorated Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes (Hain 1967).
Accessories to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot into a shoe by Gravity Defyer Shoes keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the Gravity Defyer Shoes foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed Gravity Defyer Shoes inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe Gravity Defyer Shoes polishing equipment:
Shoe Gravity Defyer Shoes polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide protection.
Shoe brush and polishing cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: Gravity Defyer Shoes a rubber covering Gravity Defyer 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes linings. Gravity Defyer Shoes Inserts may also be used Gravity Defyer Shoes to correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a tool for making a Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 shoe.
Shoelaces: a system used to secure shoes.
Types of shoes
Shoes made from real crocodile Gravity Defyer Shoes skin, in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England.
Dress and Gravity Defyer Shoes casual shoes
Dress Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes are categorized by smooth and supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow Gravity Defyer Shoes sleek figure. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and Gravity Defyer Shoes wide profile.
Some designs of dress shoes can be worn by either gender. The majority of dress Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes have an upper covering, Gravity Defyer Shoes commonly Gravity Defyer Shoes made of Gravity Defyer Shoes leather, enclosing most of the lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without Gravity Defyer Shoes apertures or openings, but may also be made with openings or even itself consist of a Gravity Defyer Shoes series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured in women's Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes 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, Gravity Defyer Shoes although some styles have elastic inserts to ease Gravity Defyer Shoes slipping the shoe on.
Men's shoes
Men's shoes can be categorized Gravity Defyer Shoes by how they are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped slit to which the laces are attached; also Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 balmorals, such as rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the Gravity Defyer Shoes laces are tied to two Gravity Defyer Shoes pieces of leather independently attached to the Gravity Defyer Shoes vamp; also known as "open lacing". Gravity Defyer Shoes In England, the Blucher is known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a buckle and strap Gravity Defyer Shoes American Eagle Shoes instead of lacing
Various other closings exist but are less popular such as side-elastic closings.
Men's shoes can also be decorated in various Gravity Defyer Shoes ways:
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Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance Gravity Defyer Shoes and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has Gravity Defyer Shoes an extra layer of leather that "caps" the toe. This is possibly the most popular Gravity Defyer Shoes decoration.
Brogues (American: wing-tips): The toe of the shoe is covered with a perforated panel, Gravity Defyer Shoes the wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Brogues can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please help Gravity Defyer Shoes improve this section by expanding Gravity Defyer Shoes it.
Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for Gravity Defyer Shoes expansion.
The tone or style of this article or Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 for Gravity Defyer Shoes women, in addition to most of the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some Gravity Defyer Shoes broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US Gravity Defyer Shoes and UK as ballerinas, ballet Gravity Defyer Shoes pumps or skimmers, are shoes with Gravity Defyer Shoes a very low heel and a relatively short vamp, Gravity Defyer Shoes exposing much of the instep. They Gravity Defyer Shoes are popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with a higher heel.
High heels may be shoes with Gravity Defyer Shoes heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They Gravity Defyer Shoes are often seen as having more Gravity Defyer Shoes sex 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 looks like an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, Gravity Defyer Shoes making it a Gravity Defyer Shoes kind of Gravity Defyer Shoes novelty dress shoe.
Either gender
Women's sandals
Clog
Platform shoe: shoe with Gravity Defyer Shoes very thick soles and heels
Moccasin: originated Gravity Defyer Shoes by Native Americans, a soft shoe without a heel and usually made of leather.
Sandals: open shoes consisting of a sole Gravity Defyer Shoes and various straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to Gravity Defyer Shoes air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let Gravity Defyer Shoes the foot be cooler than a closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle Gravity Defyer Shoes shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band Gravity Defyer Shoes over the Gravity Defyer Shoes instep, typically white uppers Gravity Defyer Shoes with black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual shoe without Gravity Defyer Shoes laces; often with tassels, buckles, or Gravity Defyer Shoes coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a Gravity Defyer Shoes loafer, but more casual. Laces, if present, are usually simple leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Often made of canvas or featuring a white sole. They have soft soles/heels to avoid marring or scratching a boat Gravity Defyer Shoes deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently Gravity Defyer Shoes made of leather. Some are designed to be used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style Gravity Defyer Shoes of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber Gravity Defyer Shoes boots and snow Gravity Defyer Shoes boots, Gravity Defyer Shoes as well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly Gravity Defyer Shoes worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes and Gravity Defyer Shoes special function shoes often have less difference between the sexes than in dress Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes. In many cases these Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes can be worn by either sex. Emphasis tends Gravity Defyer Shoes to be more on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also called gym shoes or tennis shoes): general purpose Gravity Defyer Shoes athletic shoes; made out of rubber, cloth, Gravity Defyer Shoes Vegetarian Shoes and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties are available for basketball or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes 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" Gravity Defyer Shoes were made of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" Gravity Defyer Shoes made of synthetic plastic-like materials Gravity Defyer Shoes with prongs Gravity Defyer Shoes distributed radially around the edge of Gravity Defyer Shoes each spike are Gravity Defyer Shoes much more common today (and are required on many golf courses since they cause less damage to the Gravity Defyer Shoes greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels Gravity Defyer Shoes so as not to damage bowling alley floors. They Gravity Defyer Shoes are often Gravity Defyer Shoes rented or Gravity Defyer Shoes loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for Gravity Defyer Shoes rock climbing. They typically Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to provide ankle support on uneven terrain, with extra large traction on the sole.
