The earliest known shoes Nordstrom Shoes date from about 8000 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 Nordstrom Shoes years, so shoes were probably Nordstrom Shoes in Nordstrom Shoes use long before this. Physical anthropologist Nordstrom Shoes Erik Nordstrom Shoes Trinkaus believes he has Nordstrom Shoes found evidence that the use of shoes began in the period between about 40,000 and 26,000 years ago, based on the fact that the thickness of the bones Nordstrom Shoes of the toes Nordstrom Shoes (other than the big toe) decreased during this period, on the premise that Nordstrom Shoes 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 interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath Nordstrom Shoes the foot. 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 layer in direct contact Nordstrom Shoes with the ground. Dress shoes have Nordstrom Shoes leather outsoles; casual or work-oriented shoes Nordstrom Shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or a synthetic imitation. Nordstrom Shoes The outsole may comprise a single piece, or may comprise separate pieces of Nordstrom Shoes different materials. Often the heel of the sole is rubber for durability and Nordstrom Shoes traction, while the front is leather Nordstrom Shoes for style. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design: Nordstrom Shoes athletic cleats have spikes Nordstrom Shoes embedded in the outsole to grip the ground; many kinds of 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 Nordstrom Shoes of shoes, like running shoes, Nordstrom Shoes have another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel where one puts the most pressure down. Different companies use different materials for Nordstrom Shoes the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may not have a midsole at all.
Heel
Women's fashion boots
The bottom rear part of a shoe is the heel. Its Nordstrom Shoes function is to support the heel of the foot. They Nordstrom Shoes are often made of the same material as the sole of the Nordstrom Shoes 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 Osiris Shoes upper part that helps hold the Nordstrom Shoes 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, Nordstrom Shoes will have Nordstrom Shoes a more complex upper. This part is often Nordstrom Shoes 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 (Hain 1967).
Accessories Nordstrom Shoes to shoes
Shoehorn: can be used to insert a foot Nordstrom Shoes into Nordstrom Shoes a shoe Nordstrom Shoes by keeping the shoe open and providing a smooth surface for the Nordstrom Shoes foot Nordstrom Shoes to slide upon.
Shoe tree: placed Nordstrom Shoes inside the shoe when user is not wearing it, to help maintain Nordstrom Shoes the shoe's shape.
Shoe polishing equipment:
Shoe polish: a waxy material spread on shoes to improve appearance, glossiness, and provide Nordstrom Shoes protection.
Shoe Nordstrom Shoes brush Nordstrom Shoes and polishing Nordstrom Shoes cloth: used to apply polish to shoes.
Overshoes or galoshes: a rubber covering Nordstrom Shoes placed over shoes for rain and Nordstrom Shoes snow protection.
(Orthopedic) Nordstrom Shoes shoe insert: insert of various materials for cushioning, improved fit, or reduced abrasion. These Nordstrom Shoes include padding and inner linings. Nordstrom Shoes Inserts may also be used to Nordstrom Shoes correct foot problems.
Shoe bag: a bag that protects shoes against damage when they are not being worn.
Shoe stretcher: a Nordstrom Shoes tool for making a shoe longer or wider or for reducing Nordstrom Shoes discomfort in areas of a shoe.
Snow Nordstrom Shoes shoe: a wooden or Nordstrom Shoes Winter Shoes leather piece which increases the area of ground covered Nordstrom Shoes by the shoe.
Shoelaces: a system Nordstrom Shoes 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 Nordstrom Shoes by smooth and 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 be worn by either gender. The majority of dress shoes have an Nordstrom Shoes upper covering, commonly made of leather, Nordstrom Shoes enclosing most of the lower foot, but not covering the ankles. This upper part Nordstrom Shoes of the shoe is Nordstrom Shoes 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 in Nordstrom Shoes women's shoes. Shoes with uppers made high to cover the ankles are also available; a shoe with the upper rising above the ankle Nordstrom Shoes is usually considered a boot but certain styles may be referred to as high-topped shoes or high-tops. Usually, a high-topped shoe Nordstrom Shoes is secured by laces or zippers, although some styles have elastic Nordstrom Shoes 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 which the laces are attached; also Nordstrom Shoes known as "closed lacing". In England, the balmoral is known as the Oxford. The word "Oxford" is used by Nordstrom Shoes American clothing Nordstrom Shoes companies to market shoes Nordstrom Shoes that are not balmorals, such as Nordstrom Shoes rubber-sole bluchers.
Bluchers: the laces are tied to two pieces Nordstrom Shoes of leather independently attached to the vamp; also known as "open lacing". In England, the Blucher is Nordstrom Shoes known as the Derby shoe.
Monk-straps: a Crock Shoes buckle and strap instead of lacing
Various other closings exist but are less popular such as side-elastic Nordstrom Shoes closings.
Men's Nordstrom Shoes shoes Nordstrom Shoes can also be decorated in various ways:
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Plain-toes: have a sleek Nordstrom Shoes appearance and no extra decorations on Nordstrom Shoes the vamp.
