The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA in Marc Ecko Shoes 1938[1]. However, the materials used for making shoes do not Marc Ecko Shoes normally last for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical Marc Ecko Shoes anthropologist Marc Ecko Shoes Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use of shoes began in the period Marc Ecko Shoes between about 40,000 and 26,000 years ago, based on the fact Marc Ecko Shoes that the thickness Marc Ecko Shoes of the Marc Ecko Shoes bones of the Marc Ecko Shoes toes Marc Ecko Shoes (other than the big toe) decreased during Softspot Shoes this period, on Marc Ecko Shoes the premise that going barefoot results in greater bone growth before this period.[1]
Parts of Z-coil Shoes a shoe
Gluing a new outsole to an athletic shoe
Sole
The bottom of a shoe is called Marc Ecko Shoes the sole.
Insole
The Marc Ecko Shoes insole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons Marc Ecko Shoes (to control the shape, Marc Ecko Shoes moisture, Marc Ecko Shoes or smell of the shoe).
Outsole
The outsole is the Marc Ecko Shoes layer in direct Marc Ecko Shoes contact with the ground. Dress shoes have leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes Marc Ecko 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 for Marc Ecko Shoes durability and traction, while the front is Marc Ecko Shoes leather for style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design: athletic cleats have spikes embedded in Marc Ecko Shoes the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of dancing shoes have Marc Ecko Shoes much softer or harder soles.
Midsole
The layer in between the outsole and Marc Ecko Shoes the insole that Marc Ecko Shoes is typically Marc Ecko Shoes there for shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have another Marc Ecko Shoes material for shock Marc Ecko Shoes absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes Marc Ecko Shoes may Marc Ecko Shoes not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part Marc Ecko Shoes of a shoe is the heel. Its function is to support the Marc Ecko Shoes heel of the foot. Marc Ecko Shoes They are often made of the same material as the sole Marc Ecko Shoes of the Marc Ecko Shoes shoe. This part can be high for fashion Marc Ecko Shoes 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 Marc Ecko 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, sneakers and most men's shoes, will have a more complex Marc Ecko Shoes upper. This Marc Ecko Shoes part is often decorated Marc Ecko Shoes or is made in a certain style to look attractive. Marc Ecko Shoes 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 a foot into Marc Ecko Shoes a shoe by keeping the shoe Marc Ecko Shoes open and Marc Ecko Shoes providing a smooth surface for the foot to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed Marc Ecko Shoes inside the shoe when user Marc Ecko Shoes is not wearing it, to help maintain the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread Marc Ecko Shoes on shoes to improve appearance, 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 rain and snow protection.
(Orthopedic) shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved Marc Ecko Shoes fit, or reduced abrasion. These include padding and inner linings. Inserts Marc Ecko Shoes Finn Comfort Shoes may also be used 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 Marc Ecko Shoes 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 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 Goth Shoes supple leather uppers, leather soles, and narrow sleek figure. Casual shoes are characterized by sturdy leather uppers, non-leather outsoles, and wide profile.
Some designs of dress shoes can Marc Ecko Shoes be worn by either gender. The majority Marc Ecko Shoes of dress Marc Ecko Shoes shoes have an upper covering, commonly made of leather, enclosing most of the Marc Ecko Shoes lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part of the shoe is often made without Marc Ecko Shoes apertures or Marc Ecko Shoes openings, but may also be made with openings Marc Ecko Shoes or even itself consist of a series of straps, e.g. an open toe featured Marc Ecko Shoes 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 Marc Ecko Shoes but certain styles may be referred to as high-topped Marc Ecko Shoes shoes or high-tops. Usually, a Marc Ecko Shoes high-topped shoe is secured Marc Ecko Shoes 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 Marc Ecko Shoes they are closed:
Balmorals: the vamp has a V-shaped 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 Marc Ecko Shoes by American clothing companies to market shoes that are not balmorals, such as rubber-sole Marc Ecko Shoes bluchers.
Bluchers: Marc Ecko Shoes the laces are Marc Ecko Shoes tied to two pieces of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing". In England, the Blucher is known Marc Ecko Shoes 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 closings.
Men's shoes can also be Marc Ecko Shoes decorated in various American Eagle Shoes ways:
Plain-toes: have a sleek appearance and no extra decorations on the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an extra layer of leather that "caps" Marc Ecko Shoes the toe. This is possibly Marc Ecko Shoes the Marc Ecko Shoes most popular decoration.