Walking Gravity Defyer Shoes shoes: have a more Gravity Defyer Shoes flexible Gravity Defyer Shoes sole than the Gravity Defyer Shoes running shoe, lighter Gravity Defyer Shoes in weight than the hiking Gravity Defyer Shoes boot, may have air holes, may not be water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They have various attachments Softwalk Shoes for skating on the bottom of the shoe portion.
Ice skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: Gravity Defyer Shoes a Gravity Defyer Shoes large, thick plastic boot specially designed for attachment to the ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat Gravity Defyer Shoes soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have extra layers of Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 walking in Gravity Defyer Shoes thick 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes made especially Gravity Defyer Shoes for those with problematic feet.
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Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed for ballet Gravity Defyer Shoes dancing. These Gravity Defyer Shoes have a Gravity Defyer Shoes toe box that is stiffened with Gravity Defyer Shoes glue and a hardened sole so Gravity Defyer Shoes the dancer can stand on the Gravity Defyer Shoes tips Gravity Defyer Shoes of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and Gravity Defyer Shoes ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or Gravity Defyer Shoes leather, with either continuous Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes pink, white, black, or pale tan, although they may be made in specialty colours such Gravity Defyer Shoes as red or blue.
Jazz shoes. These Gravity Defyer Shoes typically have a two-part, rubberized Gravity Defyer Shoes sole (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and traction, and a low (one inch or shorter) heel. They Gravity Defyer Shoes are secured to the foot by laces or elastic inserts.
Tango/flamenco dance shoes.
Ballroom shoes. They fall into two categories for the two genres of dances as defined Gravity Defyer Shoes by the Gravity Defyer Shoes IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes of fabric Gravity Defyer Shoes so that they can be finished Gravity Defyer Shoes with a greater variety of colours to match the dancer's dress. The low Gravity Defyer Shoes Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed to throw the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically Gravity Defyer Shoes have 1.5-inch to Gravity Defyer Shoes 2-inch shaped heels while Ladies' Latin shoes have 2,5-inch to 3-inch heels, open-toed and strapped.
Dance sneakers. Also known as dansneakers, these are a combination of a sneaker and a dance shoe, with a reinforced rubber toe.
Character shoes. Gravity Defyer 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 Vans Skate Shoes foot during dance. They may Gravity Defyer Shoes come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They Gravity Defyer Shoes may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot thongs. Variously called Gravity Defyer Shoes called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, depending on the Gravity Defyer Shoes manufacturer, these are Gravity Defyer Shoes slip-on, partial foot covers that protect the ball of a dancer's foot Gravity Defyer Shoes from skin abrasions while executing turns. From a distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a Gravity Defyer Shoes dancer the Gravity Defyer Shoes appearance of having Gravity Defyer Shoes bare feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style is frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot thong, Gravity Defyer Shoes viewed from the underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed to Gravity Defyer Shoes stand heavy wear, to protect the Gravity Defyer Shoes wearer, and provide high traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers Gravity Defyer Shoes and non-leather outsoles. Gravity Defyer Shoes Sometimes they are used for uniforms or Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle Gravity Defyer Shoes guards.
Historical shoes
Footwear Gravity Defyer Shoes has been worn for tens of thousands of years. Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn today, Gravity Defyer Shoes are found as early as the 14th century.
Patten: a European wooden Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes 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 Gravity Defyer Shoes have broken in the shoes.
Polishing: for protection, water Gravity Defyer Shoes resistance (to some extent) and appearance, especially for leather shoes and boots.
Heel replacement: heels periodically wear out. Not all shoes Gravity Defyer Shoes are designed to Gravity Defyer Shoes enable this.
Sole replacement: soles also wear out. Gravity Defyer Shoes Not all shoes can have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for Gravity Defyer Shoes use, shoes can be treated as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The exception can be with most athletic sneakers Gravity Defyer Shoes which can be recycled and turned into other raw materials. See Nike Gravity Defyer Shoes Grind as an example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes Gravity Defyer Shoes in Gravity Defyer Shoes a shop is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of Gravity Defyer Shoes the Gravity Defyer Shoes Middle East and Gravity Defyer Shoes Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Alaska) it is customary to remove 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 specifically invites them to leave their shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. Gravity Defyer Shoes For some societies, including Gravity Defyer Shoes those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Gravity Defyer Shoes Korea and Gravity Defyer Shoes Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet to others Gravity Defyer Shoes (even Gravity Defyer Shoes accidentally, such as by crossing the Gravity Defyer Shoes legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in Gravity Defyer Shoes any society, some Muay Thai boxers Gravity Defyer Shoes insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their Gravity Defyer Shoes foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