Cap-toes: has an extra layer of leather that "caps" Nordstrom Shoes the toe. This Nordstrom Shoes is possibly the most popular decoration.
Brogues (American: Nordstrom Shoes wing-tips): The toe of the Nordstrom Shoes shoe is Nordstrom Shoes covered with a perforated panel, the wing-tip, which Nordstrom Shoes extends Nordstrom Shoes down either side of Nordstrom Shoes the shoe. Brogues can be found in both balmoral and blucher styles. Please Nordstrom Shoes help improve this section by expanding it.
Further information might be Nordstrom Shoes found on the talk page or at requests for expansion.
The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Nordstrom Shoes Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found Nordstrom Shoes on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide Nordstrom Shoes to writing better articles for suggestions.(December 2007)
Women's shoes
There is a large variety of shoes Nordstrom Shoes available for women, in addition to most of the Nordstrom Shoes men's styles being Nordstrom Shoes more accepted as unisex. Some broad categories are:
Pumps, known in the US and UK as ballerinas, ballet pumps Nordstrom Shoes or skimmers, are shoes Nordstrom Shoes with a very low heel and a relatively Nordstrom Shoes short vamp, Nordstrom Shoes exposing much of the instep. They are Nordstrom Shoes popular for warm-weather wear, and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with a higher heel.
High Nordstrom Shoes heels may be shoes with heels 2 inches (5 cm) or higher. They are often seen as Nordstrom Shoes having Nordstrom Shoes more sex appeal than Nordstrom Shoes low heels (see article for discussion) and are thus commonly worn by women for formal occasions or social outings.
Sneaker Nordstrom Shoes boot and sneaker pump: a shoe that looks like an athletic shoe, but is equipped with a heel, Nordstrom Shoes 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 Nordstrom Shoes and Nordstrom Shoes usually made of leather.
Sandals: open Nordstrom Shoes shoes consisting of a sole and Nordstrom Shoes various straps, leaving much Nordstrom Shoes of the foot exposed to air. They are thus popular for warm-weather wear, because they let the foot be cooler than a closed-toed Nordstrom Shoes shoe would.
Saddle shoe: leather shoe with a contrasting saddle-shaped band over the instep, typically Nordstrom Shoes white uppers with black "saddle".
Loafer: a dress or casual shoe without laces; often with tassels, buckles, Nordstrom Shoes or coin-holders (penny loafers).
Boating shoes, also known as boat shoes and deck shoes: similar to a loafer, but more casual. Nordstrom Shoes Laces, Nordstrom Shoes if present, are usually simple Nordstrom Shoes leather (often two-tone) with no frills. Nordstrom Shoes Often made of Nordstrom Shoes 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 Nordstrom Shoes are designed to Nordstrom Shoes be used Nordstrom Shoes in times of bad weather, or simply as an alternate style Nordstrom Shoes of casual or Nordstrom Shoes dress wear. Styles include rubber boots and snow boots, as well Nordstrom Shoes as work boots and hiking boots.
Slippers: For indoor use, commonly worn with pajamas.
Athletic shoes
Men's and women's athletic shoes and special function shoes often have less Nordstrom Shoes difference between the sexes than in dress shoes. In many cases these shoes can be worn by either sex. Emphasis Nordstrom Shoes tends Nordstrom Shoes to be more on function than style.
Sneakers/trainers (also called Nordstrom Shoes gym shoes or tennis shoes): general purpose athletic shoes; made Nordstrom Shoes out of rubber, cloth, and/or plastic to be lightweight, flexible, and have good traction. Special varieties are available for basketball Nordstrom Shoes or tennis.
Running shoes: very similar to above, Nordstrom Shoes with Nordstrom Shoes additional emphasis on cushioning.
Track shoes: lightweight; often with plastic or metal Nordstrom Shoes 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. Nordstrom Shoes
A shoe for the right foot.
Golf Nordstrom Shoes shoes: with "spikes" for better grip in grass and wet ground. Originally the spikes or "cleats" were made of metal but replaceable "soft spikes" made of Nordstrom Shoes synthetic plastic-like materials with prongs distributed radially around the edge of each spike are Nordstrom Shoes much more common today (and are required on many golf courses since Nordstrom Shoes they cause less damage to the greens).
Bowling shoes: intermediate style between ordinary dress shoes Nordstrom Shoes and athletic shoes. They have Nordstrom Shoes harder rubber Nordstrom Shoes soles/heels so as not Nordstrom Shoes to damage bowling Nordstrom Shoes alley Nordstrom Shoes floors. They Nordstrom Shoes are often rented or loaned at bowling alleys.
Climbing shoes: a shoe designed for rock climbing. They typically have a close fit, little if any padding, and Nordstrom Shoes a smooth sticky Nordstrom Shoes rubber sole with an Nordstrom Shoes extended rubber rand.
Hiking shoes or boots: usually have a high somewhat stiff upper with many lace eyelets, to Nordstrom Shoes provide ankle support on uneven terrain, Nordstrom Shoes with extra large traction on the sole.
Walking shoes: have a more flexible sole than the running shoe, lighter Nordstrom Shoes in weight than the Nordstrom Shoes hiking boot, may Nordstrom Shoes have air holes, may not be water proof.