Brogues (American: Marc Ecko Shoes wing-tips): The toe of the shoe is covered with Marc Ecko Shoes a perforated Marc Ecko Shoes panel, the Marc Ecko Shoes wing-tip, which extends down either side of the shoe. Brogues Marc Ecko Shoes can be Marc Ecko Shoes found Marc Ecko Shoes in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please help improve this section by expanding it.
Further information might be Marc Ecko Shoes found on the talk page or at Marc Ecko Shoes requests for Marc Ecko Shoes expansion.
The tone Marc Ecko Shoes or Marc Ecko Shoes style of Marc Ecko 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 Marc Ecko Shoes articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes available for women, in addition to most of Vegetarian Shoes the men's styles being more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories Marc Ecko Shoes are:
Pumps, known in the US Marc Ecko Shoes and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps Marc Ecko Shoes or skimmers, are shoes with a very low heel and a Marc Ecko Shoes relatively short vamp, Marc Ecko Shoes exposing much of the instep. They are popular for warm-weather wear, and Marc Ecko Shoes Softwalk Shoes may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with Marc Ecko Shoes a higher heel.
High heels may Marc Ecko Shoes be shoes with heels Marc Ecko Shoes 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as having more sex Marc Ecko 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: Marc Ecko Shoes a shoe that looks like an athletic Marc Ecko Shoes shoe, but is equipped Marc Ecko Shoes with a heel, making 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 of leather.
Sandals: Marc Ecko Shoes open Marc Ecko Shoes shoes consisting of a sole and various straps, leaving much of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a Marc Ecko Shoes closed-toed shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather Marc Ecko Shoes shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically white uppers with Marc Ecko Shoes black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual shoe without laces; often 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, if present, are usually simple Marc Ecko Shoes 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 deck.
Boots: Long shoes (covering the ankle) frequently made of leather. Some are designed to be used in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style of casual or dress wear. Styles include rubber boots Marc Ecko Shoes and snow boots, as Marc Ecko Shoes well as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly Marc Ecko Shoes worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes Marc Ecko Shoes and special function shoes often have less difference between the sexes than Marc Ecko Shoes in Marc Ecko Shoes 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 Marc Ecko Shoes varieties are available for basketball or Marc Ecko Shoes tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, with additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track Marc Ecko Shoes shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal cleats
A shoe for the right foot.
Cleat Marc Ecko Shoes (shoe): a type of shoe featuring molded or removable studs. Usually worn while playing sports such as Marc Ecko Shoes rugby, football, American football, or baseball.
A shoe for the right foot.
Golf shoes: Marc Ecko Shoes with "spikes" for better Marc Ecko Shoes grip in grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or "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 Marc Ecko Shoes much more common today (and are required on Marc Ecko Shoes many golf courses Marc Ecko Shoes since they cause less Marc Ecko Shoes damage Marc Ecko Shoes to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes and athletic shoes. They have harder rubber soles/heels so as not to damage bowling alley floors. They are often rented or loaned at Marc Ecko Shoes bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock climbing. They Marc Ecko Shoes typically Marc Ecko Shoes Vans Skate 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 Marc Ecko Shoes high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to provide Marc Ecko Shoes ankle support on uneven Marc Ecko Shoes terrain, with Marc Ecko Shoes extra large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a Marc Ecko Shoes more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter in weight Marc Ecko Shoes than the hiking boot, may have air holes, may not be water proof.
Skating shoes: typically called skates. They Marc Ecko Shoes have various attachments for skating Marc Ecko Shoes on Marc Ecko Shoes the bottom of Marc Ecko Shoes the shoe portion.
Ice Marc Ecko Shoes skates
Roller skates
Inline skates
Ski boot: a Marc Ecko Shoes large, thick plastic boot specially designed for Marc Ecko Shoes attachment to the Marc Ecko Shoes ski.
Skateboarding shoes have flat soles for a better grip on a skateboard. They are very wide and have extra layers 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 Marc Ecko Shoes sole to maximize power transfer Marc Ecko Shoes and support the foot.
Snowshoes are special shoes for walking in thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes Marc Ecko Shoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in Marc Ecko Shoes winter.
Wrestling shoes are light, Marc Ecko Shoes flexible shoes that mimic bare feet while Marc Ecko Shoes providing additional traction and Marc Ecko Shoes protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic or "comfort" shoes are made Marc Ecko Shoes with pedorthic and anatomically-correct comfort Marc Ecko Shoes qualities, such as padded removable footbeds, wide toe boxes and arch support are Marc Ecko Shoes 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 sole so Marc Ecko Shoes the dancer can Marc Ecko Shoes stand on the tips of their toes. They are secured by elastic straps and ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or leather, with either continuous or Marc Ecko Shoes two-part sole (i.e., split-sole). The sole is typically made Marc Ecko Shoes of leather, with thicker material under the ball and heel of the foot, and thinner and thus more Marc Ecko Shoes flexible material Marc Ecko Shoes under the arch so that the foot can be pointed to its utmost. Ballet slippers are usually secured by elastics that Marc Ecko Shoes cross over the top of the foot. They are most commonly pink, white, Marc Ecko Shoes black, or pale tan, although they may be made in specialty colours such as Gravity Defyer Shoes red or Marc Ecko Shoes blue.
Jazz shoes. These Marc Ecko Shoes typically have a two-part, rubberized Marc Ecko Shoes sole Marc Ecko Shoes (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and traction, and a low (one inch Marc Ecko Shoes or shorter) heel. They 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 by the IDSF (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by suede soles. Mens' Marc Ecko Shoes Ballroom shoes are typically Marc Ecko Shoes lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes are Marc Ecko Shoes typically court shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually made of fabric so that Marc Ecko Shoes they can be finished with a greater variety of colours to match the dancer's dress. The low Marc Ecko Shoes Ballroom Marc Ecko Shoes heel Marc Ecko Shoes distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher heels designed Marc Ecko Shoes to throw the dancer's weight on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin Marc Ecko Shoes shoes typically have 1.5-inch to 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 Marc Ecko Shoes toe.
Character shoes. Shoes with a one to three inch heel, which Marc Ecko Shoes are usually made of leather, and often have Marc Ecko Shoes one or more straps across Marc Ecko Shoes the instep to secure the foot during dance. They may come in soft-soled (suede) or hard-soled varieties. They may be converted to tap shoes by attaching taps.
Foot Marc Ecko Shoes thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws Marc Ecko Shoes and FootUndeez, depending on the manufacturer, Marc Ecko Shoes these are slip-on, partial Marc Ecko Shoes foot covers that protect the ball of Marc Ecko Shoes a dancer's foot from skin abrasions while executing turns. From a distance, flesh Marc Ecko Shoes colored foot thongs give Marc Ecko Shoes a dancer the appearance of having bare feet. Marc Ecko Shoes
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes. Marc Ecko Shoes
Jazz shoes. This style is frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot Marc Ecko Shoes thong, Marc Ecko Shoes 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 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. Marc Ecko Shoes Protective Marc Ecko Shoes features may include steel-tipped toes and soles or ankle guards.
Historical Marc Ecko Shoes shoes
Footwear has been worn for tens of Marc Ecko Shoes thousands of years. Shoes of the past include:
Espadrilles: these sandals, which are still worn today, are Marc Ecko Shoes found as early Marc Ecko Shoes as the 14th century.
Patten: Marc Ecko Shoes a Marc Ecko Shoes European wooden overshoe used to keep a person's feet dry outdoors. Marc Ecko Shoes First worn in the middle Marc Ecko Shoes ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Marc Ecko Shoes Europe in the 1400s.
Moccasins: the historical shoe of many North American Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some shoes are Marc Ecko Shoes made of hard but deformable material. After a person wears them multiple times, the material reforms to fit the Marc Ecko Shoes 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 all shoes can Marc Ecko Shoes have their soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, shoes can Marc Ecko Shoes be Marc Ecko Shoes treated Marc Ecko Shoes as trash or municipal solid waste and disposed of. The Marc Ecko Shoes exception can be 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 in a shop is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Lehigh Safety Shoes Middle East and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as Marc Ecko Shoes well as Alaska) it Marc Ecko Shoes is customary to remove shoes Marc Ecko Shoes when entering a house. In some areas of the United States, Marc Ecko Shoes especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host specifically Marc Ecko Shoes invites them to leave their shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or Marc Ecko Shoes snow into the house. Marc Ecko Shoes 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 Marc Ecko Shoes soles of Marc Ecko Shoes the feet to others (even accidentally, such Marc Ecko Shoes as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's Marc Ecko Shoes head or be placed over it. Although feet touching Marc Ecko Shoes heads is Cinderella Shoes an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their Marc Ecko Shoes foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