Skating shoes: Nordstrom Shoes typically called skates. They have Nordstrom Shoes 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 Nordstrom Shoes to the 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 Nordstrom Shoes equipped with a metal or plastic Nordstrom Shoes 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 thick snow. In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
Wrestling shoes Nordstrom Shoes are light, flexible shoes that mimic bare feet while providing additional traction and protection.
Orthopedic shoes
Orthopedic Nordstrom Shoes or "comfort" shoes are made with pedorthic Nordstrom Shoes and anatomically-correct comfort qualities, such as padded removable footbeds, wide Nordstrom Shoes toe boxes Nordstrom Shoes and arch support are made especially for those with problematic feet.
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Dance shoes
Pointe shoes. Designed for ballet dancing. These have a Nordstrom Shoes toe box that is stiffened with glue and a Nordstrom Shoes hardened sole so the dancer can stand on the tips Nordstrom Shoes of Nordstrom Shoes their toes. They are secured by elastic straps Nordstrom Shoes and ribbons that are tied to the dancer's ankles.
Ballet shoes Heel-less slippers made of canvas or Nordstrom Shoes leather, with either continuous or two-part sole Nordstrom Shoes (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 Nordstrom Shoes material under the arch Nordstrom Shoes so that the foot can be pointed to Nordstrom Shoes its utmost. Nordstrom Shoes 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 in specialty colours such as red or blue.
Jazz Nordstrom Shoes shoes. These typically have Nordstrom Shoes a two-part, Nordstrom Shoes rubberized sole (i.e., split-sole) to provide both flexibility and traction, and a low (one inch or shorter) heel. They are secured to the Nordstrom Shoes foot by laces or Nordstrom 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 (International DanceSport Federation): Ballroom and Latin American. Both are characterised by Nordstrom Shoes suede soles. Mens' Ballroom shoes are typically lace-ups with 1-inch heels and patent leather uppers. Ladies' Ballroom shoes Nordstrom Shoes are typically court shoes Nordstrom Shoes with low 2-inch heels, usually Nordstrom Shoes made of fabric so that they can be finished with a greater variety Nordstrom Shoes of Nordstrom Shoes colours to match the dancer's dress. The low Ballroom heel distributes the dancer's weight across the foot while Latin American shoes have higher Nordstrom Shoes heels designed to Nordstrom Shoes throw the dancer's weight Nordstrom Shoes on to the toes and the soles are more flexible. Men's Latin shoes typically Nordstrom Shoes 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 Nordstrom Shoes known as dansneakers, these are a combination of a sneaker and a dance shoe, with a reinforced rubber toe.
Character shoes. Nordstrom 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 Nordstrom Shoes 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 thongs. Variously called called Foot Paws and FootUndeez, Mauri Gator Shoes depending on the manufacturer, these are slip-on, partial foot covers Nordstrom Shoes that protect the ball of a dancer's foot from skin abrasions while executing turns. From a distance, flesh colored foot thongs give a dancer the appearance of having bare Nordstrom Shoes feet.
Modern pointe shoes.
Ballet shoes.
Jazz shoes. This style Nordstrom Shoes is frequently worn by acro dancers.
A foot thong, viewed from the underside.
Work shoes
Work shoes are designed to stand heavy wear, to protect the wearer, and provide high Nordstrom Shoes traction. They are generally made from sturdy leather uppers Nordstrom Shoes and non-leather outsoles. Sometimes they are used for uniforms or comfort by nurses, waitresses, police, military personnel, etc. They are Nordstrom Shoes commonly used Nordstrom Shoes for protection in industrial settings, construction, mining, Nordstrom Shoes 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 Nordstrom Shoes dry outdoors. First worn in Nordstrom Shoes the middle ages, they continued in use even into the early 20th century.
Poulaine: a Nordstrom Shoes shoe with a long-pointed toe, popular in Europe in the 1400s.
Moccasins: the historical shoe of many North American Girls Shoes Indian tribes.
Maintenance
Breaking-in: Some shoes are made of hard but Nordstrom Shoes deformable material. After a person wears them multiple times, the material reforms to fit the 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 have their Nordstrom Shoes soles replaced.
Shoelace replacement.
When unfit for use, Nordstrom Shoes shoes can be treated as trash or municipal Nordstrom Shoes solid Nordstrom Shoes 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 an example.
Someone who makes or repairs shoes in a shop is called a cobbler.
Shoe etiquette
In Nordstrom Shoes most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Alaska) it is customary to remove shoes when entering a house. In some Nordstrom Shoes areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a Nordstrom Shoes host specifically invites them to leave their Nordstrom Shoes shoes Nordstrom Shoes on. People do this Nordstrom Shoes to avoid bringing Nordstrom Shoes dirt, mud Nordstrom Shoes or snow into the house. For some societies, including those in Nordstrom Shoes 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 to Nordstrom Shoes others (even accidentally, such as by crossing Nordstrom Shoes the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's Nordstrom Shoes head or be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each Nordstrom Shoes other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin). |
